@Xenite Country
Dark Revelations
By Skkye Blue
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Shipper Fan Fiction @Xenite Country Dark Revelations |
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Webmaster Note: To make this story load a little easier in your browser, it has been split into several web pages. You will find the link for the part of the story below at the end of each page. Dark Revelations (Chapters 40 thru 43) CHAPTER 40 The squawks of seagulls soaring through the clear blue sky mixed with the boisterous laughter of the threesome as they frolicked in the warm turquoise waters of the Great Sea. Lycus and Lysia were enjoying yet another day at the beach in Syracuse. A teenager named Cassie was there with them. Her full name was Cassiopeia but everyone called her Cassie for short. She was a young priestess from the Temple of Ares who watched over the children during their stay on the isle of Sicily. The threesome eventually left the waters for the golden sands of the beach. Cassie lay on her stomach upon a blanket to soak up some sunrays, while the children made creatures out of the sand. With a finger, Lycus drew scales on the body of the sea monster he had created out of the sand. "I don’t like the beach anymore. I wanna go back to the castle in Macedon and check out the snow." "Daddy told me that right now is not a good time for us to be at the castle in Macedon but when it is, he will take us there." Lysia put some seaweed to act as hair around the head of the mermaid she had formed out of the sand. "Xena should be there by then too and we will get to see her." Lycus was still very angry with Xena and didn’t care about seeing her. "I don’t wanna wait...I wanna go now!" He smashed a small fist right through the middle of the sand sea monster he had just created. "Well ya can’t ‘cause Daddy is the only one who can take us there," Lysia said. "Nah uh, Cassie could take us back," he replied. "No she can’t, Cassie is mortal. Only gods can do that poppin’ in and out stuff," Lysia said. Lycus took a quick glance in the direction where Cassie lay on the blanket. Her eyes were closed and she appeared to be fast asleep. He turned his gaze once again towards his sister. When he addressed her, he spoke in hushed tones. "The other night, when Dad came to see us, right before he left, I saw him with Cassie." Lysia moved closer to hear what her brother had to say. "He gave her this red crystal stone and told her to have it with her at all times. If there was any trouble, and she couldn’t reach him, she would be able to use the stone to take us to another place that was safe." Lysia knew instantly what her brother had in mind. "With this red stone, we can pop in and out just like Daddy does and you want it so we can go back to Macedon." "Uh-huh." A wicked grin was etched on the boy’s face. "Now all we havta do is find out where Cassie put it. Dad told her to carry it at all times so it’s gotta be here." Cautiously and quietly, the twins approached the reed basket situated at the foot of the blanket where Cassie lay sleeping. They pulled out the contents of the basket, setting them upon the golden sand. A pleased smile crossed the lips of both children when they found what they were looking for. With a small hand, Lycus grasped the red crystal stone and held it up. Lysia moved closer to her brother. "Now, how do we get it to work?" she asked. "Dad told Cassie that ya had to place your hands on the stone then think about where ya want to go," Lycus replied. Lysia placed a small hand on the red crystal stone alongside her brother’s. Both children closed their eyes and focused their thoughts on the castle in Macedon. The children silently sat in deep concentration for a few moments before they both were engulfed in shards of red light. It was at that exact moment that Cassie awoke from her nap. The young teen immediately turned over and bolted upright when she saw the twins engulfed in the red light. Cassie instantly moved towards the children. "Hey, what are you two doing???" The young priestess placed a hand on Lycus’ right shoulder. Cassie was also now engulfed in shards of red light. A few moments later, the trio vanished into nothingness headed for the castle located in the snowy mountains of Macedon. ********** Cyrus looked from the old scroll he was translating and set his gaze on the dark haired woman sitting across the table from him. She nervously drummed the fingers of one hand on the table as she read what he had translated thus far into Greek. Cyrus finally had the opportunity to meet Gabrielle and had been very moved when he heard the story of her miraculous resurrection. The two had shared their concerns for Xena and both were at a loss over what their friend should do regarding the dilemma with the children and Ares. It pained Cyrus to see Xena this way. The former Watcher knew as hard as she tried to keep her focus on destroying Dahak her thoughts kept drifting back to the children and what must be going through their minds now that they knew the truth about their parents. "You really are making great progress Cyrus. How much more is there to be translated?" "According to what I have translated thus far, the Holy Saber was broken into four pieces and each sent to a corner of the earth. I have translated the scrolls for two of those locations so I just have to translate the scrolls for the two remaining ones." "Good, the sooner you do that, the sooner we can find the Holy Saber and rid the world of Dahak permanently." Xena rose from her chair and began inspecting the many scrolls and books lining the shelves of a stone wall. "Um Xena, have you spoken to Ares since the night you arrived?" "No, I haven’t seen him at all since that night and I prefer to keep it that way." She picked up a book from the shelf and absentmindedly began flipping through the pages. When she looked up to gaze at Cyrus, there was a thoughtful glint in her crystal blue eyes. "Some of the servants have kept me informed of his comings and goings. I know he visits with the children. I wonder what he has told them about why I left them with you." Xena’s brow wrinkled with worry. Cyrus’ face was riddled with sympathy as he gazed at his friend. He wanted so desperately to help with her dilemma. "Why don’t you try talking to Ares again? It’s been five days...maybe he has softened and will drop the stipulation he made for you to see the children." "There’s no way in Tartarus Ares would do that Cyrus. He’s holding the winning hand...and knows it. Right now, he’s just waiting for me to fold and I don’t think he will have to wait much longer." Xena had shared with Cyrus her fears about accepting Ares’ offer and becoming immortal. He didn’t want her to have to make such a decision with her back against the wall. "I’ve been doing some thinking and there may be a way around Ares’ stipulation." Xena quickly put the old book she held back on the shelf and came back over to the table where Cyrus was seated. "I’m listening." Her eyes sparkled with piqued interest as she leaned with her hands on the tabletop. "You and I both believe that the star birthmark on Lysia’s right arm ties her to the Holy Saber and she may play some part in uncovering the locations of the pieces," Cyrus said. "Which means that Ares will have to bring her out of hiding if he wants us to have any chance of defeating Dahak." Xena now had a devilish grin on her face "I think it’s time I had a word with Ares." ********** A caravan of horses rhythmically trotted their way up the snow covered mountain trail. "Hey Herc, how much further is it?" Autolycus asked. "Not that much...we should reach the castle by midday," Hercules replied. "I can certainly see why Ares built his fortress in these mountains," Iolaus said. "Yeah, you would have to be suicidal to launch an attack up here," Draco said. All three traveling parties making their way to Ares’ fortress had arrived around the same time at the foot of the Macedonian Mountains. Before ascending the rocky, snowy peaks, all had some stories to exchange. Everyone was blown away and highly concerned over Dahak’s arrival in the world. But everyone was happy to hear Joxer’s news about Gabrielle’s miraculous resurrection. Hercules led the caravan and brought it to a stop when they reached the bluish translucent wall running across the length of the narrow mountain trail. "What in Tartarus is that?" Ephiny asked. It was the question running through the minds of all in the caravan as they gazed at the translucent wall. Hercules dismounted his horse and moved closer to the phenomenon. "It’s a gate Ares created to keep unwanted guests from traveling up the mountain." "Let me guess, if we touch that...we die?" Salmoneus asked. "You guessed right," Hercules replied. "Then how will we continue up the mountain?" Glaphyra asked. "We will just have to get Ares to open the gate for us." Hercules raised his head toward the heavens and bellowed the name of his war god half-brother. "ARES!!!" ********** Penelope was in her lord’s bedchamber, changing the sheets on the large bed when an image appeared in the mirror hanging on a stone wall. The maid walked over to the large mirror and stood before it, her gaze fixed on the image. It was the trail on that very mountain that led to her lord’s fortress. A caravan of people was at the gate. She recognized the one calling for her lord --- it was his mortal half-brother Hercules. Penelope knew her lord despised his brother and would have never invited him to his fortress. Xena had to be the one who asked for Hercules to come there. She figured it had to do with fighting the common enemy Xena had told her about. Penelope wanted to let Hercules and the others through the gate but she didn’t know how. At that moment, Penelope saw a male servant walk by the open door of her lord’s bedchamber. "Troilus, get in here, I need your help." Troilus had been in service to Ares since he was a teenager and was one of the few mortals the god fully trusted. "What is it Penelope?" "See those people in the mirror. They are on the trail and you are one of the few besides Lord Ares who knows how to open the gate." Troilus gazed intently at the image in the mirror. "No can do Pen...that big fella in the front is Lord Ares’ half-brother, Hercules. You know as well as I do how much he hates him so he certainly wouldn’t want him in here." "I know all that but I’m sure Xena is the one who called him and the others here. She and Lord Ares are fighting a common enemy and she obviously asked for Hercules’ help." Troilus remained where he stood, still refusing to open the gate. "Look Troilus, you know how special Xena still is to Lord Ares. If she invited Hercules here it’s gotta be okay with our lord...so you better open the gate!" An annoyed sigh escaped the lips of Troilus but he figured the chambermaid was probably right. The man walked over to the large unused hearth and placed a hand on a large stone above the archway. The back wall of the hearth slid open and Troilus disappeared inside. Upon two stone pedestals about two feet apart sat two blue crystals. Running between the two crystals was a blue beam of light. Troilus picked up a board, from which the fire repellant fortress doors were made and held it between the two crystals, breaking the blue beam. "Hey Troilus, whatever you did worked, because the gate is gone. Hercules and the others are moving up the mountain again," Penelope informed him from her position in front of the large mirror. When the caravan had passed through where the gate had been, Troilus removed the board, re-establishing the blue beam and returning the translucent gate to the mountain path once again. ********** Gabrielle fiercely swung her staff, connecting hard with the one held by her opponent. She quickly spun, swinging her staff low, connecting with the back of her opponent’s knees bring the woman down. Gabrielle swiftly swung her staff again, knocking the staff of her opponent’s from the woman’s grasp. "Okay, I give up," the woman gasped from her vulnerable position on the stone floor. Gabrielle had a smile on her face as she lowered her staff then extended a hand, helping the young woman to her feet. "Thanks for sparring with me, Ismene." Ismene was one of Ares’ young priestesses who had the privilege of doing service at the Macedonian fortress. Gabrielle and the young priestess were in one of the large halls used for training in the skills of war. The stone walls were covered with images of how to properly hold various weapons. "Hey, don’t mention it but I thought you said you were pretty rusty with a staff." The young priestess eyed Gabrielle suspiciously. "That’s the honest truth...I haven’t picked one up in months but I guess I remember a lot more than I thought." "Well, I better go soak my sore body in a nice warm bath, then I will attend to my duties before the high priestess has my head on a silver platter." "I’m sorry if I hurt you," Gabrielle sheepishly replied. "No, you didn’t hurt me," Ismene said with a faint smile. "By tomorrow, I should be ready for you." "You’re on then." Gabrielle now had a smile on her own face as she watched the young priestess exit the large hall. Gabrielle was still smiling as she twirled the staff in her hands. She approached a large window and set her gaze on the snowy scenery. Gabrielle stopped twirling the staff when she caught sight of three figures moving about a hill on the mountainside. They were distinctly human, all wrapped up in fur coats to protect them from the cold. One figure was somewhat taller than the other two that appeared to be children. "I wonder if those two smaller figures could be the twins," Gabrielle murmured to herself. She remembered Xena telling her that Ares had sent the twins to another place. But Ares wasn’t above telling a lie. There was only one way to find out if that was indeed the twins. ********** "Okay Cassie, the last snow person is ready, so we can put the clothes on now." Lysia rubbed her small glove-covered hands over the body of one of the two snow children. "Here’s an old dress you can put on the snow girl." Cassie handed Lysia an old dress they got from one of the maids quarters in the castle. Cassie was very angry with the twins after they had discovered the red crystal and transported all three back to the castle in Macedon. The young priestess knew Lord Ares did not want the children there at this time and was very worried about what he would do if he discovered they were back in Macedon. But the children had convinced Cassie that they could at least stay the whole afternoon. Ares visited the children twice a day. He spent the mornings with them and a few hours before they went to bed. The twins had convinced the young teen that they could be safely back in Syracuse before Ares ever got there and he would never have to know about their trip to Macedon. The threesome had cautiously moved about the castle, making sure the servants did not see them. They changed out of their bathing suits, put on some warmer clothes and coats then headed out to the snow. While Lysia and Cassie made a family out of the snow, Lycus was busy having his own fun. "Woohoo...awesome!" The child declared as he zoomed down a snow-covered hill on a snowboard. As he neared the bottom of the hill, Lycus spotted someone headed for him. "Uh-oh." The child figured it was probably a servant from the castle. Whoever it was would tell their father they were here and Cassie would be in BIG trouble. When the snowboard reached the bottom of the hill, Lycus brought it to a stop, spraying snow in the air, which landed all over the person standing at the bottom of the hill. "Oops, sorry ‘bout that. It’s my first time on one of these things and I’m still workin’ on how to stop it." "It’s okay." Gabrielle brushed the snow from her fur coat as she gazed into the face of the child standing before her. His eyes instantly mesmerized her---they were crystal blue in color---just like Xena’s. "Hey, I know who you are." The little boy’s face broke into a smile revealing dimples that Gabrielle had seen many times on the face of Ares. "You’re the lady I saw with Xena." Gabrielle figured the twins must have been present when Ares was monitoring their journey to Macedon. "That was me all right...my name is Gabrielle and you must be Lycus." Lycus nodded an answer of yes. "Your name is the same as Xena’s friend who died." "I AM that friend who died." Gabrielle saw the child’s eyes widen in amazement. "It’s a long story that I can explain to you later. Is your sister here with you?" "She’s on the other side of the hill." Lycus picked up the snowboard and started up the hill. Gabrielle followed after him. ********** Lysia and Cassie were putting the last of the clothes on the snow family when they spotted Lycus coming over the hill with another person following close behind him. Fear over being discovered raced through the body of the young priestess as she watch the pair steadily approached them. "That’s Cassie and this is my sister Lysia," Lycus said when the pair finally reached the two girls. "Hey Lysia, this is the lady we saw with Xena...her name is Gabrielle...and guess what? She’s the same one who died." Gabrielle instantly saw how much the little girl looked like her best friend. The child had Ares’ brown eyes and curly black hair but the rest of her features she clearly inherited from Xena. Lysia gazed at her brother suspiciously. "Ya shouldn’t tell fibs like that Lycus." "Lycus is telling the truth." Gabrielle saw the little girl’s brown eyes immediately widen with amazement. Once again she said, "It’s a long story that I can explain to you both later." "If you’re here, that means Xena is too!" Lysia said with excitement. "Yes she is and I know she is dying to see you two." Gabrielle proceeded to usher the children towards the castle. "I can’t let you do that." Cassie stood before the trio, blocking their path. "Cassie is right," Lycus said. "We tricked her into bringing us back here." "Yeah, if we go in there and Daddy sees us, he will punish Cassie," Lysia said. Gabrielle gazed at the young priestess and saw the fear in her eyes. "You have nothing to worry about Cassie. I will make sure that Ares does not punish you for the children being back in Macedon." Cassie saw the confidence in Gabrielle’s green eyes and had faith that she would do just that. ********** "But Ares, just a few moments ago you admitted to seeing the birthmark on Lysia’s arm and how much it matches the four-pointed star on Dahak’s former sword. None of us can deny the crucial part Lysia plays in us finding that sword." "We don’t know that for sure Xena. I have read what Cyrus has translated thus far and NOTHING indicates that Lysia will be needed in finding the sword. The star birthmark may be nothing more than a coincidence." "Oh c’mon Ares, I know you don’t believe that anymore than I do!" The war god narrowed his gaze as suspicion crept into his eyes. "I know what you are up to Xena. You are using Lysia’s possible connection to the Holy Saber to get around the stipulation I set up for you to be able to see the children." "Look Ares, if Lysia can help us find that sword you can’t keep her or Lycus hidden away forever...you could be jeopardizing the WHOLE WORLD!!!" "FORGET IT XENA!!! There is NO WAY I am going to let you take my daughter and my son away from me!!!" Xena was boiling with anger now and realized the decision to talk to Ares had been a BIG mistake. "They are MY children too and I have just as many rights to them as you do!!!" "You forfeited your rights to the children when you hid them from me and left them with your meddling friend Cyrus!!!" Ares roughly grabbed Xena by her upper arms and gazed hard into her eyes. "If you want those rights restored, you know what you have to do!" "All right Ares that’s enough!" The war god, along with Xena quickly turned to see who had entered the throne room. Hercules stood in the archway along with several other people. "We heard you bellowing all the way down the hall." Hercules stepped into the room. "Let Xena go!" "As usual little brother, you are sticking your nose where it doesn’t belong. This is between me and Xena so BUTT OUT!!!" With godly quickness, Ares had moved away from Xena and headed straight for Hercules. His large sword was already drawn which he fiercely swung at the neck of the demi-god. With a quickness of his own, Hercules ducked the oncoming deadly blade. Ares swung his sword several more times at Hercules before the demi-god knocked it from his grasp. The two combatants now went toe to toe without weapons ---- each exchanging punches and kicks. Xena and the others stood on the sidelines and watched the battle. Ares delivered two hard punches to Hercules’ midsection. "Ouch, do they always greet each other like this?" Glaphyra asked while grimacing. Ares prepared to deliver another punch to Hercules’ midsection but the demi-god blocked it and punched the war god directly in the face. "It’s the only way they ever greet each other," Iolaus wearily replied. Ares now had a choke hold on Hercules. "Shouldn’t we try to stop them? They could kill each other," Meleager said. "And how in Tartarus do you propose we break up a fight between a god and a demi-god?" Darnelle asked. Meleager had no answer and remained silent. Hercules finally broke the chokehold by delivering a hard punch to Ares’ midsection. "I think they are evenly matched and can’t kill each other, so we might as well wait until they grow tired of fighting," Autolycus suggested. "Well, I’ve had about enough of this sibling rivalry. There are important matters at hand here and this is nothing but a waste of time." Xena stepped in front of the others. "ARES...HERCULES...I WANT YOU TO STOP THIS RIGHT NOW!!!" The two combatants ignored Xena’s command and continued to pummel each other. Above the cries and grunts of the two combatants, all heard the sounds of running footsteps heading towards the throne room. All looked in the direction of the archway to see two small children and two young women enter the throne room. "Lysia---Lycus!" Xena cried with pure joy over seeing the twins. Lysia immediately went over to Xena but Lycus was enthralled with the fight and moved to get a better view. Xena squatted down and embraced the little girl in a big hug when she stood before her. "Oh, you don’t know how happy I am to see you!" When they broke the hug, Xena held the child’s face between her hands. "I want you to know that I never meant to hurt you or Lycus...I truly thought I was doing what was best for you both." "I was real mad at ya when I first found out but now I am just happy to have a mommy." Lysia’s face broke into a smile. "You don’t know how relieved I am to hear that." Xena embraced her daughter once again in a hug. Gabrielle had made her way through the others and now stood beside her best friend. "Xena, we have to put a stop to this fight." "I tried Gabrielle but they won’t listen to me." "Um, maybe I could stop them." "If you think you’re up to it…give it a try." A devilish smile crossed Xena’s face as she thought about what her friend had planned. "Okay, here I go." In a somewhat hesitant gesture, Gabrielle raised both hands. Her face was riddled with deep concentration as each hand released an energy bolt that hit both combatants with such force that they were thrown high against a stone wall then dropped hard to the stone floor below. All in the throne room had shocked expressions on their faces as they looked first at the two men slumped on the floor then to Gabrielle. "Oh gods, I didn’t mean to do that," Gabrielle said in an apologetic tone. Both hands flew up to her mouth for she was just as shocked as the others were. "That’s all right Gabrielle. You will get the hang of those powers one of these days," Xena jested. "But you did succeed at stopping the fight." Groans of pain poured from the mouths of the fallen combatants. When they slowly rose to their feet, both were still somewhat dazed. "Wow! What was that?" Hercules groggily groaned. "Yeah," Ares added in a hoarse voice. "I had Gabrielle blast you both," Xena said. "It was the only way to put an end to your ridiculous fight." Lycus stepped out of the crowd and excitedly approached his father. "Ya woulda won Dad if Gabrielle hadn’t stopped the fight. This guy...whoever he is, was no match for ya." "The name’s Hercules," the demigod stated as he tried to clear the fog from his head that the hit from the bolt of energy had created. "Wow! You’re Hercules!" Now Lycus was truly disappointed that Gabrielle had stopped the fight. The bolt that hit Ares left him just as groggy as Hercules. "Lycus what are you doing here? You are suppose to..." The war god stopped mid-sentence when he spotted the young priestess standing among the others. The fog lifted to be replaced by dark fury. "CASSIOPEIA!!!" The young priestess shrank back in fear upon hearing the tone of her Lord’s voice. "Ares, don’t you even think about harming that sweet girl or I will blast you again!" Gabrielle threatened. The war god was not scared of Gabrielle but decided to let the young priestess’ disobedience slide this time. "Lycus." Xena stepped away from the others and approached her son. When she stood before him, she reached out a hand to touch his face but he backed away from her. "Don’t ya touch me!" Anger and hurt was in his eyes. The child stared at her a few moments more before bolting from the throne room. "Lycus, come back!" Xena ran over to the archway. By the time she got there, Lycus was out of sight. She slightly bowed her head as tears started to form in her eyes. Gabrielle approached her friend and placed a comforting hand on a shoulder. "Don’t worry Xena, you will make him understand." "Lycus just has a hard head," Lysia added. The little girl now stood next to Xena. "He was a lot madder than I was but he did tell me how cool it was to have ya as a mom." Upon hearing the child’s words a faint smile crossed Xena’s lips. "I better go find him." She quickly wiped away the tears that had started running down her cheeks as she proceeded down the long hallway. Xena hadn’t gotten far when she felt someone grab her left arm. She turned around to see Ares standing there. "Let me talk to him." "You’ve done enough already," Xena said through gritted teeth, her eyes blazing with anger for the war god. "Now, let me go!" Ares released his hold on Xena’s arm. A look of regret was on his face. "For what it’s worth, I never tried to turn the twins against you." Xena remained silent and only glared at Ares. She turned her back to him and quickly made her way down the hall. ********** "Gods does that kid move fast." Xena pulled open the door that led outside and was immediately hit with frosty air. She wore no coat and just ignored the cold as she stepped outside. There were small boot prints in the snow that went up a hill towards a patch of pine trees. The boot prints stopped at one of the pine trees. Xena gazed upward. She couldn’t see Lycus in the tree but figured he was hiding up there somewhere. "I know you are in the tree Lycus and I am not going back inside until you come down." "Just go away...I don’t wanna talk to ya!!!" The child yelled from somewhere high in the pine tree. "Lycus, if you would just let me explain..." "That night in the forest, I toldja how much I wannit a mom and dad and ya said NOTHING. Ya only wanna talk now ‘cause Ares told us the truth. Ya were NEVER gonna say A THING!!!" Hearing the pain in her son’s voice---that she had caused---just about broke Xena’s heart and brought tears to her eyes again. "Yes, you are right...I never planned on telling you and your sister that I am your mother." "But WHY??? Ya didn’t want us?" "Oh no baby...I wanted to keep you both...I planned on keeping you both...but I just couldn’t escape the life I was living." Xena wiped the tears from her face before she continued to speak. "I was trying to spare you and your sister from the stigma of having someone like me for a mother...I’ve done a lot of terrible things." "What kinda things?" Lycus lowered his position in the tree to where Xena could see him. As Xena gazed up at Lycus, she could see the desperation in her son’s eyes. The child wanted so badly to understand why she had left them in the care of another. She took a deep breath before revealing to her son the horrors of her past. "I led armies that wiped out entire villages---I left children around your own age without fathers and sometimes mothers---my name was feared by all---and as the God of War, your father blessed my actions." Xena rubbed her bare arms to warm them in the cold. "My life was nothing but war, bloodlust and death---I couldn’t expose you and your sister to such a dark existence. I didn’t think there was a chance for me to be good. But I wasn’t going to ruin it for the two of you and that’s why I left you both with Cyrus---he would make sure you both grew up to be decent people---something I had given up long ago on ever being." Lycus jumped from the tree and noiselessly landed on the snow in front of Xena. "But you are a good person now---Joxer read us the stories---you’re a hero." "Yes, people do view me as a hero now but I still have a long way to go before the good outweighs the crimes of my past." "I guess that means ya want me and Lysia to go back to India, huh?" The boy had a disappointed look on his face. "Now that the truth is out in the open, it would not be right to send you back." "So, that means ya want us to stay?" The child cocked his to the side as he waited for her answer. "Yes, I do." Xena hesitated a moment before she continued. "And if you will have me, I would like to be your mom." She stretched out a hand. Lycus stood there a few moments, just staring at her outstretched hand. With some hesitation he approached her and placed a small hand in hers. Together, they walked back to the castle. CHAPTER 41 When Xena and Lycus re-entered the castle, she took the child to the kitchen where Lysia and Cassie were having lunch. Xena stayed with them awhile before rejoining the others who were still in Ares’ throne room. Upon reaching the throne room, Xena was greeted by Gabrielle and Hercules. "So, how did it go with Lycus?" Gabrielle asked. "We’ve got a bumpy road ahead of us but he is willing to give me a chance to be his mother," Xena replied with a faint smile. "It’s a start in the right direction and I know in the end you two will be fine." Gabrielle squeezed one of Xena’s hands in a comforting gesture then rejoined the others so Hercules could talk to Xena alone. "Gabrielle filled me on what’s going on with you and Ares and I just wanted to let you know that you can count on my help in getting the twins away from him." "Thanks Hercules but that won’t be necessary." "Why not...surely you know it would be a mistake to allow Ares to remain in the lives of the children?" "I’m not so sure about that anymore." Xena had a look of apprehension on her face. Hercules could not believe what he just heard. "But Xena, you know as well as I do that Ares is a MONSTER and if given the opportunity, he will twist those two children into monsters just like himself. For their sakes, we have to get them away from him." "Look Hercules, you won’t get any arguments out of me regarding Ares’ character, but getting the children away from him is easier said then done." Upon hearing Xena’s words, the demi-god had a puzzled expression on his face. "The children have already started to bond with him...they are calling him "Daddy" for Zeus’ sake. I am trying to establish my own relationship with the children right now. If I were to rip Ares out of their lives, I would ruin any chance of doing that." "So, does this mean you will just stand by and let Ares corrupt them?" "No, I will let Ares be a father to the twins but I will watch him closely and nip in the bud any underlying plans he may have for them." By the look on the demi-god’s face, Xena could see that he did not like the situation in the least and thought she was making a big mistake. "For now, it’s the best I can do, Hercules. Besides, we all will be consumed with defeating Dahak, including Ares, so he won’t have much time to think about corrupting the children." "I guess I have to take that as consolation." Hercules stated with a faint smile. "C’mon, we better join the others." Xena took hold of a muscular arm and led the demi-god over to their friends. Ares sat upon his throne with an annoyed look on his face as the many mortals about him continued their chatter. When Xena and Hercules separated, he quickly made his way over to her. Xena responded before Ares even had a chance to address her. "Lycus and I talked. It will take some time to rebuild the trust but he is willing to give me a chance." "You may not believe me but I am glad to hear that," Ares said. After her talk with Lycus, Xena’s anger towards the war god had cooled considerably. "No, I believe you." Ares moved closer to Xena. "So, what were you and my do-gooder brother talking about?" "Hercules was just reminding me of what a monster you are and how it was imperative to get the children away from you before they are permanently damaged." "And you agreed with him of course." There was an annoyed smirk on the god’s face. "With some of it but even I can’t deny the bond you have already formed with the children, so I am willing to give you a shot at being a Daddy." Upon hearing Xena’s words, a smile broke out over the god’s handsome face. "But I will be keeping a close eye on you for any underlying schemes you may try to hatch." "I wouldn’t expect anything less from you, Xena." The chatter among the others had grown louder. "So, what did I miss?" Xena glanced over at her friends. "They are exchanging stories. Ephiny was recounting for everyone the Amazons’ encounter in the forest with Dahak’s cult and some strange plants being grown in an old barn near Mycenae." "Hmm...sounds interesting." Xena proceeded to join her friends and Ares followed. "Gods, Ephiny, that is really sick...using human blood to feed plants," Gabrielle said with disgust. "As if killing people to free Dahak wasn’t bad enough, now they are killing people to feed plants." Autolycus ran a finger over his moustache. His brow was furrowed with bafflement. "Dahak’s cult just gets weirder and weirder," Glaphyra said. The others nodded and mumbled in agreement. "If you thought that was weird, wait ‘til you hear this," Solari said. "The barn housing these plants caught on fire and created the strangest ash...it attacked us?" "You’ve got to be kidding?" Darnelle huffed. "No, she’s not," Ephiny replied. "The ash killed one of Dahak’s followers we managed to capture." "But he didn’t stay dead," Solari added. "He ran off into the woods shouting something about we’re free." The room grew quiet as all pondered this bizarre set of events just revealed to them. "What you described sounds like demon possession," Ares stated, breaking the silence in the room. Mumbles and murmurs of surprise could be heard about the room as the god continued. "My warriors experienced similar events after an attack on Kos and the neighboring islands." Xena was surprised to hear this news. "You didn’t tell me you were attacking Kos." "After you told me about your confrontation with Dahak there and his control over the isle’s inhabitants, I thought it was crucial to slow down his progress so I ordered the attack." "So, what happened?" Hercules asked. All in the room focused their gaze on the war god, waiting to hear his response. A frown of discomfort appeared on Ares’ face as he prepared to admit his miscalculation to all present. "The warriors were burning the bodies of the island’s dead when they were attacked by an eerie black smoke. I ended up losing almost all of my warriors...their bodies are now inhabited by the demons that previous resided in the bodies of the isle’s residents...they are all under Dahak’s control." Upon hearing Ares’ comments, the room erupted into active chatter. "This is just great!" Draco sarcastically replied. "How are we suppose to defeat Dahak now? We kill his followers and the demons in them take up residence in our bodies." Many mumbled in agreement with the former warlord’s sentiments. Xena moved to stand in the midst of her friends and raised her hands to quiet everyone down. "Hey people, I know it looks like Dahak is in a win-win situation but we can’t give in to negative thoughts." "Xena is right," Ares said. "Cyrus knows all about this dilemma and is already working on a solution." "I would still like to know how those strange plants fit into Dahak’s equation," Hercules said. "Maybe examining one will give us the answers." Solari was holding a gray sack and retrieved from within it, parts of the strange plant that was salvaged from the burnt remains of the old barn near Mycenae. "Hey, let me see that." Salmoneus had a look of remembrance on his face as he walked over to Solari. He gazed intently at the remnants of a large orange flower on the mutilated plant. "That looks like the plants that were at your place," Autolycus added. He came over to Salmoneus and also started inspecting the plant. "You mean you guys have also seen this strange plant?" Xena asked. "Yeah, there was a merchant selling these in Herakleia. I liked the orange flowers and he was selling them dirt cheap, so I bought a wagon load to put in the rooms of The Odyssey." "They were so cheap because this merchant obviously wants these plants in the hands of as many people as possible," Glaphyra stated. "He seemed like such a nice guy too and didn’t look anything like a Dahak fanatic." Salmoneus was still fiddling with the large orange flower. Xena walked over to the trio and started inspecting the plant remains. "These plants must play a crucial part in Dahak’s takeover of Greece." Xena took the sack containing the plant remains from Solari. "Joxer, I want you to take this to Cyrus. Tell him to put aside the scrolls and examine this ASAP." "Sure thing Xena." Joxer took the sack from Xena and departed the throne room headed for Cyrus. "Salmoneus, do you know where we might be able to find this merchant?" Xena asked. "He didn’t have a place in Herakleia but someone on my staff said they would see him ride out of town every night, headed in the direction of some old Thracian ruins...so I guess he is staying there." Xena had a disturbed look on her face as she slightly bowed her head. "This merchant is probably using the old ruins for the same purpose as the old barn in Mycenae," Hercules said. "It’s a smart move on Dahak’s part," Ares said. "My mother was the patron goddess of Herakleia but the city doesn’t get much attention from Olympus since her entrapment in the abyss of Tartarus." The war god glared at his demi-god half-brother. Hercules felt no guilt over the part he played in Hera’s imprisonment and ignored the glares of his half-brother. All felt the tension quickly rising between the two siblings again and it was Xena who took it upon herself to prevent it from erupting into another brawl by keeping the discussion on the topic at hand. "If the Thracian ruins are being used as a ‘greenhouse’, people are probably being rounded up for plant food." A chill went through most at such a horrible thought. "We must stop them," Gabrielle firmly stated. The others in the room nodded in agreement. ********** Before an attack could be launched against Dahak’s facility in the Thracian ruins outside of Herakleia, a way would have to be found to protect the group from demon possession. This task was left to Cyrus. Not long before sundown, Cyrus discovered a way to protect the group from demon corruption when they battled Dahak’s possessed legions. The former Watcher called a meeting in one of the castle’s large rooms he was now using as a laboratory. "This is the best I could do with the little time I had," the former Watcher began before the assembled group. "So long as it protects us from demon possession is all that matters," Xena said. The others mumbled in agreement. "I am certain it will give you the protection you need," Cyrus assured. The group grew silent again as the former Watcher elaborated with more details. "I had Zethus melt down some weapons of mine that I always carry with me...they date back to my days as a Watcher." Cyrus held up an intricately designed dagger for all to see. "These weapons were crafted from a metal not found on earth but only in the realm of the Creator...a realm of purity and goodness." Cyrus now held a bag in one hand. "This metal of light has the power to protect you from the darkness of these demons." He passed out the contents of the bag to the gathered group. "I had Zethus fashion the metal into medallions of the four pointed star of light. Wearing these will protect you from Dahak’s dark minions." Each member of the group now wore a four-pointed star medallion around their necks. After the meeting with Cyrus concluded, the group made last minute preparations for the attack on the Thracian ruins. But one member of the group had other matters to attend to elsewhere. Joxer was on one of the upper floors, near the bedchambers waiting in the shadows for the maid to finish her duties. The woman finally exited the bedchamber, closing the door behind her. Joxer made sure the maid was out of sight before making his way to the bedchamber door and stepping inside. He walked around the room taking in the opulence around him. The large four-poster bed covered in silver silk sheets and soft black warm furs---the polished wood furniture, glistening in the flames of the roaring hearth fire---white polar bearskin rugs thrown about the floor. Talon hadn’t seen such comforts since he was a Watcher and took part in the stewardship of the Earth. Since taking control of Joxer’s body, Talon had spent all his nights in bedrolls on the hard forest floor. He hoped the bedchamber assigned to him was half as nice as this one. Talon decided it was time to get down to the task that had brought him to the bedchamber. He walked over to the bedside table. From inside his shirt, he retrieved the bloated goatskin given to him by Gwenyth. Talon uncapped the goatskin. An evil chuckle escaped the lips of the fallen Watcher as he poured some of the crimson liquid into the pitcher containing water that sat atop the bedside table. The water in the pitcher bubbled a bit before settling down and returning to its clear consistency. With his task complete, Talon softly crept from the bedchamber and proceeded to rejoin the others as they made ready their attack on Dahak’s facility in the Thracian ruins. ********** It was after sundown when Ares transported the group to Herakleia. Salmoneus, Autolycus and Meleager were left there to round up all the strange plants at The Odyssey and the other places throughout the city, they might be. The others headed for the Thracian ruins in the forest outside Herakleia. Stories passed down for generations about the forest around the ruins being haunted kept most of the local residents away and was an added bonus for Dahak’s followers who didn’t want people snooping around. When the group reached the ruins, they hid in the foliage of the surrounding area. Using the aether to hide his presence, Ares explored the ruins to get an exact account of the number of followers the group would be up against. The ruins consisted of several small structures surrounding a very large one. Torches for light were lit here and there as people dressed in black robes went about their duties. "I’ve counted about seventeen men," Iolaus stated from his crouched position in the foliage. "Yeah, that’s the number I got too," Darnelle stated. "Get ready to add to those numbers because here comes company," Glaphyra said. Two covered wagons made their way down the dirt covered road that lead to the ruins. The wagons came to a stop in front of one of the smaller structures. Six men, all dressed in black jumped down from the wagons and began unloading the contents. Their comrades already there, lent a hand. "You can now raise that number to twenty-three," Draco said. "And we still don’t know how many are inside the ruins," Ephiny said. "You are out numbered by seven to one," a disembodied deep familiar voice declared. In shards of blue and white light, Ares’ leather clad muscular form came into view next to Xena. "I counted another forty men inside the various structures," the god continued. "And it appears Xena was right about the importance of this place. The large structure there has three floors all loaded with those strange plants---they are to be transported throughout Greece." "All those plants need food, did you find out where the supply is kept?" Hercules asked. "Ah, yes I did, dear brother," Ares replied with a devilish grin. "Fifty prisoners are being kept in that small structure behind the largest one. There are no guards but the door is locked." "Before we even attack those ruins, we must free those people," Gabrielle said. "Yeah, we don’t want the demons to have backup bodies to jump in," Joxer said. "Don’t worry, we will make sure those people are no where around when the fighting starts," Xena assured. "Being a hero is up the alley of all present except me, so this is where I will make my exit." Ares made ready to disappear from sight. "Not so fast mister!" Xena grabbed one of his arms, halting the god’s departure. "Considering the odds are not in our favor, we could use your help." "Since you are the one doing the asking Xena, I’ll stay." A devilish grin was plastered on the god’s face again. "Good." Gabrielle stepped forward. "You can start by zapping all the prisoners to safety." "I may be lending a hand but it doesn’t mean I will take orders from you!" Ares’ tone had a touch of threat to it. "If you are going to be helping Ares, you better remember that this is a team effort and there must be cooperation," Hercules said. It was bad enough that Xena’s resurrected friend was just as irritating as ever but now Ares had to contend with his meddling do-gooder half-brother. This is not at all what the war god had planned when he formed an alliance with Xena. Ares made a threatening move towards Hercules. Xena knew Ares’ temper was on a short fuse tonight and made a move to halt his intentions of violence towards his half-brother. "Hercules is right." Xena stood in front of Ares, blocking his path. "If our team is to accomplish its goal, we have to get those people to safety." She fixed her gaze on the god’s face. "Sorry Xena...I would if I could but I can’t." Ares folded his arms across his chest. "What do you mean you cant? You zapped us here," Iolaus said. The others gathered stared at the war god, their eyes conveying the same question Iolaus had just voiced. Ares rolled his eyes and sighed before responding. "Olympus and the gods of Persia are embroiled in a major dispute regarding control of certain regions and this happens to be one of them. And since our authority is in question, my control over the aether here is rather shaky." "Does this mean we will have to use the usual mortal modes of transportation to return to Macedon?" Darnelle asked. "It was hard maintaining control over the aether when I returned here, so for now, we are stuck but by the time we are ready to depart, I should be able to transport us out." "What about your other powers, are they gone too?" Draco asked. "For now, they are still intact." "Good, that means you can still help out." Xena’s brow was furrowed in deep thought. ********** A proud smile crossed the face of Anaximenes as he glanced around at the new supplies of lava plant bulbs and the rich volcanic earth in which they would grow. Of all the priests vying for the coveted position, he, Anaximenes, had been given the job of overseeing the largest installation for the cultivating of the lava plants. Once they reached maturity, the plants would be shipped out to all of Greece. Anaximenes was still smiling as he closed the back door of the wagon. "Okay, you can move it on out!" The now empty wagon made its way down the trail along with the other one. Soon, both disappeared from sight in the thick foliage of the forest. "Okay men, let’s get the last of these supplies into storage building Beta," Anaximenes ordered. Hauling the large wooden crates in their arms, the men headed for the old ruin designated as building Beta. They had just reached the doorway when a huge fireball appeared out of the black night sky hovering above them. "Hey, look at that! What is it!?!?" One of the men exclaimed. All stopped dead in their tracks and gazed up with wonderment at the huge fireball. The sudden brightness caught the attention of those inside the ruins and they immediately came out to see this unusual phenomenon. Anaximenes was just as fascinated as his men were. "It must be Lord Dahak!" He quickly dropped to his knees, bowing his head. The others gathered, followed the lead of their superior and mimicked his actions. ********** Gabrielle, Glaphyra and Joxer cautiously approached the old ruin housing the prisoners. Glaphyra used a sword to break the lock on the main door, then all proceeded inside. A few lit torches provided enough light for the trio to view the captives. Men and women wearing tattered and dirty clothes sat upon the straw covered ground with bound hands and feet. "We better move fast---we don’t have much time." Gabrielle pulled out a dagger and began cutting away the bonds of captives. Joxer and Glaphyra did the same. Most of the captives had accepted their fate of death and were truly surprised that they were being rescued. "Thank you," one woman said in a hoarse voice as she gazed up at Joxer with gratefulness in her eyes. A faint smile crossed Joxer’s lips as he helped the woman to her feet then ushered her to the door along with the others. ********** Hercules pushed some leaves out of the way as he crouched on a large branch high up in a tree. He looked to his friend in the tree next to him. "Okay pal, are you ready?" "As ready as I’ll ever be," Iolaus replied. The two wagons that had left the old ruins were making their way down the tree line path. When the wagons were directly beneath them, Hercules and Iolaus jumped from the trees, landing on both drivers. There was a brief struggle before they managed to toss both drivers to the ground unconscious. Each then directed both wagons off the trail and through the trees, back towards the old Thracian ruins. The wagons were not that far from the ruins, when Hercules and Iolaus spotted the freed captives along with their three friends. They immediately brought the wagons to a stop. "Okay, everyone into the wagons," Gabrielle ordered. The freed captives were quickly loaded into both wagons. When all were safely aboard, Gabrielle and Joxer sat on the driver’s bench in one and Glaphyra on the other. "Now you guys get these people out of here as fast as you can," Hercules ordered. Glaphyra urged the horse hitched to the wagon to take off through the woods. Gabrielle and Joxer followed close behind in the other wagon. Hercules and Iolaus watched until both wagons disappeared in the denseness of the forest. "We better give Xena and the others a hand." Iolaus nodded in agreement. The pair quickly headed back towards the old ruins. ********** With the large ruin now empty of Dahak’s followers, Xena, Ephiny, Solari, Darnelle and Draco made their way inside. They quickly took in their surroundings. The first floor had row after row of the strange large plants growing in rich earth. There were two more floors above just like the first. "We better get to work." Xena went up the stairs leading to the upper floors. Ephiny and Solari followed her while Darnelle and Draco took care of the first floor. Xena left Ephiny and Solari on the second floor while she took care of the third. ********** All of Dahak’s followers were still on bent knees with bowed heads, so no one saw the other being who took form out of a flame of fire. The new arrival’s face twisted in anger when he saw the spectacle before him. He quickly raised a hand, releasing a bolt of energy that hit the mesmerizing ball of fire. The fireball quickly dispersed, revealing the form of the God of War who immediately fell to the ground. Those on bent knees quickly raised their bowed heads and stared in fear because they knew whom the new arrival was and what they had let happen. "You fools!" He angrily shouted. "They distracted you so they could destroy the lava plants." All turned towards the large stone ruin. Smoke was starting to pour from windows on the second floor. "Go protect the plants now!" Followers rose from their knees and immediately headed towards the large stone structure. Ares still lay on the ground. The energy hit had left him severely dazed and in a weakened state. The war god let his eyes focus on the man standing over him. He was very tall and dressed in black leather with a black cape billowing down his back. He had shoulder length black hair with gray streaks running throughout it. His eyes were crystal-blue in color, just like Xena’s. Ares’ own eyes widened when he realized who was standing before him. "Dahak!" He breathed. "Ah Ares, we finally get to meet face to face." Dahak’s full rose colored lips curled into an evil smile. Ares raised a hand to direct an energy ball at Dahak but nothing happened. The war god had a look of surprise on his face. Dahak threw back his head, an evil laugh escaping his lips. When he finally gazed at the fallen war god again, his face was deadly serious. "I will deal with you later!" Then Dahak vanished in a flame of fire. "Damn, that energy hit I took must be dampening my powers," Ares muttered to himself. But at the moment, that was the least of his worries. Now knowing he was nothing but an imposter, some of Dahak’s followers charged him with swords drawn. "I guess I’ll have to do this the old fashion way." The war god quickly rose to his feet, unsheathing his sword in the process. ********** Ephiny and Solari quickly descended the stairs to the first floor and were met by Darnelle and Draco. "Did you take care of the second floor?" Draco asked. "Yeah," Ephiny replied somewhat out of breath. "We cut down all the plants before burning them." Solari fingered the medallion hanging around her neck. "These things must be working because we haven’t been attacked by any demons --- there was an eerie black smoke but it just went off in search of hosts elsewhere." Darnelle gazed at the plants he and Draco had cut to pieces. "We better get to work on setting these ablaze too." "Hey, where’s Xena?" Draco asked. "Xena told us not to worry about her, she has her escape planned and we are to burn all of the plants," Ephiny replied. Darnelle figured Xena knew what she was doing and decided to do what she ordered. They were just removing some of the lit torches from the wall, to use to destroy the plants, when Dahak’s followers entered the building. "Death to our enemies!" Some shouted as they charged the foursome with drawn swords. Darnelle and Draco quickly tossed the lit torches on the mutilated plants, setting them ablaze before joining Ephiny and Solari in warding off the attack. The four managed to dispose of their attackers and flee to safety from the fire quickly consuming the first floor. ********** With her sword cutting thick stem after thick stem, Xena hacked her way through the many rows of plants on the third floor. By the time she had all the plants cut down, thick black smoke was rising from the lower floors. Xena quickly retrieved a lit torch from the wall. She was about to toss it onto the mutilated plants, when in a flame of fire, Dahak’s form took shape several feet in front of her. "Hello Xena." "Hello Father." Xena’s lips curled into a devilish smile. "Did you come to watch all your plans go up in smoke?" A sigh of indifference escaped the lips of the evil god. "Destroying this facility will not deter me from my destiny---to rule this world once again." "Your only destiny is to DIE and this is just the first step to making sure that happens," she hissed. "You can’t win Xena. There are already thousands of plants being scattered throughout Greece --- the Olympian pantheon is just the first of many that will crumble in my wake." "Such over confidence is not a good thing, Father." "I could say the same for you, my dear." Dahak stared hard into the eyes of the woman before him. They mirrored his own with their crystal blue color and at the moment were filled with a fierce determination. "It’s not too late to join me Xena." "I will NEVER join you!" She spat. "Ah, stubborn ‘til the end. It could mean your death. But if I can’t have you, there is always Lycus and Lysia." Xena’s eyes widened upon Dahak mentioning her children. "They are quite young but my blood has made them powerful and not being fully grounded in a silly moral code yet, they will be easy to corrupt." Xena narrowed the gaze of her eyes. "I will KILL you before I let you get any where near them!!!" "Your threats are meaningless because the children are already MINE!" With godlike speed, Xena quickly threw her chakram directly at Dahak. But the round metal object only hit the air, since Dahak quickly vanished in a flame of fire. The echo of his evil laughter was all that remained. The chakram bounced off a wall and Xena caught it when it returned to her. She attached it to her waist as she quickly looked around her. There was no need to set the third floor ablaze because the fires on the two lower floors had quickly spread to the third floor. The short confrontation with Dahak had also given the fire enough time to destroy her escape route. Huge flames were lapping up the stairway so she could not use that as an escape route either. Xena found a cloth that she drenched in a nearby barrel of water. She squeezed out the excess water, put the cloth around her nose and mouth then proceeded to search for another way out. ********** Ares was still fighting Dahak’s minions but he now had reinforcements. Hercules and Iolaus had made their way through the forest to lend a hand. Darnelle, Draco, Ephiny and Solari followed after that. All, including Hercules, were using swords to battle Dahak’s followers. When deathblows were struck the demons inhabiting some of the bodies went for their attackers but the medallions they wore protected them from possession. With no new hosts to inhabit, the demons lost their strength, and the earth absorbed their energy. When all the followers lay dead, everyone turned their attention toward the large burning ruin. "Where’s Xena?" Ares began frantically searching around. "She told us to set the fires...she had another way out," Ephiny replied. "Something must have gone wrong because she’s not here," Iolaus said. "She must still be inside!" Hercules quickly headed for burning ruin and prepared to go inside. But Ares had followed right after him and halted his brother’s intention. "No, you stay here...I’ll get her." Ares quickly made his way into the burning structure before Hercules could voice protests. The moment he entered the building, Ares was immediately overcome by thick black smoke and began to cough. He still didn’t feel like himself, meaning his powers were still on the blink, and he was vulnerable to being harmed or possibly killed. But at the moment, all that mattered was finding Xena. Despite the smoke obscuring his vision, Ares was able to find the stairs. But deadly flames had already demolished the lower steps. Making a run for it, Ares leaped into the air, grasping the remaining upper steps with his hands. He managed to haul himself onto the second floor. The steps leading to the third floor were still intact but flames surrounded them. Ares managed to find an old blanket, which he drenched with water contained in a nearby barrel. He then covered himself with it and quickly made his way up the stairs to the third floor. The rapidly moving flames had traveled up the walls and were now starting to consume the ceiling. Thick black smoke made it difficult for Ares to see. "Xena...Xena where are you?" He yelled while frantically searching the third floor, all the while dodging burning beams that started falling from the ceiling. Ares was able to make out a form standing in front of the room’s only window. The opening was too small for an adult to squeeze through but the fire had loosened the stone around the window and Xena was pulling it away, in an attempt to make the opening larger. But her extended exposure to the thick smoke, was weakening her and her attempts to knock the stone away slowing down. Xena was about to collapse from smoke inhalation when Ares came up behind her preventing her fall to the floor. "Just hold on to me." Ares wrapped an arm around Xena’s waist to keep her upright. With his other hand, he knocked away the stone enlarging the window. He stuck out his head and called to the others. "Hey, up here!" The others heard his cries and now stood looking up at the window. "Get something to cushion our jump." The six below found a wagon filled with hay that they maneuvered over to the burning structure. When the wagon was in position, Xena jumped to safety and Ares followed after her. Ephiny and Solari helped Xena from the wagon. "Are you okay?" Ephiny asked. "Yes...I just gotta...little too much...smoke," Xena replied in between coughs. She turned towards the war god who was climbing out of the wagon. "Ares, you have to take me back to Macedon right away. Dahak was here and he said he was going after the twins." "Dahak!" Iolaus exclaimed. "He was here?" Darnelle asked. "Yeah, I saw him too," Ares replied. "He zapped me screwing up my powers but I feel fine now, even control of the aether is back. But the kids are safe Xena. Not even Dahak could get through the barriers I have around that fortress." "If you don’t mind, I would like to see that they are indeed safe for myself, so please take me back now." A weary sigh escaped the war god’s lips as he grasped Xena’s right arm. The pair immediately vanished in shards of blue and white light. CHAPTER 42 Xena quickly turned the large golden knob, opened the door and stepped into the bedchamber. A large black mastiff that sniffed her over before licking a hand immediately greeted her. Xena ran a hand over the dog’s fur back before heading over to the large bed. The large dog headed over to the bed too and without disturbing the sleeping child, lay down at the foot of the bed. A soft smile crossed Xena’s lips as she gazed down at the face of her daughter who slept peacefully in the large bed. Lysia clutched her favorite doll that Xena had returned to her earlier that day. She pulled the furs covering the bed closer around the child before softly planting a kiss atop her head. She gazed at the little girl’s sleeping form a few moments more before she quietly exited the bedchamber. Xena was just closing the bedchamber door, when Ares exited the bedchamber directly across the hall. "I take it Lysia is okay?" The war god asked. "Yes, she’s sleeping peacefully. How about Lycus?" "He’s doing the same. There’s a roaring fire in the hearth plus lit candles to keep away bad dreams." A pleased smile was etched on the god’s face. "I guess you were right after all and I should have ignored Dahak’s threat." Xena started walking down the hall. Ares walked next to her. "Nothing Dahak says should ever be taken lightly so your reaction was understandable." "And thanks for pulling my butt out of those burning ruins." Xena came to a stop and stared incredulously at the god standing next to her. "You are certainly full of surprises---your powers were not functioning---you were vulnerable to possible injury...death even---and you leaped into a burning building to save little ol’ me." "I couldn’t let you die Xena. It would have meant my death too." Xena disgustedly rolled her eyes after this statement. "Both our deaths would have also had an adverse effect on the children. It would have been too traumatic for them to lose their parents after just finding them." Ares gazed intently at her face. "With you now being able to see the twins, I hope you haven’t discarded the idea of becoming immortal." "Despite your attempt at blackmail, I am still considering your offer. Why, each morning, I gaze at the apple of immortality sitting in that black box upon my dresser," she replied with a sly smile. "Well, I wish you would stop gazing and just eat it already but I do have the patience and the confidence that in the end, you will." Ares moved closer to her. "Why should the children ever have to face the possibility of losing their parents?" He brought a hand up to her face and softly caressed a cheek. Xena quickly moved away from his caressing hand. "Just because I am still considering your offer of immortality and supporting your role as father to the twins does not mean that there will be any romantic liaison between us." "But even you Xena, can not deny the bond we share." "The only bond between us of interest to ME is the children. For their sakes, I will do my best to get along with you but forget any ideas you may have of pushing it beyond those bounds." With those last words, Xena made her way down the hall, headed for her own bedchamber. The war god’s deep brown eyes followed her departing form. "So, our only bond you care about is the children, huh? You can keep telling yourself that is the case all you want Xena, but you know that’s not true," Ares said to himself. "I know all too well how strong the attraction between us is and you can not deny it forever, so I will just wait." ********** Minos was standing before a long table in his laboratory. The exalted high priest poured wine into two goblets. A congratulatory smile creased his sinister face as he raised the goblet he now held in a hand. "To you Dark One and your never-ending brilliance." Minos took a sip from the goblet. "Ah, yes, tonight’s activities did proceed without a single flaw." Dahak took a sip of the wine from the goblet he now held. "Xena and her friends are probably basking in their victory over us when little do they know they removed a thorn from my side by destroying those plants." "I’ve heard it said that revenge is a dish best served cold," Minos commented. "That is SO true." An evil chuckle escaped Dahak’s lips before he took another sip from the goblet. When Dahak was known as the Chief Guardian Metatron, a group of Watchers, who had fully participated in corrupting the Earth, tried to get into the good graces of the Creator again by turning the Chief Guardian over to him for punishment. The Creator did punish Metatron but the turncoat fallen Watchers were punished as well and imprisoned in the earth’s heated core along with the others. Centuries later, when Metatron, now known as Dahak, was imprisoned in the earth’s heated core, these now bodiless spirits wanted to get in his good graces and take part in the escape from the fiery prison they knew he was planning. When Dahak finally gained his freedom, he freed these turncoats along with those who had remained loyal to him but he had never forgotten their betrayal. And now, after so many centuries, he was finally able to make them pay. When Xena and her friends burned the plants cultivating at the Thracian ruins, the demons residing in them had no unprotected bodies in which to seek residence, so they were absorbed by the earth and existed NO MORE. "The faithful who survived our humbling *defeat* are very fearful of what will happen to them for allowing the loss of such a vital facility," Minos jokingly stated. "I’ll let them shake a little longer by ranting and raving about their incompetence but no one will be fatally punished. That should really surprise them." "Too bad we didn’t take Anaximenes into our confidence and tell him our true intentions. The man was so distraught over his *failure* that he slit his own throat," Minos said with a touch of regret. "Yes, that is a pity," Dahak sighed. "But his death will serve as an example to the others and let them know that failure will not be tolerated by me." The remorseful look left the face of the high priest to be replaced by a devilish glint. "I wish I could have been there to see the look on Ares’ face when he realized who you were." "Oh, he was surprised to see me all right but even more so when he discovered that energy bolt he absorbed cut off his powers." "I don’t know why you didn’t kill him then and there." The high priest’s mouth poked out in a disappointed pout. "You really must learn from my example Minos and work on being patient. Ares will get what he truly deserves, all in good time." "As always, you are right Dark One." An evil chuckle escaped Minos’ lips as he thought about the Hind’s blood they had in their possession. Dahak knew what his priest was thinking and that got an evil chuckle from his own lips. "Now that our enemies believe they have struck a major blow to our plans, it will increase their confidence in their *eventual* victory over us so our next move will catch them completely off guard and insure OUR victory." ********** After returning with Xena to Macedon to confirm the safety of the twins, Ares went back to Herakleia to retrieve her friends. Their mission had been a complete success---all the plants in Herakleia had been rounded up and destroyed---Dahak’s facilities at the Thracian ruins were a complete loss---and the prisoners had been freed and taken to safety. Once returning to massive fortress in the Macedonian Mountains, all in the group were assigned bedchambers. After exchanging stories about the night’s events, most had gone off to bed. Left wired from the harrowing events of that evening, Gabrielle found it difficult to sleep. The bard had ended up in the kitchen where she fixed herself a mug of warm milk, hoping it would help her sleep. Gabrielle had no idea how long she strolled the floors of the massive castle before she ended up in one of its many large rooms, looking out a window that ran the entire length of a stone wall. Considering the room contained no hearth with a roaring fire, Gabrielle should have been freezing as she stood gazing out the large window but she wasn’t. Somehow, using godly magic of course, Ares was able to warm the room without the use of hearth fires. But Gabrielle really had no interest in how the room was warmed as she gazed out at the spectacular view of the surrounding mountains. A full moon was the only constellation in the clear night sky. Its light bounced off the unblemished white snow that blanketed the surrounding mountains. A comfortable sigh escaped Gabrielle’s lips before she took another sip from the mug she held. "A dinar for your thoughts." A familiar male voice said from behind her. Gabrielle turned. A warm smile creased her lips as she saw Joxer step out of the shadows and stand by her at the large window. "You can’t sleep either, huh Joxer?" "No, I can’t, and it’s not for lack of trying on my part. The bed in my room is the softest I have ever had...I should be sleeping like a baby but I keep reliving the events of tonight." "Yeah, me too." Gabrielle took another sip of the warm milk from the mug she held in her hands. Since arriving in Macedon, Talon had been waiting for such an opportunity when he could be alone with Gabrielle. Now he would get the chance to let the lovely bard know how ‘Joxer’ really felt about her. The fallen Watcher was also confident that he would get to *show* her too. "Um Gabrielle, there is something I have to tell ya." Joxer took the cup from Gabrielle’s hands and set it on the windowsill. He grasped her arms with his hands as he stared into her green eyes. "What is it Joxer?" Gabrielle knew from the look on his face that whatever it was he had to tell her was very serious. Joxer cleared his throat before he began. "Even though we beat Dahak tonight and didn’t lose anybody, we may not be so lucky the next time around..." "Oh Joxer, don’t talk like that." "I know, it’s something no one wants to talk about but it could happen. It did the last time we fought Dahak...we lost you." Joxer raised a hand up to her cheek. "But thanks to Hope you are back with us." A smile broke out over his face, which Gabrielle returned. Joxer lowered his hand as the smile faded from his face to be replaced with a serious look. "Losing you made me realize you’ve got to live for the here and now...don’t hold anything back...especially from those you care about the most." From the look in Joxer’s eyes and the words pouring from his mouth, Gabrielle knew he was about to make a confession of sorts in regards to her. But at the moment she was in no frame of mind to handle such a declaration and didn’t want to hurt his feelings. Gabrielle feigned a yawn. "Oh...um...sorry about that Joxer. I guess the warm milk did the trick so I’ll be going off to bed now." "But you haven’t heard what I have to say." Joxer maintained his firm grip on her arms halting her quick departure. "Really Joxer you can tell me some..." "I love you Gabrielle." Joxer quickly stated cutting her off mid-sentence. She stood there staring at him with her lips slightly parted. "I’ve been in love with you for quite a while now, but a woman like you wouldn’t show interest in a guy like me...I was a bumbling, stammering hero-wannabe." "But that’s not true, any woman would have been proud to have you, Joxer." "But you are not just any woman and the old Joxer wasn’t good enough for you," he softly stated as he placed his hands on her shoulders. For once, the bard found herself speechless as she gazed up into Joxer’s brown eyes. "It took your dying for me to change into a man worthy of you. I use to feel sorry for myself, that the woman I did this all for was not here to see it but now that you are, I’m not going to waste another minute hiding my feelings for you." Joxer quickly claimed Gabrielle’s lips in a brutal kiss. Gabrielle had not been at all prepared to deal with Joxer’s confession of love so she was completely flabbergasted by his present actions. And to her surprise, he was turning out to be a pretty good kisser but no matter how good it felt, she did not want this to be happening. She tried to gently pull away but he tightened his embrace. Gabrielle was becoming angry when he tried forcing his tongue into her mouth and his hands began groping her body. Joxer’s aggressive behavior dismissed Gabrielle’s concerns for niceties. She forcefully wrenched herself free from his unwanted embrace. Both now stood there, she with a look of shock and he with a look of surprise, as they both gasped for air. Gabrielle raised a hand and slapped Joxer hard across the face. "DON’T you EVER do that again!!!" She turned her back to him and made a quick exit from the room. Joxer stood there, rubbing his injured cheek with a hand, his gaze fixed on Gabrielle’s retreating form. This had not gone at all the way Talon had expected. The fallen Watcher figured his seduction of the bard would be easy. She had certainly welcomed his flirtations when they sat on that bench in the wagon, leading those freed prisoners to safety. The bard had laughed at his humor that lightened the tense atmosphere and had even put an arm around him adding a slight hug. Talon was so sure her actions meant that she wanted this shmuck Joxer. Such an egotistical being like Talon never thought he would have to admit to such a failure but all those centuries of being trapped in the earth’s heated core may have dampened his ability to clearly read the opposite sex. He had definitely misinterpreted the bard’s responses to his covert advances. Talon knew he had to repair the damage he had done or his masquerade as *Joxer* could come to an abrupt end. "Gabrielle, Wait!" He bolted from the room and ran down the hall. She was quite a distance ahead of him so he had to bridge the gap by quickening his pace. Gabrielle heard him call out to her and his sudden footsteps behind her so she quickened her own pace, as she yelled at him. "If *that* is what I can expect from the *new and improved Joxer*, I DON’T WANT TO KNOW HIM!!!" Joxer was finally close enough to reach a hand out to touch her shoulder, "Please, Gabrielle..." "GET YOUR HANDS OFF ME!!!" The bard spat as she whirled around, throwing a punch at him. "Whoa!" Joxer jumped back avoiding the punch, while raising his hands in a gesture of submission. Gabrielle had halted her hasty exit and now stood staring at the man she thought was a friend. "Gods Joxer, you are the LAST man I thought would EVER act like that." She shook her head in disgust. "I don’t even know who you are any more." Hurt was visible in her green eyes as she gazed him up and down. Talon knew he would have to pull off a flawless performance if he wanted to fix the snafu he had created. "I am so sorry Gabrielle. You’ve got to believe me when I say you are the last person I would ever want to hurt." A look of shame and remorse was in his eyes. "But that’s EXACTLY what you did Joxer, by trying to force your affections on me and after confessing *love* no less." "I know...I acted like the scum you and Xena have fought against for three years." Joxer slightly bowed his head and looked more shameful. "What really has me baffled is why you would even try something like *that*? It is SOOO not like you." "I don’t even know why myself." Joxer started to nervously shift from foot to foot. "But it probably has to do with the fear I have had ever since Xena told me that Dahak was free." "You want to tell me about it?" Gabrielle put a hand on his shoulder in a reassuring manner. Talon smiled inwardly. The bard’s anger had dissipated and she was now offering *him* comfort. But the fallen Watcher knew his butt wasn’t out of the fire yet, so he had to take his performance to the next level. "For most of the time you have known me Gabrielle, I have talked about being a hero but I never really had any deeds to back up my big words." "That is true Joxer but you have helped out Xena and me from time to time and you certainly saved the day when you found the Hind’s blood dagger and gave it to Xena." "Yeah, finding the dagger was the first time I didn’t mess up but I wouldn’t say it saved the day since we ended up losing you. And being the slow-wit that I am, it took you dying for me to finally back up my heroic words with actions. After all this time, I finally asked Xena to teach me how to fight." "From what Xena has told me, you have become very skilled with a staff. I am still working on bringing back my skill level and would love to spar with you." "I would like that too." Joxer let a faint smile cross his lips. "Fighting alongside Xena has been great. I now have actions to back up my words...I’ve fought warlords, slavers and robbers. I was all set to help Xena fight against Dahak too but now I realize I am way out of my league." "What do you mean Joxer?" "Being a real hero is all so new to me. I am still learning to control the fear I get when fighting humans so I don’t see how I stand any chance whatsoever fighting against these demons. I am so afraid I am not going to live to see this battle to the end and that’s why I came on to you like I did. I was hoping my confession would make you feel the same way about me, so I could experience love at least one time before my life would end. I now see it was wrong of me to expect you feel the same way I do." Letting his shoulders slouch, Joxer turned to leave. Gabrielle empathized with the fear Joxer felt and wanted to ease it in some way. "Oh Joxer, wait a minute." She placed a hand on his shoulder, halting his departure. He turned to face her again. "You are not the only one who has fear regarding our battle with Dahak." "Oh yeah, like Xena is scared of Dahak," he snorted with sarcasm. "And I guess Hercules and Ares are too, right?" "Fear has no boundaries Joxer. At some time in our lives we all feel it...even people like Xena...Hercules and even a god like Ares. If the truth were to be known, all of us are probably just as scared as you are." "That may be true, but none of you would have acted the way I did." Joxer’s lips twisted into a painful frown as he stared at Gabrielle’s face. "I acted like a BIG JERK and I wouldn’t blame you if you wanted nothing to do with me again." "Hey, I don’t hate you." Gabrielle held his hands in hers. "I believe your love for me is genuine and I love you too..." Joxer’s face brightened upon hearing her words. "But only as a friend." His face quickly fell again. "That doesn’t mean my love for you can’t evolve beyond friendship but you can’t force me to feel something that at the moment I don’t." "You’re right Gabrielle, it was wrong of me to assume you would feel the same way I do and I just hope that you can accept my sincerest apology and we can go on being friends." "I accept your apology Joxer and would like very much to continue being your friend." Gabrielle had a warm smile on her face as she gazed at Joxer. He returned her smile with one of his own. The pair continued their walk down the hall, chatting and laughing along the way. They soon found themselves on the floor of Gabrielle’s bedchamber, standing just outside the door. "I think that warm milk finally did the trick and I will actually be able to get some sleep now." Gabrielle turned the knob and opened the door. "Yeah, I’m going to turn in too, goodnight Gabrielle." "Goodnight Joxer." Gabrielle stepped into the bedchamber. "Um Gabrielle..." "Yes Joxer?" "You mentioned needing a sparring partner to get your staff skills up to speed again...I could work out with you tomorrow." "I already have a partner...a young priestess but I think her working out with me has gotten her in trouble with her superiors...she’s been neglecting her duties...so I would be glad to work out with you." "Great, I will come by your room tomorrow, before breakfast." Joxer had a pleased smile on his face. "I’ll see you then...goodnight." Gabrielle had a warm smile on her face. "Goodnight." Gabrielle was still smiling as she closed her bedchamber door. Joxer was still smiling himself as he proceeded down the hall to his own bedchamber. The fallen Watcher congratulated himself on yet another fine performance. ‘You still got it ol’ boy, you managed to pull your butt out of a very hot fire.’ Talon was used to women immediately melting under his charms so he would have to take a different approach with Gabrielle. But he was confident that in the end, she would melt just like all the others. CHAPTER 43 Xena’s eyes flew open as she bolted upright in the bed. "Damn it, why do I keep dreaming about that no good bastard!?!?!?" She cursed under her breath. A chill went down her spine as she rubbed her hands over her bare arms. Before arriving in Macedon, Xena’s dreams about Ares had been infrequent. But since her stay in the castle began, she had dreamed about him every night. Despite all that Ares had done over the years and his most recent stunts---abducting the children and the attempt at blackmailing her into becoming immortal, she seemed to want him more than ever. Xena couldn’t deny that there had always been an attraction even after they had parted ways but now, she was finding it harder to resist giving into those long hidden desires. At first, she thought Ares was causing the dreams but now she knew better. Could it be her gut instinct trying to send her a message...but what??? An answer kept drifting into her conscience...you are falling in love with him again. "Oh NO, that can’t be it," Xena murmured to herself, shaking her head in protest. The dreams were based on LUST alone. It had been a long time since she had been with a man and that was the ONLY reason she was preoccupied with thoughts of Ares. Satisfied with this answer, Xena combed slender fingers through her raven tresses, removing the hair that now hung in her face. She reached for the pitcher of water on the bedside table. She was surprised it was only half full. She hadn’t realized she had drunk so much earlier. Xena poured the water into a mug, then quickly downed it. She rolled the empty mug between her hands as she stared at the burning embers in the hearth. Xena knew she should try to go back to sleep but she was not looking forward to a continuation of erotic dreams starring herself and the God of War no matter how pleasurable they were. Xena set the empty mug back on the bedside table. She quickly threw off the silk sheets and furs as she hopped out of the large bed. A blue silk robe lay at the foot of the bed, which she put on before exiting the bedchamber. Xena thought about dropping by Gabrielle’s bedchamber since she was right next door but decided against it. If Gabrielle didn’t get all of her much needed sleep, she would be grouchy the next day and Xena would have to avoid being in her presence just for peace of mind. She decided to check on the twins one more time. Nothing had changed and both were still sleeping peacefully. Xena knew she should return to her own bedchamber but she decided to take a stroll around the castle instead. She hoped it would exhaust her enough where she would be too tired to dream about anything. After strolling around two floors, Xena found herself on the same floor as the throne room. She was at the far end of the corridor, gazing at the archway made visible by the lit torches along the walls. She had only walked a quarter of the way down the corridor when she felt Ares’ presence. Her first reaction was to make a speedy retreat to her bedchamber but she disregarded the notion and proceeded down the corridor. Upon reaching the archway, she came to a stop and glanced around at the room’s interior. For this time of night, it was dimly lit. Ares was not seated upon his throne but Xena knew he had to be somewhere in the room because she felt his presence. She gazed towards the large hearth where a roaring fire burned. There, lounging on the divan in front of the hearth lay Ares. The war god appeared to be asleep. Quietly, Xena entered the throne room and approached the divan. Ares didn’t move a muscle. A smile spread across her face when she stood before the lounging god. He was indeed asleep. Since gods did not need to sleep at regular intervals like mortals, this was one of the few occasions when Xena actually caught the god in such a state. Xena had always thought Ares was very handsome but his features took on an innocence that made him look rather cute and much like their sleeping son. His right arm hung off the divan with his hand touching the floor. A golden goblet, tipped over on its side, lay by his hand. Xena picked up the overturned goblet. It was empty but the fragrance of the fermented liquid it had contained still lingered. She now wondered if Ares’ sleep was brought on by fatigue or consuming too much godly booze. Xena sat the goblet on the mantle above the hearth. Her thoughts drifted back to her recent conversation with Hermes. The messenger god had revealed that once while intoxicated, Ares had confessed that he loved her. Her brow was furrowed in thought about this confession as she returned to stand before the divan. She gazed down at the face of the sleeping god. Careful not to wake Ares, she sat down on the side of the divan. With a hand, she brushed a stray curly black lock off his face. Using his powers, Ares had been able to delve into her mind and uncover her erotic dreams. Xena was half-god. If she possessed those same powers, maybe she could delve into the mind of the complex being lounging before her and uncover his innermost feelings about her. An inquisitive glint was in Xena’s eyes as she placed her hands on the sides of Ares’ head. Her brow was furrowed in deep concentration as she fixed the gaze of her crystal blue eyes on the face of the sleeping god. Slowly, she closed her eyes as visions of battles long before her own birth flashed through her mind. The visions began to move rapidly until they became a blur. When they slowed to a viewable pace again, she could now see visions of herself---it was from the time when she was a warlord and in service to Ares. Xena deepened her concentration in an attempt to go beyond the battles. The visions were starting to change when she felt Ares move. Her eyes flew open just as he grabbed her hands, pulling them away from his head. "My, my...aren’t you the hypocrite." A knowing smile, laced with amusement was plastered across Ares’ handsome face. "I don’t know what you’re talking about." Xena tried to yank her hands free but Ares’ maintained his firm grip. "Oh yes you do. I get kneed in the gonads for probing your thoughts, but here I awaken to you trying the same thing on me. Shame on you, Xena." He released his grip on her hands. Guilt for her actions began to creep into Xena’s conscience but she was not about to reveal such feelings to Ares. "You have such a deceptive nature, I figured probing your mind was the only way I would ever get the whole truth out of you." "You could just ask. What is it you wanted to know anyway?" Ares intently gazed at her face. "Oh, it was something rather silly so let’s just forget it," Xena quickly replied. Ares’ curiosity was now piqued. Xena obviously wanted to know something so badly that she was willing to use the godly powers she despised to get the answer. But she did not want to know badly enough where she would have to ask him to his face. Pressuring Xena would just make her angry, so Ares decided to just drop it---for now. "So, why are you up?" "Oh, I couldn’t sleep," she sighed. "Here, lie down." Ares was now in a sitting position as he moved over on the divan. A hand invitingly patted the empty spot next to him. "Whatever for?" Xena eyed him suspiciously. "Nothing sinister my dear…just a harmless body massage. Surely you haven’t forgotten I give great ones? And it just may help you sleep." Xena did recall the soothing body massages Ares use to give her and couldn’t deny that one would definitely come in handy about now. There was no mischievous glint in his eyes so Xena figured his intentions were honorable. She moved to lie down on the divan. "Before we get started, you should remove the robe." Ares had to suppress a smile as Xena’s lips twisted into a smirk. Suspicion was also back in her eyes. "The massage will be more effective if you aren’t wearing obstructive clothing." Xena conceded him this point as she removed her robe that she lay at the foot of the divan. The only clothing now on her well-toned form was a pale blue sleeping shift. She stretched out on the divan, lying on her stomach. She rested her head on her bent arms. Ares sat on the side of the divan and began with Xena’s shoulders. "Gods, no wonder you can’t sleep, you are all tied up in knots." "That’s why I am counting on your talented hands to smooth them out. Ohhh, that feels good already...move lower." "Your wish is my command." Ares moved his hands down her back, working out all the kinks and knots. Xena felt the tension fade away as her body gave into his soothing ministrations. "I never did thank you for turning my formidable fortress into a quaint bed and breakfast," Ares said with sarcasm. "Putting up all these people is not a hardship---this place has plenty of room," Xena replied. "I just wish you had informed me that you had sent for reinforcements." "I know you don’t care for my friends so I figured it was better to act and worry about your reaction later. Besides, even you can’t deny how the added help has increased our chances of defeating Dahak...just look at the results in Herakleia." "True," the god confessed. "I just can’t wait until this mess with Dahak is behind us and I can have my fortress free of heroes." "Does that include me?" "No, you and of course the children are welcome to stay as long as you like." Ares moved to the thigh of Xena’s right leg, kneading the muscles, loosening the tension. "Now this tension...Herakleia can’t be the cause...we were victorious so it’s got to be something else. Could it be those dreams you are having? Are they responsible for this tension and why you can’t sleep?" Ares bringing up the dreams that he only knew about through snooping made Xena angry. She quickly turned on her side so she could glare at him. "You would love for that to be the reason wouldn’t you? Me being haunted every night by dreams of us being together...it would be another boost to your already massive ego!" "Look Xena, despite what you think, I don’t make it a habit of prying into your personal thoughts." "You could have fooled me!" Xena propped herself up on one bent arm. "So, tell me, what other private thoughts of mine do you know about?" "Honest, those recent dreams are the only ones I know." Xena stared at him in disbelief. "Being half-god, you do have the ability to protect your private thoughts. Most is just instinct but training is needed to make it full proof." This news intrigued Xena, softening her hard stance against him. "The stress you have been under lately has hampered your instinctive ability to keep such thoughts private. Because of the *other* bond we share, your thoughts invade my conscience so I can’t help but read them." "This training you mentioned...could you show me how to make sure my personal thoughts remain PRIVATE?" "I would be happy to...we can start tomorrow. Now would you turn back over so I can finish the massage?" Xena obeyed his command and turned back over onto her stomach. Ares turned his attention to the thigh of her left leg. "I obviously hit the nail on the head when I suggested this tension was caused by the dreams." A weary sigh escaped Xena’s lips. He was not going to drop this uncomfortable topic. "Okay, yeah, this tension was brought on by the dreams. I would like to get some sleep but for some reason my thoughts keep drifting back to YOU…and you are the LAST person I want to be thinking about." "Now Xena, you know that is simply not true. You forget my dear, that I have been privy to your thoughts...every steamy detail...and I must admit I found them rather enjoyable and I know you have too." Xena turned over on her side and faced Ares again. Continuing a conversation on this topic was making her angry and it showed in her features. "My dreams, that I repeat are NONE of your business, are nothing but simple lust and are not at all a reflection on you. It’s been awhile since I’ve been with a man. You happened to show up at the right moment. The results would have been the same with anyone else." Her tone was firm as she stared into Ares’ deep brown eyes. "I highly doubt that Xena. What we share will always transcend any involvement we have with others." "Yeah, yeah, yeah, same old, same old...you can believe that if you want Ares but it doesn’t mean I have to," Xena said nonchalantly. "Oh, you believe it too but right now, you are just too stubborn to admit it." Ares was working on Xena’s right leg but his administrations had changed from a massage to a stimulating caress. Xena felt a warmth rise in her being from this simple touch. It reminded her of the way he had touched her in the dream she had that very night. She shook her head slightly to take her focus off his administrations to her leg before gazing hard at the war god’s handsome face. "Look Ares, I already told you that for the sake of the children, I will be civil to you but I WILL NOT let it go beyond those bounds." "But you can’t deny that you would like for it to go beyond those bounds...your continued dreams are proof of this." Xena remained silent as she slightly bowed her head. A flash of her dream appeared before her---she was moaning in ecstasy as Ares bathed her nude body with feathery kisses. Again, she shook her head to clear the pleasurable vision from her conscience. She closed her eyes and exhaled slowly. When she opened her eyes, she stared directly into the face of the god of war. She hadn’t even felt him move up the divan. He was lying on his side next to her, propped up on one muscular arm. "I used to believe that the bond Dahak forced upon us both was the reason for our mutual attraction but I now believe we were destined from the beginning of time to be together." He leaned forward and softly brushed his lips against hers. Ares expected Xena to pull away or punch him in the face so he was truly surprised when he felt her hand grasp the back of his head, pulling him closer as her lips deepened the kiss. Xena’s brain was screaming ‘STOP!!! This is a MISTAKE!!!’ But she couldn’t ignore the deafening screams of her body. ‘GO FOR IT!!! This is what you NEED!!!’ Ever since their last intimate encounter her body had ached to feel his touch again. But Xena had done her best to suppress it---to deny her body what it craved. But his gentle kiss had knocked down the barrier, unleashing a flood of desire that now raced through her body. It didn’t take long for their kisses to become feral as the desire in both reached levels beyond control. Ares moved forward pushing Xena onto her back as he now lay atop her. He moved to her neck, feeling her increased pulse rate as he caressed her soft, warm flesh with feathery light kisses. Xena closed her eyes as sighs of ecstasy escaped her lips. Her slender fingers moved through Ares’ raven locks encouraging the continuation of his stimulating ministrations on her body. His kisses moved to a shoulder, pulling down the thin strap of the sleeping shift she wore along the way. Ares caressed the newly exposed flesh with soft kisses. Xena moaned with delight. She held him close as she started grinding her hips against his. Ares moved back up to claim her lips in a hungry kiss. Xena’s hands madly roamed Ares’ back before making their way between their bodies to frantically wrestle with the fastener on the god’s leather pants. With his own desire reaching the point of discomfort, Ares was happy to oblige Xena’s desire to be rid of his restrictive clothing. He was about to remove his clothes as well as hers with a thought when they heard the sound of heavy footsteps proceeding down the long corridor, heading for the throne room. Xena immediately stopped wrestling with his pants as she turned her head away from his probing kiss. "No Ares, we can’t...someone is coming this way," she gasped. "It’s probably just a servant, when they see what we are *doing* they will leave." He tried to recapture her lips with a kiss. "I said NO!" With all of her strength, Xena shoved Ares off of her then jumped off the divan. She readjusted her sleeping shift before grabbing her silk robe lying at the foot of the divan. She quickly put it on just as Cyrus appeared in the archway of the throne room. Upon seeing the pair together, the former Watcher had a look of surprise on his face but it quickly faded as he got to the point of his visit to the throne room. "Since you two are the only ones still awake, you can be the first to check out the progress I’ve made with that plant sample Joxer brought me." "I can’t wait to see this, so lead the way Cyrus." Xena immediately attached herself to the former Watcher’s right arm as he proceeded to lead the pair from the throne room, leaving Ares to follow behind them. ********** Xena and Ares stood by a table, both intently gazing at the dissected plant remains intricately lying on a sheet of parchment. "The essence of the fallen Watchers is trapped in the lava." Cyrus held up some cooled lava, which he crumbled in a hand, letting the grayish brown dirt fall on the table between them. "Human blood is essential for transferring the essence into the lava plants." Cyrus ran a pointed instrument over the large stem of the plant that was slit in half and lying on the parchment. It was filled with a dry red substance that appeared to be blood. "The plant doesn’t become a danger to humans until its single orange flower comes into bloom." Cyrus fiddled with the large fiery orange petals lying on the parchment. "When the flower comes into bloom, it releases tiny seeds. If they touch your skin or you inhale them, your soul will be destroyed and your body will become the new home of a fallen Watcher." "I knew Dahak had a plan to corrupt the population of Greece right under the nose of Olympus but even I didn’t conjure up anything this sinister." Ares fiddled with one of the large orange petals he held in a hand. "Dahak told me, that destroying the facility in the Thracian ruins would not stop him. He already had thousands of plants that were being spread to every city and village," Xena said. "He probably let you in on that truth because he knew there was no way for us to scour every inch of Greece looking for those lava plants waiting to bloom." Cyrus’ lips twisted into a grim frown. "It may seem impossible but we must find a way to round up as many of those plants as we can," Xena said. "Ephiny could round up the Amazons for the task. She also has ties to the centaurs so she should be able to get their help too." "Hercules made mention of Iphicles offering to help so he could send word that his assistance is needed," Ares added. "I also think, I can persuade a couple gods to lend a hand too." "Who knows, it may turn out that Dahak was a tad bit over confident when he assumed we could never find a way to hunt down all his little plants," Xena said with a wicked grin. "We do have a chance of spoiling his plans but we really can’t get started until morning, when we can fill the others in on what Cyrus has uncovered," Ares said. "Ares is right, there is nothing more for you two to do here, so you might as well get some rest like the others," Cyrus said. "As for me, I will get back to work on my other priority...translating those scrolls." Ares and Xena departed Cyrus’ makeshift laboratory so the former Watcher could get back to work on translating those scrolls. The pair walked down the corridor in silence. Once they were out of earshot of the makeshift laboratory, Ares grabbed Xena’s left arm bringing them both to a stop. "Why don’t we continue our activities from the throne room in my bedchamber?" His voice was low and seductive. "Sorry Ares but Cyrus’ interruption brought back my senses and I clearly see what a mistake that would be." Xena removed her arm from the war god’s grasp. "I think it’s time I head back to my bedchamber." Her lips curled into a sly smile when she spoke her next words. "That body massage of yours did its job and I think I will actually have a restful, dream-free sleep, so goodnight." Xena gave Ares one last glance as she proceeded down the corridor, headed for her bedchamber. "Damn!" Ares whispered under his breath as he watched Xena turn the corner and disappear from sight. If it wasn’t for Cyrus’ poor timing, she would be in his arms right now and they would be making love. Instead she was back to denying them and playing the tease to boot. Well, she would just have to forget about having a restful, dream-free sleep. Ares quickly vanished from sight to reappear directly before her as she proceeded down another corridor. The war god’s sudden appearance was unexpected so she collided right into his tall muscular frame. She was still startled when he backed her up against a stone wall. "What do you think you are doing???" Xena tried to move away from the wall. But Ares pinned her in place using his own hard body. When she raised her arms in an attempt to push him away, he pinned them against the wall above her head. "You are DEAD WRONG Xena, if you think you can dismiss me so easily." Ares claimed her lips in a brutal kiss. Xena tried to free herself but this was impossible with Ares’ body firmly pinning her own to the wall. When he finally broke the kiss, he moved to an earlobe that he teased with nibbles. Ares’ powerful kiss had left Xena gasping for breath. "Rape...is not...your style." "I won’t have to rape you, Xena." Ares let his lips move to her neck and caressed the delicate warm flesh with soft kisses. He gave extra attention to the sensitive spot on her neck that he knew would bring her arousal to the forefront. As she felt his lips roaming over her skin, Xena knew all too well his intentions and wanted to halt them. "S-Stop it," she breathed but there was not the least bit of conviction in her voice---she had spoken too late because his tongue was already teasing the delicate spot on her neck. Xena closed her eyes as a pleasurable sigh escaped her lips. The robe she wore hung open, so Ares moved his pleasurable ministrations to the exposed flesh above her shift---each kiss leaving her skin hotter than the last. Xena’s body was no longer tense from resisting his sensual intentions. She felt loose---relaxed as he awakened the desire she so desperately wanted to deny. Ares moved away from the soft skin above her breasts and stood facing her again. He released her arms from their firm position against the wall. Her hands immediately went to his head, bringing him closer for a kiss but to her surprise, her intentions were halted by the war god. "I think I have kept you from reaching your bedchamber long enough...sleep well." With that said, Ares vanished from sight. His leather clad form materialized in his bedchamber, directly in front of the large mirror. An image of where he had just been instantly appeared. A satisfied smile creased the god’s handsome face. Xena still stood in the corridor. Her breathing was rapid and her face was riddled with unquenched desire. She resumed her walk down the corridor, muttering angry words at herself for being weak and letting the desires of her body rule her head. Ares was still smiling as the image of Xena faded from sight to be replaced by his own handsome reflection smiling back at him. He may not have laid with Xena that night but at least he had the satisfaction of knowing he would remain in her thoughts. After what just happened, her subconscious would make sure his image filled her dreams, destroying her chance of getting a restful sleep that night and the many nights to come.
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