@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 62 thru 64) CHAPTER 62 Rays of the mid-day sun poured through the oblong windows creating a homey atmosphere in the large kitchen of Cyrus’ palace. Usually bustling with cooks who prepared the food for the estate’s many residents, the kitchen today, had the distinction of being empty except for one. Vashti picked up a ceramic bowl and dumped its doughy contents onto the floured surface of a table. Rubbing some flour onto the palms of her hands, she began to knead the dough. "Here you are. I’ve been looking for you everywhere." Selene strolled into the kitchen, making her way over to her friend. She watched as Vashti sprinkled more flour over the surface of the table. "What are you making?" "It’s pita bread." Using a knife, she cut the dough into smaller portions. "Lycus and Lysia love these stuffed with lambs meat and curry rice and I promised them I would make some for dinner." "Y’know, my mind is still reeling over the fact that they have parents that are alive." Selene rooted through a nearby basket filled with vegetables, snatching up a carrot as a snack. "Before the children went to Greece, they started asking a lot of questions about their parents that I was not allowed to answer, so I am glad the truth is now out in the open." Vashti placed the smaller portions of dough on a square heating brick. A crisp snap was heard when Selene bit off the tip of the carrot. She watched Vashti place the dough into a fiery brick oven. "Now that their parents are back in their lives, you do know that the children will probably be going to live with them?" "Yes, I know." Vashti went over to the hearth where two caste iron pots were simmering. She removed the lid from one of the pots. Grabbing a spoon hanging above the hearth, she stirred around its contents of curry rice before placing the lid back over it. Then she lifted the lid of the second pot. Selene watched Vashti take a piece of lamb’s meat from the pot and put it in her mouth. "You are being a good sport...I just don’t know if I could be." "Um, needs a bit more pepper," Vashti mumbled to herself. She turned to face Selene. "Could you bring the pepper mill over here and what are you talking about?" Selene got the pepper mill off a table and brought it over to her friend. "Vashti, you have been the only mother the children have known and from what you told me, it was suppose to stay that way. Now, all of a sudden, Xena is back in the picture and wants to be Mommy." "When the children were born, Xena was a warlord and saw no hope of ever escaping that life so she left them with Uncle Cyrus and me." Vashti gently turned the crank of the pepper mill ---it’s contents slowly falling into the simmering pot over the hearth. "But she did abandon that life and now wants her children back. I can’t say I blame her." "But where does that leave you?" "Look Selene, I’ve never made it a secret that I am not the twins real mother." Vashti began to vigorously turn the crank of the pepper mill. "So they have always been curious about their birth parents. Now those parents are back in their lives and I am happy for the children. But I can’t deny that my heart will break the day I have to say good-bye to them." Vashti stopped using the pepper mill as her brown almond-shaped eyes got misty. Selene frowned with guilt while gently placing a hand on Vashti’s arm. "Hey, I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to upset you." "No, it’s okay." Vashti pulled out a towel hanging in the pocket of the apron she wore and quickly wiped the brewing tears from her eyes before they could streak her face. "I am doing my best to put my pain aside and enjoy the time I have left with the children before they start their new lives with Xena and Ares." She returned the lid to the pot of lamb’s meat and made her way back over to the table. "Ooh yeah, we certainly can’t leave out Ares." Selene now stood on the opposite side of her friend at the table. A lustful look was in her eyes as a devilish grin spread across her face. "Yummy." Vashti knew full well that her friend’s last remark had nothing to do with the carrot she was eating. "Selene!" She playfully slapped the young woman’s arm with the towel. "Oh c’mon Vashti, I’ve seen the way you look at him. You think he is HOT just as much as I do." "Okay, I do," Vashti confessed. "Xena described him to me years ago --- but the impression I got just doesn’t do justice in the flesh." "Oh, I’ll say." Selene started to giggle when she thought about the night the war god arrived at the palace and she helped remove his clothes. Vashti knew what her friend was thinking about and started laughing too. In between giggles she spoke. "There’s something I must tell you that I know you will appreciate." Vashti leaned her hands on top of the table. "The other day, I brought some clean towels and fresh water to Ares’ bedchamber. He was still sleeping so I made sure I didn’t wake him. But when I turned to leave, there he was, standing right behind me…NAKED!" "No way!?" Selene’s mouth hung open in shock as she let the partially eaten carrot slip from a hand and land on the tabletop. "Yes." "Tell me more!" Selene leaned her hands on the table, her eyes sparkling with piqued interest. "Ares asked me what we had done with his leathers. But all I could do was stand there and stare at his body…and what a body it is!" "Oh, I know!" Selene smiled as she remembered rubbing a wet cloth over the god’s muscular arms to cool him from a high fever. "When I finally answered him, I stammered like an idiot. Gods, I was so embarrassed…I know my face must have been beet red. And he just stood there with this big grin on his face…totally enjoying what he was doing to me. I finally gave up trying to speak, found the leathers for him and got out of there as fast as I could." "Gee, all the great things happen to you." Selene shook her head with envy. "So, did you get a look at what Bithia always kept covered whenever we were in the room?" "Yeah, I did," Vashti confessed bashfully. "I’ve seen naked men before but none of them were ever so…so…" "Well endowed." Selene finished for her friend. "Yeah, that’s it exactly." "It probably has something to do with him being a god." Selene leaned across the table and spoke in a hushed tone. "This makes me wonder why Xena doesn’t walk funny." "Selene!" Vashti gasped with shock before bursting into chuckles. "The things you think about." Selene chuckled along with her friend as she shrugged her shoulders. "Hey, I can’t help it…I have a curious nature." "Do you think Ares and Xena are involved again?" Vashti asked when the two finally stopped laughing. "Oh of course. The way he kept calling out for her when he first got here…" "But he was delirious from the fever. Besides, he mentioned a lot of other names too." Vashti picked up a knife lying on the table. "But Xena’s got mentioned the most," Selene reminded her. She looked at her friend curiously. "Why are you so interested in whether Ares and Xena are back together?" "I just want to know for the children’s sake," Vashti quickly replied as she turned her attention to a nearby basket and began inspecting the tomatoes it contained. "And there is no other reason…like maybe being interested in Ares yourself and wanting to know if he’s available?" "No, that’s not it at all." Vashti decided on a tomato and proceeded to slice it with the knife. "You have always been a lousy liar, Vashti." "I am not lying." "Yes you are." Selene said firmly. "I’ve seen the way you look at him. He’s cute and could charm the dress off a Hestian virgin but he is all wrong for you, Vashti. Leave Ares to Xena." Vashti stopped slicing the tomato and stared at her friend. "How can you be so sure Ares is wrong for me?" Before Selene could answer, Bithia poked her head in the kitchen doorway. "Ah Selene, here you are…I’ve been looking for you everywhere. You are needed in the schoolhouse right away." Selene looked towards Vashti. "We’ll have to finish this talk later. But you just remember what I said." Vashti’s eyes were fixed on Selene’s departing form as she pondered the advice she was given. Slowly, she resumed her task of slicing the tomato. ********** Ares re-adjusted the green colored parchment onto its wooden frame. When he was satisfied with his work, he handed it to Lycus who was standing before him. A grateful smile crossed the little boy’s lips before he turned to face his three friends who stood next to him. "See fellas, I toldja my Dad could fix it," he proudly said. "Yeah Lycus, your Dad is the best!" One of the boys said. The other two echoed his sentiments. Ares raised his hands in a halting gesture. "Whoa kids...as much as I like the praise why don’t you guys see if the griffin will fly for you?" "Okay." Carrying the kite in his hands, Lycus along with his three friends, headed for the grassy field down by the pond. When the boys were in the center of the field, Lycus handed the parchment griffin to one of his friends as he held onto the ball of string tied to the end of it. Then, Lycus took off running. When he was at a far enough distance, his friend let go of the griffin. It was caught on a passing breeze and started rising into the air. Lycus stopped running and watched as strong winds caused the green object to soar into the clear blue sky just as if it were a true griffin actually flying. The boy was smiling with delight along with his friends. From his position on a marble bench, Ares watched the boys entertain themselves with the kite. Their enthusiasm brought a smile to his lips. But the smile quickly turned to a scowl when he saw Gabrielle approaching him. He immediately rose from the bench and proceeded to head towards the palace. Gabrielle quickened her pace, bypassing him and came to stand blocking his path. "No need to flee on my account." Ares came to an abrupt stop, his brown eyes glaring at her. "I wasn’t fleeing!" he snapped. He softened his tone before continuing. "There’s something I must attend to in the palace." "Oh c’mon Ares, is that the best you can do? You’ve been avoiding me ever since that night when you admitted you are in love with Xena." "I only said that to get you off my back." Ares moved closer to her as his tone of voice got lower and more threatening. "So, don’t even think of trying to hold that so called *confession* over my head." Gabrielle stepped back from him. "That was not my intention at all." "It better NOT be! And don’t breathe one word of this to Xena." He stepped around her and resumed his walk towards the palace. "Oh, I won’t tell Xena," Gabrielle followed and immediately caught up with him. "But I think you should." Ares curiously glanced at the young woman now walking beside him. "Y’know, I don’t get it--- you have hated me for years...never thought I would ever be good enough for Xena. Now you’re suddenly a red-headed version of Aphrodite." "Like I told you the other night, I’ve had a change of heart. I’ve seen the way you interact with the twins and now the children of the orphanage. Being with them is bringing out the human in you." An exasperated sigh escaped the war god’s lips. "No need to insult me." "There is no shame in being human," Gabrielle said. "I know you gods have tried to hide that part of your ancestry but it’s always going to be there." "Ah, let me guess it was Cyrus who told you about the true origin of the gods." Ares shook his head with disgust. "The other pantheons won’t have to worry about Dahak toppling them with good ol’ Cyrus informing the masses about the human blood flowing through their veins." "Oh quit exaggerating. Besides Xena, I am the only other person he has ever told and I’m not telling anyone." "Just make sure it stays that way." Ares quickened his pace. "Hey wait! I wasn’t finished." Gabrielle followed after him. "I was, we have nothing more to discuss." "Ares, you have to tell Xena how you really feel." Once again Gabrielle walked alongside him. Ares rolled his eyes with annoyance as a weary sigh escaped his lips. "Okay, hypothetically, let’s say my confession was real and I am in love with Xena. Why would I want to admit this to her? She would never believe me and probably laugh in my face." "No she wouldn’t, Ares." "And how can you be so sure?" An uncomfortable frown appeared on Gabrielle’s face. "You are the last person I would want to admit this to but since you made a confession to me, I now owe you one." Ares raised an eyebrow in piqued interest while he waited for her to continue. "I watched Xena that night we all had dinner with the children. She was so alive...so chatty. I think it was the first time I have ever seen her at true peace." The war god’s eyes widened in surprise upon hearing her words. "What I mean is that Xena has had happy times with me. She even told me that I brought so much joy into her life and gave it meaning. But what I bring her doesn’t even compare to what I saw in her eyes when she was with you and the children. That’s why you must tell her how you really feel...it would mean so much to her." The pair slowly shuffled to a stop and turned towards each other, glancing up at the same moment. Each quickly averted the other’s eyes as an awkward feeling fell over both. Gabrielle wanted to pinch herself to make sure she wasn’t in a dream and had actually told her worst enemy that he and Xena belonged together. Ares tentatively gazed at the young woman standing before him. For years she stood in the way of him getting Xena back. Not that long ago he had plotted her death and here she was now---the irritating, annoying chatterbox---telling him to confess his love for Xena. Gabrielle seemed to be so sure that Xena would welcome his confession. If that were so, did it mean that Xena loved him? If anyone had insight on such feelings, it would be the bard. Ares parted his lips to voice this question. Suddenly, a young voice broke the awkward silence between them. "Daddy! Gabrielle!--- Mommy, Uncle Cyrus and Joxer are here!" Lysia excitedly announced while running past them and heading towards the grassy field to inform Lycus. Ares lost the nerve to voice his question. "Um…we better go to the palace." He absentmindedly ran a hand through his hair. "Uh…yeah," Gabrielle said, still feeling uneasy about what she had said. The two fell silent again and quickly made their way to the palace. When they got inside, they found Xena standing in the foyer. "Oh Xena, I am so glad Ibycus was able to find you!" Gabrielle embraced her best friend in a tight hug. "We were just about to re-enter Greece when he showed up." Xena had a big smile on her face while returning Gabrielle’s hug. But her eyes were locked on Ares’ form, his face in particular. The shoulder length raven locks he had the last time she saw him were gone and replaced with very short hair. The long sideburns were gone too. Ares had his muscular arms folded across his broad chest while leaning against the doorframe and silently watching the reunion between best friends. He saw Xena staring at him, taking in the changes he had made to his appearance. Did she like what she saw? He couldn’t help but stare back. It was her beautiful face that he constantly saw those first few days after his mysterious resurrection---when he was shrouded in delirium from a high fever. Seeing her face was the only thing that brought him comfort during that time. It filled him with regret that he had died without telling Xena how he really felt about her. And now he wondered how she would have reacted to his death. Would she have cried? Would she have missed him despite the things he had done to win her back? What were her true feelings for him? Ares’ attention returned to the conversation taking place before him. "So, where is this piece to the Holy Saber?" Gabrielle asked. "Cyrus has it. He and Joxer are in the library." "Oh good! After looking at drawings of it countless times, I can’t wait to see the real thing." Holding onto Xena’s right arm, the bard was about to escort them both to the library, but the warrior woman remained planted where she stood. "Why don’t you go on ahead Gabrielle? I will be there in a few minutes." She quickly glanced at Ares, who still leaned against the doorframe. Gabrielle couldn’t help but notice her friend’s sideward glance at the war god. She also felt the tension between the two. "Oh, okay." Gabrielle let go of Xena’s arm and quickly made her way down the hall, headed towards the library. After Gabrielle’s departure, Ares left the doorframe and moved to stand before Xena. "Yours is the first search party to arrive in Persia. Let’s hope the others were just as successful, will get their messages from Ibycus and arrive here soon." Xena moved closer to Ares. "I see you decided to change your look." She ran a hand through his short hair then let it rest against the side of his smooth face. "Do you like it?" Ares asked. "Yeah I do." "Then it’s unanimous because the kids like it too," Ares said with a smile. Xena smiled back at him as her hand gave his cheek one final caress before falling at her side. "When I got Gabrielle’s message that Olympus had fallen...I thought it meant you were dead." "Oh, I felt the sting of Hind’s blood but it wasn’t enough to keep a god like me down." Ares rolled his broad shoulders. "What do you mean?" Xena asked. "It’s a long story that I will have to tell you later." Ares raised a hand and let the fingers play with the raven tresses falling over her shoulders. "So, when you thought I was dead, did you cry?" "No, I didn’t cry," Xena replied. "But you were sad, right?" "Yes, I was sad." Xena gazed at him curiously. "What’s with the questions?" "I’m just interested in finding out how people really feel about me. After what I’ve been through, stuff like that becomes very important." "Oh it does, does it?" Xena smiled at him. "Yeah." Smiling too, Ares moved closer to her. "So, how do you feel about me?" Before Xena could answer, the sound of hurried footsteps filled the foyer followed by the quick entrance of the twins. "Mommy!" "Mom!" Xena’s smile was now beaming as she turned around, squatted down and held her arms wide open for the twins to run into her waiting embrace. "Oh, you don’t know how much I missed you two!" She planted a kiss on the cheek of each child. "We missed you too, Mommy," Lysia said. "A whole lotta stuff happened while you were gone," Lycus added. "Yeah, the snakeman killed Daddy!" Lysia said. Xena’s eyes widened upon hearing this news. "But he came back to life right before we came to Persia," Lycus added. "Your father told me something about that…" Xena glanced up at Ares. "But not so vivid." "We had to fly on Serpico, Blade and Pegasus to get here," Lycus said. "We flew over a bunch of houses…they looked so small…just like my dollhouse," Lysia added. Lycus’ face beamed with excitement. "Ooh and ya have to check out the new kite I got! It looks like a griffin." Xena couldn’t help but laugh while the children bombarded her with excited chatter. She glanced up at Ares who was stifling his own chuckles. Once more the hall echoed with hurried footsteps as three small boys – Lycus’ friends Darek, Jamal and Omar – burst into the foyer. "Lycus…Lysia, ya havta come to the stables…Samira is foalin’!" Jamal said. In his hands, he held the parchment griffin that he handed to Lycus. "She is!?" Lysia asked with excitement. Samira was one of the many horses that Cyrus owned. "Uh, huh." Darek nodded. "Braxton, came from the stables and told us so we came to get ya," Omar said. "So, c’mon," Darek said. Lycus and Lysia had uncomfortable looks on their faces. "But we were in the middle of tellin’ our Mom what happened while she was away," Lycus said. "But ya said ya wanted to be there when Samira had her baby," Jamal reminded the twins. "Why don’t you two go on with your friends?" Xena rose to her full height. "But we didn’t finish tellin’ ya all the stuff that happened," Lysia said. "I’m not going anywhere so you can tell me the rest when you get back." Xena laid her hands on the children’s shoulders. "And you can add what you see at the foaling. Watching a horse give birth is really amazing…you don’t want to miss it." "Are ya guys comin’ or what?" Omar asked. Lycus looked at Lysia who nodded. "Yeah, we’re comin’," Lycus said. "Then let’s go!" Jamal said. Xena and Ares watched as Lycus and Lysia ran off with their friends to the stables. "We better get to the library," Xena suggested after the children’s departure. Her face was now riddled with worry. Noticing the change in her demeanor, Ares asked, "All did not go as planned while getting the saber piece, did it?" "No. Something happened to Joxer." "What is it?" Ares actually had a look of concern on his face. "A demon has taken possession of his body and now we must get it out," Xena replied with a grim frown. ********** Gabrielle cautiously moved around the large mahogany table. Green eyes widened in disbelief as she examined the massive chains binding the unconscious man. His face appeared gentle and familiar as ever. She hesitated, then ran slender fingers through his short brown hair…were such restraints necessary? She’d known him for years – he’d never harm anyone. Would he? Cyrus’ words gave lie to the peaceful image… ’Joxer’s body is possessed by a demon.’ Gabrielle thought back to the night at the castle in Macedon, when Joxer had made a pass at her. It all made sense to her now. She knew Joxer would never act like that and knew it had to be this demon named Talon. A chill went through her when she thought about how he had kissed her...his tongue invading her mouth while his hands explored her body. Gabrielle was startled back to the present when she heard a groan escape the bound man’s lips. She moved away from the table. When she looked at his face, his eyelids fluttered before finally staying open. The brown orbs appeared to be disoriented at first as they stared up at the ceiling. He tried to move but was restrained by the chains holding him in place. Sensing the presence of another he turned his head to the side. "Oh, thank the gods, Gabrielle it’s just you," he breathed with relief. "Listen to me, I know Xena and Cyrus have told you that I’m possessed by a demon but they are lying." "They are?" Gabrielle’s tone was filled with suspicion. "Yes. Cyrus is not the good watcher he claims to be. He is one of Dahak’s cronies and he has been poisoning Xena’s mind with evil. I found out and tried to get to Persia to warn you but they caught me and now want to kill me." He strained against the chains holding him in place. "That’s why you have to get these things off of me so I can get us both out of here." "Nice try...Talon, but I don’t buy one word of it." Gabrielle folded her arms across her chest. "I am not Talon, I am Joxer and what I’m saying is the truth," he insisted. "Cyrus came back to Persia so he and Xena can get the kids, take them back to Greece and turn them over to Dahak. He also told Dahak about Hope putting you in the destroyer’s body. That’s why I must get you, me and the kids out of here." The bard stood in silence, absorbing what he had just said. "You’ve got to remove these chains…we don’t have much time before Cyrus and Xena come in here." He struggled against the restraints holding him in place. "Please Gabrielle!" He pleaded sounding so desperate and his brown eyes filled with sincerity. Gabrielle’s face was riddled with conflict. Were his words true? She did know Joxer much longer than Cyrus? And what did she really know about the former Watcher? She approached the table and gazed down at the man she considered a dear friend. She couldn’t detect any deception---he appeared to be for real. "Hurry Gabrielle!" He wiggled some more in the restraints. With hesitation, she laid her hands on the chains. Suddenly, the sound of clapping filled the library. Both looked towards the library door. There they saw Xena clapping her hands---Ares stood beside her. "I must admit Talon, you are very good," Xena said when she stopped clapping. "I can certainly see how you fooled us all into believing you were Joxer." Xena and Ares started walking towards the table. Gabrielle stepped away from the bound man. Talon stared at Ares, his eyes widening in shock. "YOU! You’re suppose to be dead!" "Yeah, that is what your ol’ pal Dahak wanted but I had my own plans," Ares said with a cocky grin. Gabrielle shook her head in amazement. "Oh gods, I was actually starting to believe him and was going to set him free." "But you didn’t," Xena said. "Talon is a master of deception but we will be free of him soon enough," she glared at the bound man. "The only way you will be free of me is to kill this body and doing that will kill Joxer too…HA-HA-HA…" "If I am going to stay in here, he’s got to shut up." Ares grabbed a rag hanging from an empty torch holder then headed over to the table where Talon laid bound. When he stood over the laughing man, he roughly shoved the cloth into his mouth, instantly silencing him. "Xena, what if Talon’s words are true and destroying him kills Joxer?" Gabrielle’s face was filled with fear. "Don’t let what Talon said get to you. Cyrus will find a way to rid the body of him and bring Joxer back to us." "I’m no fan of Cyrus’ but he is very smart and if there is anyone that can find a way to save Joxer, it is him," Ares admitted. "I just hope you two are right because I don’t like the thought of having to kill one of my friends," Gabrielle said. "It won’t come to that," Xena assured, putting an arm around her best friend’s shoulders in a comforting gesture. "So, where is the piece to the Holy Saber?" Ares asked. "It’s over here." Xena walked over to another table set in the corner of the library. Ares and Gabrielle followed her. When all three stood before the table, Xena picked up a gray satchel and pulled out the contents. "Here it is." She held up a three-inch shard of metal, dull and partially stained with dirt. "It just looks like an old hunk of metal to me." Gabrielle smirked with disappointment. "That’s because it’s been lying in dirt for millennia," Xena said. Ares took the hunk of metal from Xena’s hand. "With a little polishing this metal will shine like the sun." He held it up to the light and inspected it. "You just wait until the others get here with the remaining pieces. Then you’ll see the saber in its full glory." Ares smiled with delight as he got a vision of himself holding the saber---his body absorbing the power contained within it as the other Olympian gods, including Zeus, bowed at his feet because he was now the most powerful god on earth. At that moment, Cyrus, carrying a very large old book and a jar, came through the library’s back door. Following him were, Aphrodite, Cecrops, Bithia, Jasper and two other servants, one carrying a large bucket. "You will all be pleased to know that I found a passage in this very book that details the ritual needed to be performed to exorcise Talon and restore Joxer," Cyrus announced to the gathered group. "Oh, thank the gods," Gabrielle breathed with relief. The others shared her sentiments with smiles. "From here on out, no one is to leave the library. Both doors have been bolted shut and the posts coated with the metal of light," Cyrus said. "Now I’ll secure the inside of the library." Cyrus laid the book he carried on a table before taking the bucket from the servant. "Is there anything we can do?" Xena asked. "Yes, you all can light the candles scattered around the room," Cyrus replied. While Cyrus prepared the library for the exorcism, the others set about the task that he had given them. Still silenced by the cloth stuffed in his mouth, Talon turned his head this way and that, watching the activity going on around him. "Okay, everyone must join me around the table," Cyrus ordered when he had completed securing the room and all the candles were lit. He stood before the table where Talon lay bound. The thick drapes blocked out the setting sun but the library still beamed with light provided by many candles scattered about the room. The scent of melted wax permeated the air as all in attendance gathered around the large mahogany table. "Join hands," Cyrus ordered. "During the ritual, everyone must remain silent." From his bound position atop the table, Talon cautiously eyed those now standing around him. His cocky bravado was gone as fear shown plainly on his face. All joined hands, and stood in silence with their eyes fixed on Cyrus. His eyes were closed and his head was bowed as he whispered a prayer in his native tongue---Celestic. A few moments later the prayer ceased as he raised his head and opened his eyes. Cyrus broke from the circle, joining together the hands of those on either side of him as he stepped towards the table. He raised his head towards the ceiling and in a loud voice said, "Creator of light and purity, I your humble servant Cyrus, call on you to restore my powers so I may free a trapped soul from this creature of darkness." Suddenly, a stream of white light came through the ceiling and engulfed Cyrus’ body. One servant slightly jumped before gazing at the phenomenon unfolding right before his eyes. The multicolored robe and the other clothes Cyrus wore were transformed snowy white. A cry of pain escaped his lips then his body began to tremble. Those gathered stared with wide eyes filled with fear---with awe as they watched wings slowly sprout from his shoulder blades and flow down his back, stopping mid-thigh. Cyrus now had an ethereal appearance having taken on his form as a watcher again. Talon had been watching the transformation too. His brown eyes were wide with fear while muffled screams of terror managed to escape the cloth shoved into his mouth. He violently struggled against the chains while Cyrus moved to stand over him. He removed the cloth from the bound man’s mouth. "STAY AWAY FROM ME!!!" Talon shouted, the veins in his neck bulging while his body strained against his metal binds. "DON’T TOUCH ME!!!" Cyrus ignored the struggling demon as he dipped an index finger in a jar of liquid metal he had earlier set on the table and marked Talon’s forehead and cheeks with the star of light. "AHHHHHH!" Talon howled as if his flesh had been burned. Xena felt Gabrielle tighten the grip on her hand as she stood next to her. The warrior woman stole a glance at her friend’s face. It was riddled with agony. But what was being done was necessary to destroy the demon and restore their friend. She gave Gabrielle’s hand a reassuring squeeze. Moving lower, Cyrus ripped open Talon’s shirt and painted a large star of light on the man’s bare chest. "NOOOOO!!!" Talon yelled while lifting his torso off the table, straining against the chains binding his arms and wrapped around his legs. Cyrus waved his hands over the man’s body and in a loud voice said, "BY THE POWER GIVEN TO ME BY THE DIVINE CREATOR, I COMMAND YOU DEMON TO LEAVE THIS BODY!" A white light flowed from Cyrus’ hands that slowly engulfed Talon’s body. "NO-NO-NO-AAAHHH!!!" Talon screamed when his body was completely shrouded by the light. Those around the table stared with fascination. "UGGHHH!!!" Talon screamed. With all his might, he pulled against the chains holding him in place. "I WANT TO STAY!!!" Talon roared as an entity began moving throughout his body. Its journey was in plain view to all as it violently poked against the bare skin of Talon’s chest and arms. Some couldn’t watch and turned their heads away. When it reached his face, its frantic movements contorted the shape. "AAAHHH!!!" Talon yelled at the loudest decibels, straining his vocal cords. Then abruptly, he fell silent. His eyes were glazed over with the stare of death while his mouth hung agape. Those watching looked at him fearing the worst. Gabrielle’s eyes started filling with tears. Had the exorcism failed? Was her friend dead? One of the servants couldn’t hold back a gasp when all saw an eerie black cloud pour from Talon’s opened lips. Fearing what he was seeing, Jasper pulled his hands away from those on either side of him and started backing away. "NO! You can’t break the circle!" Cyrus yelled. But the frighten man’s action was just what the displaced demon needed. It instantly whipped around him. "No…get away from me!" Jasper shouted as he frantically flailed his arms trying to swat away the demon. Xena wanted to offer the man assistance and made a move towards him. "NO XENA! Stay at the table! All of you stay there and keep holding hands!" Cyrus ordered. He headed over to where Jasper now lay, rolling about the floor, his body now shrouded in the eerie mist. Jasper gazed up at Cyrus when he stood over him. His eyes now had a red glow. "Get away from me, Watcher!" he hissed. Cyrus fell to his knees and laid his hands on the head of the fallen man, engulfing his body in white light. "AAAHHH!" Jasper yelled as his body began to convulse. A few moments later, a black mist burst from his mouth. It flew around the room, frantically searching for another body to inhabit. Those standing at the table followed its desperate movements. It whipped around them, trying to frighten another into breaking their link of hands but they stayed firm. Faster and faster it zipped around the room until its movements became a blur then it evaporated into nothing. "Talon has been destroyed," Cyrus declared before collapsing to the floor beside Jasper. Xena started towards him but came to a stop when his fallen form was engulfed in a blinding burst of light. She had to shield her eyes, as did the others. When it finally dispersed, all uncovered their eyes. Cyrus still lay on the floor beside Jasper but he was once again dressed in his multicolored robe and other clothes---the wings were gone. Xena immediately went and knelt by his side. His eyes were open and his breaths were labored. "Are you okay?" Concern showed in her crystal blue eyes. "Yeah, I’m just a little winded." Cyrus touched the man lying beside him. "And what about Jasper?" Xena asked. "He will be okay too. He just needs some rest." "We’ll take him to his room." The two other servants came over to Jasper, lifted his body and proceeded to carry him out of the library. Bithia and Selene followed them. Xena helped Cyrus and the two headed over to the table where the others were removing the binds from Joxer’s body. His eyes were still closed as his chest gently rose and fell. Gabrielle stood by his head running slender fingers through his short brown hair. "Joxer, can you hear me?" Slowly he began to stir and his eyelids fluttered before staying open to reveal brown orbs. He stared up at the ceiling before letting his gaze fall on those standing around him, fixing it on the woman caressing his hair. "Gabrielle?" he asked with a hoarse voice. "Yes Joxer, it’s me." Gabrielle smiled with relief while running a hand over his face. Joxer looked towards the warrior woman. "Xena?" "Welcome back Joxer," she said with a smile, placing a hand on his shoulder. "How do you feel?" "Just awful," he frowned with discomfort. "Don’t worry young man. We will have you well in no time," Bithia announced as she re-entered the library. "Cecrops could you carry him to a room, please." "Sure." Cecrops effortlessly lifted Joxer into his arms and carried him from the library. Bithia and Aphrodite followed them. CHAPTER 63 "I think you should go up stairs and get some rest too Cyrus," Xena suggested. "I’ll rest after I help you," He said. "You’re tired, I can wait." Xena braced herself as another spasm of pain rippled through her body. Her discomfort did not go unnoticed by Cyrus. "I don’t think you can. The last of those leaves I gave you is wearing off, isn’t it?" "Yes," she softly replied with a grimace. Gabrielle’s face was riddled with confusion when she looked at her friend. "Xena, what’s he talking about?" "Yeah," Ares added, his gazed too fixed on the warrior woman. A weary sigh escaped Xena’s lips before she spoke. "Talon poisoned me with Dahak’s blood and if it’s not removed from my system soon, I will turn completely evil." Concern now filled Gabrielle as she went over to her friend and grasped her hands. "Oh Gods, Xena, why didn’t you tell us this when you first got here!?" "Because I wanted Cyrus to help Joxer first. Dahak used him because of me." Gabrielle nodded in understanding as she ran a hand down her friend’s arm. Not that long ago, Xena reverting back to her old ways would have been a pleasing prospect for Ares but that warlord no longer captivated him the way this Xena did. He felt things he never did with another and he wasn’t about to lose her. "So Cyrus, can you help Xena?" Ares asked. "Yes I can." From the floor, Cyrus picked up the bucket partially filled with the metal of light. "I want you all to follow me." They departed the library, headed for one of the side doors of the palace. Once outside they headed towards the bathhouse. When they stepped inside, a young woman with red hair approached Cyrus. "My lord, as you instructed, a servant removed the tunis oil from your laboratory and brought it here," the young woman handed Cyrus an indigo colored vial. "Thank you Salome." The young woman nodded before departing to take care of other tasks in the bathhouse. "What is tunis oil?" Gabrielle asked. "It’s an oil with magical properties that will help in removing Dahak’s blood from Xena’s system." Cyrus looked towards the warrior woman. "You will need to change out of your leathers." Xena disappeared into one of the nearby dressing rooms. "Okay Cyrus, what exactly are you going to do?" Ares asked. "I am going to use the steam room to flush Dahak’s blood out of Xena’s system." "But how are you going to do that with steam?" Gabrielle asked, and eyebrow quizzically raised. "It won’t be ordinary steam." Cyrus held up the bucket of metal and the vial. A few moments later, Xena stepped out of the dressing room wearing only her light brown shift. "Xena, you go into the steam room," Cyrus ordered. She did as he commanded. "The fire to create the steam is underground. You two can observe Xena either down there or on top of the steam room," Cyrus said. "I’ll go with you underground," Gabrielle said. "I’ll watch from on top of the steam room," Ares said. He watched Xena’s two friends descend some steps that led to the underground room that supplied the fire for the steam room. Afterward, he climbed a ladder so he could watch Xena from above. Cyrus opened a wooden door, and then he and Gabrielle entered the small room below the steam room. A pile of rocks was suspended above a forge like structure in the center of the room. Above it, cut out of the ceiling was a small square that opened up into the steam room. Rolling her shoulders and shaking her arms, Xena paced the length of the small steam room. "Ahhh," she groaned when another painful spasm rippled through her body. Watching from a small opening in the roof of the steam room, Ares’ face was riddled with concern. "Hey Cyrus!" He shouted. "Could you like get this going NOW!" "Okay, it will be ready in a few minutes." Cyrus quickly grabbed some pieces of wood and threw them onto the fire. Gabrielle did the same. Cyrus uncapped the vial and poured a portion of the tunis oil over the wood. Instantly, the added wood was ablaze with large orange flames. Cyrus took the bucket of liquid metal and poured its contents into a barrel of water sitting by the fire. Using a large ladle that was inside the barrel, he stirred the metal into the water. When he was satisfied that it was blended, he used the ladle to pour the mixture over the heated stones above the fire. The stones sizzled as white steam rose into the air, traveling through the square opening into the steam room. Xena continued to pace the small structure as white steam poured into the room. Another painful spasm shot through her body but she managed to inhale deeply, letting the steam fill her lungs. "You add more tunis oil and wood while I handle the water-metal mixture." Cyrus handed Gabrielle the vial. She tossed another log onto the fire then added more oil while Cyrus poured more of the water-metal mixture on the stones. The steam became whiter and thicker as it billowed into the square opening, into the steam room. "AAAHHH!" Xena screamed while falling to her knees. "Ares, what’s happening!?" Gabrielle anxiously asked. The war god knelt by the small opening in the roof of the steam room, peering into it. "I don’t know. I can’t see her. The steam is too thick." "More wood and oil Gabrielle…the fire must be made hotter," Cyrus insisted. "But what about Xena? You heard her scream." Gabrielle’s face was riddled with worry. "I heard...but this is the only way we can save her." Cyrus face was firm. The bard bit on her lower lip and quickly nodded her head in agreement as she added more tunis oil and wood to the fire. "Ooh!" Xena groaned. She was now lying on her side, clutching her stomach. Through the pain, she continued to deeply inhale the steam. She raised an arm up to her face. Through the thick white steam, she could see the droplets of sweat dotting it. While she continued to stare at her arm, her eyes widened, when she saw new beads of sweat appear that were red in color! She took her eyes off her arm and gazed at the rest of her body. Red beads of sweat dotted her chest and her legs! "It must be working," she breathed. Her crystal blue eyes rolled back in her head, as she passed out. ********** It had been awhile since anyone had heard a word out of Xena and Ares was really starting to worry. Still kneeling on the roof of the steam room, he squint his eyes, trying to get a glimpse of her through the small opening. A few moments passed when he spotted her lying on the floor of the steam room unconscious, the light brown shift she wore now red in color! "Cyrus, something is wrong with Xena...I’m getting her out of there!" Ares shouted as he quickly rose to his feet and made his way to the ladder. "No Ares, you can’t do that! The cleansing process may not be complete!" Cyrus and Gabrielle quickly made their way out of the small underground room and up the stairs. By the time they got to the top of the stairs, Ares had already unlocked the steam room door and it stood ajar. Thick white steam billowed out of the small room, just as the war god stepped out of its midst carrying an unconscious Xena in his arms. Horror filled Gabrielle’s eyes as they wandered over the light brown shift Xena wore now covered with blood. She ran over to the war god carrying her friend. "Oh Gods, what happened to her!?" "I-I don’t know, she was unconscious when I got to her," Ares replied. His brown eyes were filled with worry as he turned his gaze from Xena to look at Gabrielle. "It looks like the cleansing process was a success," Cyrus declared, looking at the blood streaking Xena’s body and staining her shift. "Now we better get her in some water and cool her off." Ares quickly made his way into the bathhouse. Cyrus and Gabrielle followed after him. It was deserted now. He went over to one of the swimming pools. The sound of splashing water was heard as he descended the steps leading into the pool. Xena was up to her chest in the water while Ares used a hand to cup some of cool liquid and pour it over her unconscious face. It trickled down skin, washing away the stains of blood. More splashes were heard when Gabrielle joined them in the pool to help the god cool her friend. "Oh gods, she burning up!" Cupping both hands, Gabrielle poured the cool water over Xena’s heated face. Keeping Xena, submerged in the water, Ares and Gabrielle continued to douse her face with the cool liquid. The blood washed out of the shift that was slowly turning a light pink color. It was some time later when Gabrielle felt Xena’s forehead. A relieved smile formed on her face. "The water helped, her body temperature has dropped." "Good. Now you can get her out of there." Cyrus stood by the side of the pool, holding a large towel in his hands. With more splashes, Ares and Gabrielle ascended the pool steps. Gabrielle took the towel Cyrus offered and wrapped it around Xena’s body. "Why is she still unconscious?" The bard ran a hand through her friend’s wet raven tresses. "I don’t know Gabrielle, but I am sure she will be all right," Cyrus assured. "We better get her back to the palace." Holding Xena closer to him, Ares placed a kiss on her forehead while following Gabrielle and Cyrus back to the palace. Xena was taken to one of the bedchambers where Cyrus, Gabrielle and Bithia could properly care for her. ********** Having changed out of his leathers that had been thoroughly soaked; Ares wore black silk pants and a matching robe as he sat on a pillow-covered bench in the hallway outside of Xena’s bedchamber. For a few hours now, he had watched Gabrielle; Cyrus and members of the palace staff go in and out of the bedchamber. No one ever had anything to report and would just say… "We’ll let you know if there is any change". The twins had joined Ares in his vigil at some point. Lysia reclined on his lap, her head drooping against a broad shoulder. Lycus half-sat, half lay against Ares’ side, his father’s muscular arm a pillow for the boy’s weary head. They had mercifully dropped off to sleep…when? A few moments ago? He wasn’t sure. Ares’ dark eyes held only shadows as they gazed into the quiet emptiness that filled the hall. Aphrodite and Vashti silently made their way down the hall and stopped in front of where the three were seated. "Hey Ar, we can put the kiddies to bed for you," Aphrodite softly whispered. "Thanks Sis...Vashti," A grateful smile appeared on his face. Both children stirred a little but remained asleep while Aphrodite lifted Lycus into her arms and Vashti did the same with Lysia. Ares watched as the two women disappeared down the hall with the sleeping twins. A few moments later, the door to Xena’s bedchamber opened and out stepped Gabrielle. Ares quickly rose to his feet. "So, any change?" "Xena has regained consciousness." "Oh, that’s good," Ares sighed with relief. "How is she feeling?" Before Gabrielle could respond, Cyrus burst through the bedchamber door out into the hallway. His hazel eyes were glaring at the war god who he now stood before. "YOU---you just couldn’t leave her alone, could you?!" "I’m in no mood Cyrus, so back off!" Ares shoved Cyrus away from him. "Cyrus! Ares! Stop it!" Gabrielle moved to stand between the two men. A hand rested on the chest of each to keep them separated. "Cyrus, you are tired...go get some rest." Tightening his lips into a thin line, Cyrus nodded in agreement and quietly made his way down the hall. "What is his problem?" Ares asked when they were alone. Gabrielle sighed in fatigue, pushing back a few stray auburn hairs from her face. "Cyrus is blaming you for what Xena is going through right now." "Me?! I had nothing to do with it. This was all Dahak’s doing." "He’s not blaming you for the poisoning, Ares. He’s blaming you for the pregnancy." Ares’ eyes widened in surprise. "Pregnant?! Xena is pregnant?!" His lips started to form a grin. "Xena was pregnant." Gabrielle frowned. "She suffered a miscarriage." The grin quickly faded from Ares’ handsome face. "How? What happen?" "Dahak’s blood in her system really ravished her body...it just couldn’t maintain the new life that was growing inside her...I am so sorry, Ares." The bard placed a hand on a broad shoulder in a comforting gesture. Ares bowed his head and closed his eyes. He had the chance to have another child with Xena, to be there from the very beginning but it was taken away. A weary sigh escaped his lips as he ran his fingers over the bridge of his nose. He opened his eyes and raised his head. "Xena’s all right though?" "Physically, she’s fine," Gabrielle replied. "Can I see her?" "Sure, she’s been asking for you." Ares moved away from Gabrielle and headed into Xena’s bedchamber. Bithia sat on the side of the bed facing Xena, who was propped into a sitting position with the help of some pillows. One of her hands rested against the younger woman’s face in a comforting gesture. When Ares came over to the bed, Bithia gave Xena a kiss on a cheek before rising to her feet. The old woman placed a hand on Ares’ right arm in a gesture of comfort. He covered it with one of his own. "If you two need me, I am here for you," the old woman said. "Thank you Bithia," Xena softly said. "Yeah, thanks," Ares added. With a sad frown on her face, Bithia quietly left the room. Ares sat on the side of the bed, facing Xena. "So, how are you feeling?" "I’m okay," Xena sighed, her crystal blue eyes somewhat misty. "Did Gabrielle tell you?" "Yes, she told me." Ares frowned. "And how are you feeling?" Xena asked. "Robbed," Ares softly replied, his brown eyes overflowing with sadness. He pursed his full lips into a tight line in an attempt to squelch the anger over their great lost that threatened to shroud his being. "I was so focused on fighting Dahak that I didn’t even notice any symptoms. Maybe if I had, things would have turned out differently." A tear rolled down Xena’s cheek. "I don’t want you blaming yourself, Xena, it’s not your fault." Ares raised a hand up to her face and with a finger wiped away the lone tear. "There’s nothing you could have done." "When Cyrus told me I was going to miscarry all I could see was another chance to be the kind of mother I always wanted to be slipping away. I could have done all the things I missed with Solan, Lycus and Lysia…" "I know the feeling," Ares softly replied, his face contorted with pain. He gently placed a hand over Xena’s stomach and she covered it with both of hers as more tears rolled down her cheeks. In shared grief and silence they sat like that for some time. "Ares, could you stay with me tonight? I don’t want to be alone." Xena looked at him with tear-filled eyes. "Sure, I’ll stay," Ares said with a faint smile. With the backs of her hands, Xena wiped the tears from her cheeks while Ares rose to his feet, and removed the black silk robe he wore, tossing it to the foot of the bed. Now just wearing black silk pants, he pulled back the sheets while Xena laid flat the pillows behind her and then moved over to give him room. When he was in the bed, he held an arm out for Xena to move in, resting her head on a shoulder as he wrapped the arm around her. "I HATE him, Ares...I HATE Dahak so much," she said. "Because of him, I lost Solan and now… our baby." Xena’s eyes started welling up with tears again. "Shh sweet, just go to sleep." Ares planted a kiss on her forehead as he began to softly stroke her black hair. Wearily, Xena closed her eyes, spilling the tears that filled them onto Ares’ chest. He continued to hold her close---her body clinging to his and soon she fell asleep. It was at this time that the bedchamber door quietly opened and there stood Gabrielle. She saw her friend lying in bed, wrapped in Ares’ comforting embrace. Known for having acute senses, Xena should have awakened but after the day’s grueling events, she was just too exhausted. Ares put a finger to his lips, indicating for her to remain silent. Seeing that her friend was in good hands, Gabrielle quietly backed out of the room, closing the door. ********** Since Xena had fallen asleep, Gabrielle decided to check in on Joxer. Quietly, she opened the door to his bedchamber and was surprised to find him awake and reclining against the pillows. "Hey Joxer, what are you doing up?" She came into the room and stood by the bed. "I was asleep but I woke up not that look ago," he replied. "Could you get me some water?" "Sure." From a pitcher sitting on the night table, Gabrielle poured some water into a mug. She handed it to Joxer then seated herself on the side of the bed. "So, how are you feeling?" "Like someone ran over my body with a loaded wagon." Joxer took a quick sip. "That bad huh?" Gabrielle chuckled. "Yup." A grin appeared on Joxer’s face. Gabrielle moved closer to him, a serious look on her face. "Joxer, I hope you don’t mine me asking about this but I am curious about something." "No, I don’t mine, go ahead and ask." "Well, when Talon was in your body, how did it feel?" Joxer sat in silence with a faraway look in his eyes. "Oh I’m sorry, I had no business asking. You’re obviously not ready to talk about that." "No, it’s okay. I will tell you," he said. "I could see, feel, and hear everything he was doing and I wanted to stop him but I-I couldn’t." He bowed his head in shame. "It’s okay...Talon is gone forever." Gabrielle placed a hand on his shoulder, in a gesture of comfort. "Um Gabrielle, when Talon was in my body...pretending to be me...he said that he loved you..." "Joxer, we really don’t have to get into that now." "What he said was true...I mean...I do love you. But I heard what you said to Talon...you only love me as a friend." "Joxer..." "No, it’s okay I understand," he said, cutting her off. "I’m not going to pressure you into feeling something you don’t. If we remain just friends only, I would be happy with that." Gabrielle leaned forward and planted a kiss on Joxer’s cheek. "You really are a good friend. Now, I’ll let you go back to sleep." She rose from the bedside and quietly exited the bedchamber. ********** Ares opened his eyes as he slowly woke from sleep. He remembered he wasn’t in his own bedchamber but Xena’s and reached out for her. He became fully awake when he realized she wasn’t lying beside him. He rose from the bed, running his fingers through his short hair. Any illumination in the room had burned out but it was not dark due to the lightening sky, indicating that sunrise was around the corner. Before going in search of Xena, Ares stepped out onto the balcony to get a bit of air. While standing there, letting the fresh air fill his lungs, in the distance he could see a horse galloping through the fields of Cyrus’ estate. He leaned forward to get a better view of the rider. His eyes widened when he saw whom it was. "What in Tartarus does she think she’s doing?!" Ares immediately left the bedchamber. ********** It had been awhile since Xena had gone for a pre-dawn horseback ride. She found this form of solitude exhilarating, relaxing – just what she needed to put her in the right frame of mind to do some deep thinking. This had become necessary upon her awakening and making a very shocking discovery. Xena had to make a decision – one that would be life changing but it was not going to be made right now. She spotted Ares making his way out onto the field and heading towards her – bringing her solitude to an end. As she watched him get closer, Xena thought about how good it felt that morning to wake up in his arms – so safe, secure and at peace. Xena was not the type who found it easy to admit to needing others but last night she had desperately needed Ares to be there for her and he came through with flying colors. She would openly take his help now in dealing with this life altering change but before she would do that, she had to know how he really felt about her. "Okay, time to find out if what Hermes told me is true," Xena murmured. She urged Argo to head towards Ares and brought the mare to a stop right in front of him. Ares stared at her in disbelief. "Xena, what in Tartarus are you doing out here?! You should be in bed." "I feel just fine," she replied with a smile of assurance. Her raven hair was windblown, falling over her shoulders and down her back. The vigorous ride had added color to her cheeks and a golden hue to her complexion. The only piece of clothing on her body was a white sleeveless nightgown that came to mid-thigh of her shapely legs. To Ares, she was the truest vision of beauty but no matter how enticing she looked, this was not what Xena normally wore when she went riding. Something was definitely not right. "I know you have the most amazing recuperative powers of any mortal that I have ever known but even you, Xena need to rest after last night’s events. We’ll put Argo back in the stables and then you’re going back to bed." Ares grabbed for the reins. But Xena held them out of his reach. "I don’t need to rest. I feel great and will probably feel this way forever." Ares smirked with skepticism. "I will prove it to you." "Xena DON’T!!!" Ares yelled. But not soon enough because in a lightening quick motion, Xena slit open her right wrist with a dagger that had been hidden in the saddle. Instantly, dark red blood began to pour from the wound. Ares knew something wasn’t right with Xena but he never expected suicide. All the color had drained from his face. "I’ve got to get you back to the palace before you bleed to death." He moved to mount Argo and seat himself in front of her. "There’s no need for that." Xena urged Argo to move away from him. Ares looked at her stunned. "Xena, you are BLEEDING like a stuck pig and will DIE if it does not stop soon." He moved towards her again and once more she urged Argo to step away from him. Xena’s anguish over the loss of their baby went a lot deeper than he thought and she now had a death wish. But Ares would not let her die --- he would take the reins by force. "I am not going to die Ares…not EVER." Xena held out her arm and let Ares see the wound she had inflicted on herself miraculously close up and leave her wrist with no scar. "By the gods…you are immortal!" Ares stared up at her in amazement. "But you never ate the apple I got from the Labyrinth of the gods so how did this happen?" "Only Cyrus will be able to confirm it but I believe it’s a side effect left over from Dahak’s blood infecting my system." Xena couldn’t help but notice the huge grin now plastered across Ares’ handsome face. "I see this news greatly pleases you." "It sure does." The smile on his face widened. "I figured you would be," Xena smirked. "Can you blame me? This removes the curse that Minos and Dahak put on my immortality," Ares said. "The children and Gabrielle will certainly be ecstatic that you’re going to be around forever." "Yes, they will be but not for reasons so self-serving as yours." "Hey, this curse being lifted from me is not the only reason I am happy you’re immortal," Ares quickly said, resentment over her comment audible in his tone. "Oh, so you’re saying that there’s another reason you’re happy I’m going to live forever? Hmm…" Xena feigned deep thought. "I’m having trouble coming up with a reason, care to enlighten me?" Ares was not prepared to give Xena an answer. He avoided her face and stared at the ground. Suddenly, he heard the voice of the annoying bard speaking in his head, ‘Go on Ares…now is your chance to tell Xena how you really feel…it will mean so much to her.’ From her lofty position atop Argo, Xena stared down at Ares, her gaze boring into him as she waited for a response. She hoped that he would come through for her like he did last night – prove what Hermes had told her a few months ago was true – that he did indeed love her. Ares finally raised his head and gazed up at Xena once again. "I’m happy you’re immortal because I didn’t look forward to the demise of a great warrior." An uneasy chuckle escaped his lips. "Xena, you were always my favorite mortal…now you will be my favorite immortal." As soon as the words left his mouth, Ares wanted to kick himself for chickening out on admitting deeper feelings – for he did have them but he just wasn’t ready to admit to having them. "Gee Ares, I’m flattered," Xena sarcastically replied, doing her best to hide the hurt. She mentally chided herself for taking serious what Hermes had revealed. Ares had been so caring last night that she actually let herself believe that he did love her but she was obviously mistaken. She was nothing more than a ‘favorite’ to him and good for nothing but a ‘roll in the hay’. Xena wanted to be more than that to Ares but she wasn’t and if that was the case, she had to sever her involvement with him NOW. Ares noticed the scowl forming on Xena’s face. "What’s wrong?" "You’re happy I’m immortal…the twins and Gabrielle will be too but I’m not happy. I never wanted this. I had accepted that one day I would die. Dahak had no right to do this to me. DAMN him!" "Sometimes life throws things our way that we have no choice but to accept…it happens to even us gods." "I know that I have to accept it, Ares. It’s just that I don’t think I will be any good as an immortal." Her lips twisted in a frown of worry. "You’re afraid that being immortal will tempt you into using the powers you inherited from Dahak?" "Yes. I tapped into those powers when I was mortal. The feeling was overwhelming…hard to control. There’s no telling what will happen if I tap those powers as an immortal." The thought made her shiver. "Xena, you are one of, if not the most determined person I have ever met in my immortal existence. If anyone can resist the urge to use such powers, it is you. And if you do have any trouble, I will be here to help you." "NO!" Xena instantly replied in a loud voice. When she continued, she spoke in a softer voice. "I need to do this myself. That’s why I went riding this morning…to figure out how I’m going to deal with this." Xena dismounted Argo and stood facing Ares. There was an uneasy look on her face and Ares knew he wasn’t going to like what she had to say next. "Ares, I have thought long and hard about this, and I really believe it would be best if we put our relationship on hold." "You’re breaking up with me but why?! Everything was going great between us…I don’t understand." Xena’s face was riddled with discomfort. "It’s not really a breakup…it’s more like a temporary separation…to give me some time to adjust to being immortal…figure out who I am again. I won’t be any good in this relationship if I don’t come to terms with my immortality." Ares had braced himself for bad news but he hadn’t expected a breakup and that’s what it was and not Xena’s spin on words. Her decision to pull away from him – yet again had caused anger to rise up in him but he was not about to display it. Doing so would just push Xena further away—possibly for good. "How much time are we talking about for this adjustment…a week…a month…a season?" "I don’t know Ares," Xena wearily sighed. "So what you’re saying is that this adjustment could take as long as your life was extended…an eternity?!" "Yes, it could," Xena admitted. "Then this ‘temporary separation’ as you put it could very well turn into a permanent breakup?" His tone was somewhat snippy, the anger he was feeling had slipped through the shield of control. "Yes Ares, it very well could be permanent!" Xena snapped. She moved away and turned her back to him. She immediately sighed with regret. Xena hadn’t meant to lose her temper with Ares. She was annoyed with all the questions because she didn’t have the answers. She really couldn’t blame him for probing for information. Once again she was pulling away from him but this time the reason was vague and naturally, he needed answers. Xena was surprised that Ares was so calm and hadn’t thrown not a single temper tantrum—he was so use to getting his own way—it wasn’t like him to be so accepting. Maybe this milder temper had something to do with his miraculous resurrection. Xena thought it was a pity that coming back from the dead hadn’t grew him a heart that would let him say he loved her, then she wouldn’t need to be doing this at all. Xena turned to face Ares once again, her lips curled in an apologetic smile. "I’m sorry I snapped at you Ares. It’s just that I don’t have any of the answers you need. If I did, I wouldn’t be asking for this time by myself. That’s why I need you to respect my wishes and not fight me on this." Ares knew Xena’s mind was made up and it would be pointless to fight her decision. Any chance of saving their relationship appeared bleak but there was still a shining light---the very reason that Xena was pulling away in the first place --- eternity. Even if it did take Xena countless millennia to accept her immortal state, Ares could wait---for he was immortal too. He would be right there to start the relationship again when she was ready. Ares moved closer to Xena and held her face in between his hands. "If time is what you need…then I will give it to you and not fight your decision." "Thank you," Xena smiled with gratefulness as she laid her hands over his. When the two finally parted, Xena mounted Argo and the mare began a slow trot for the stables. With the sun coming up over the hills behind him, Ares watched the woman he did indeed love, ride away. CHAPTER 64 Nebula sat by the bars of the cell that had been her home for over a month now. Her head peeked out in between the metal bars as her brown eyes fixed on the locked door at the end of the rocky corridor. Affixed to the stony wall by the door was a large torch---its flickering flames casting eerie shadows about the dark cavern. Snores and rhythmic breathing could be heard in her own cell and the adjacent cells as her fellow land-dweller slaves slept after another grueling day in the tarconian mines. She greatly appreciated those sounds of slumber because they drowned out the noise made by her cellmates busily executing their covert actions. Nebula took her eyes from the door to check their progress. In the dim light, Iolaus and the members of her crew were not visible---only the dirt that was repeatedly thrown out of the hole in which they had descended. If their actions were successful, they would escape Meridia. A couple weeks ago, some members of Nebula’s crew uncovered some valuable information by talking to veteran slaves. The very caverns that housed their holding cells had once been old mining tunnels that had been abandoned centuries ago. Nebula and Iolaus had did further probing and uncovered some old mining maps that put the location of the slave cells not that far from underground waterways that emptied into the open seas. This discovery revived the hope of escape, prompting a plan for such to be put in motion. Not wanting to draw the attention of their Meridian captors, the group discretely gathered some of the small pickaxes and other digging apparatuses whose disappearances could go unnoticed for awhile. From studying the old maps, Iolaus and Nebula had deduced that if a hole was dug in the floor of their own cell and tunneled under the back wall, they would eventually make a connection with the underground waterways. All digging was done at night in two shifts. They had to get some rest after working all day in the sweltering tarconian mines so while one group dug the tunnel, the other slept, helping to drown out the sounds of their covert activities with the sounds of slumber. Since digging was only done during the night, they used their empty bedrolls to hide their handiwork during the day, when the cell was unoccupied. For the past several nights, digging had taken place and they had made considerable progress. The two shifts had managed to tunnel under the back wall of their cell. They were all confident that it wouldn’t take many more nights until their efforts would pay off and they would be free. The sound of the lock being turned on the large door at the end of the corridor immediately took Nebula’s attention off the activities of her friends and to outside their cell. The large door was slowly opening! Nebula instantly rose from her post by the cell bars and made her way over to the hole in the dirt floor. She got down on bent knees and stared into its darkness. "Hey fellas, someone is coming our way. Get out of there NOW!" Iolaus and the others heard her warning and quickly scurried down the newly dug tunnel towards the hole in their cell floor. Nebula now heard footsteps heading down the corridor. She quickly glanced towards the bars again. The light from a torch began to illuminate the corridor brighter and brighter as whoever now held it got closer and closer. "You guys, hurry up!" She anxiously whispered. "We’re coming," Iolaus whispered back as he quickly made his way out of the hole followed by five of Nebula’s crew. They all grabbed some extra bedrolls and tossed them over the hole to hide it from view. Then they all quickly got in their own bedrolls and feigned sleep just as the light of the torch brightened the interior of their cell. "All right, everybody in there wakeup." A guard who stood before the cell ordered. He ran a baton across the metal bars that made an irritating noise. "Hey, what’s going on?" Iolaus feigned a sleepy yawn as he rose from his bedroll. "Yeah." Some of the others in the cell mumbled as they too rose from their bedrolls. "You’ll find out soon enough. Just get on your feet," a second guard sternly replied. Iolaus, Nebula and her crew had risen from their bedrolls, and stood gazing at the guard, his comrade and a very beautiful young woman. Nebula poked Iolaus in the ribs with an elbow and whispered out of the side of her mouth, "Isn’t that the woman who took Hercules away?" Iolaus closely inspected the woman. "Yeah, that is her. I wonder what she wants with us?" The woman’s face was unreadable as she stood in silence, letting her violet eyes wander over them. One of the guards unlocked the cell door and stepped inside. "Okay, line up and hold your arms out in front." They all did as he commanded. The first guard put metal cuffs around the wrists of each as the second guard put matching cuffs around their ankles. "Now move it." The second guard ordered. The other guard led the chained group out of the cell as his comrade took up the rear. Still silent, the young woman walked beside them. The other slaves had been awakened by the noisy activity and watched the procession leave the cavern. The group slowly made their way out of the cavern of cells and into a larger rocky corridor that seemed to be unending and went upward, heading towards sea level. "Where are they taking us?" Nebula asked Iolaus as he walked in front of her. "I’ve never seen these parts of the caves before." "Maybe she bought us and now we are going to wherever she took Hercules," Iolaus replied. "I don’t think so," Nebula warily said as the procession came to a stop. She along with the others took in their new surroundings. The group stood in a large cavern that contained a lagoon that emptied into the sea. Waves of the ocean could be heard as they crashed on the rocks at the unseen entranceway of the cavern. Sitting upon the lagoon’s waters were several anchored ships. "Hey look, there’s the Oasis!" One of the crewmembers said pointing a finger. Iolaus, Nebula and the other crewmembers gazed in the direction he pointed and also saw the ship that had brought them there. It appeared to be in perfect sailing condition. "I don’t get it," Iolaus confessed. "Why would they bring us to our ship?" The echo of footfalls could now be heard and all heads turned to see the new arrivals. Two more guards and another beautiful young woman wearing a turquoise silk gown stepped into the cavern. The two guards that had arrived with the bound slaves departed the cavern in silence as the new arrivals approached those who still remained. "My name is Helena," announced the woman who had arrived with Iolaus’ group. She waved a hand in front of the woman whom now stood next to her. "And this is my cousin and future Queen of Meridia, Catherine." "Thanks for the introductions but could you just tell us what is going on?" Nebula asked with impatience. "I see the description I got of you was quite accurate, Nebula," Helena chuckled with amusement. "You are the type of woman who likes to ‘get to the heart of the matter’." Nebula, Iolaus and her crew all had startled expressions on their faces. "Come now, my words shouldn’t be such a surprise to you." Helena let her gaze wander over the gathered slaves until she fixed it on the blonde curly-haired man. "Especially you Iolaus. For the last few weeks I have heard so much about you it’s as if I know you. Ever since Hercules has been in my company, he has expressed concern for the welfare of his sailing companions above his own---he always talks about you." Knowing that was just like his pal Herc, Iolaus couldn’t help but smile. "You still haven’t said why you brought us here," Nebula repeated. "I bought all of you and now I am setting you free," Helena declared. The group of slaves stood with their mouths agape as the two guards moved about them, unlocking their chained cuffs around their wrists and ankles. "I know you must want to inspect your ship." Catherine proceeded towards the Oasis with Helena by her side followed by the two new guards. The slaves got over their initial shock of being set free and followed after the four. "The crew should go aboard and make sure the ship is in good sailing condition. You’ve got a long journey home," Helena said when they all stood before the Oasis. The enthusiastic crew quickly made their way up the plank and disappeared into the ship checking to see if it was seaworthy. Nebula watched the crew move about the ship before setting her gaze on the two Meridian women before her. "Not that we aren’t grateful but we did hear that freeing slaves was unlawful, so why are you doing it?" "It’s because of Hercules," Helena confessed. "Due to him, I finally saw how wrong it was to enslave those who live upon the land and have fully joined the abolition movement headed by my cousin." "Yeah, that’s just like Herc. He has the power to persuade people wherever he goes," Iolaus proudly said. "Where is he anyway?" "He’s with my husband Felix," Catherine replied. "They’re out in the sea, retrieving that saber piece you need to defeat an evil god." "When Hercules told me why you were traveling upon the seas my conscience would let me do nothing less than pledge my full support," Helena said. "This is great! When Hercules returns with the saber piece, we can be on our way," Iolaus said. Helena and Catherine nodded in agreement. "And just think, you and my crew did all that digging in our cell for nothing." Nebula had an amused smile on her face while she draped an arm around Iolaus’ shoulders. The two Meridian women had puzzled expressions on their faces. "We were working on an escape before you decided to free us," Nebula explained. "Ohhh," Helena and Catherine said in unison with a chuckle. "I’m afraid there are going to be some changes to this bon voyage!" A disembodied female voice shouted throughout the cavern. Those standing by the Oasis and on the deck immediately looked about them for who had spoken. A young woman with brown shoulder length hair, wearing a wetsuit appeared from behind some of the large boulders in the cavern and approached the Oasis. In her right hand was a loaded spear gun that she pointed at the assembled group. "Alexis, what are you doing here!?" Helena asked. "Making sure that my family regains its position of power in Meridia again." The two guards made moves for their charged batons but were halted by spears shot from the guns of unseen assailants that embedded deeply into their chests. Gasps of pain escaped the mouths of both guards who immediately fell to the floor. Those that remained looked stunned as several men joined Alexis, each carrying a loaded spear gun like hers. "The next person to make such a move will end up just like those guards," she threatened. Alexis looked toward the Oasis. "Okay, everyone on the ship get down here NOW!" The crew did as ordered and quickly joined the others standing in front of the Oasis. "Now we are all going to take a little trip," Alexis declared, her eyes dancing with devilment. ********** Hercules pulled back on the reins he held in his strong hands bringing the large golden seahorse that he sat atop to a stop. The others in his traveling party that included Felix and four members of the elite palace guard had done the same with their mounts. The group watched as a large school of dolphin fish swam across their path. The demigod wore a diving suit along with a helmet. Air bags were attached to his back so he could breathe. His Meridian companions needed no such airbags since they not only had lungs but gills to collect oxygen directly from the water. They also did not need the protection of a helmet or special diving suit since their people had become accustomed to life on the sea bottom centuries ago. Hercules peered through the opening in the helmet and let his gaze wander over his surroundings. In the distance, in front of them was a large range of rocky mountains. Growing on the ocean floor beneath them, foot long dark green sea grass swayed in the current of the waters. When he looked upward, towards the surface of the great ocean, he saw blue caused by the rays of the sun that gave the waters an appearance similar to the sky. If one took away the wet surroundings, the sea bottom would look like any location on dry land. It really was rather beautiful. The demigod decided that when he got back to Greece, he just might take up diving to break up the monotony of living the life of a hero. When Hercules looked to his comrades once again, Felix was stretching out an arm, an index finger pointing in the direction of the mountain range. That’s where the group was headed and where they would find the piece to the Holy Saber. The son of Zeus had met with Meridia’s future King the day after the incident at the opening party for his upcoming coronation. It had been kept from the Meridian population, but Felix had breathed in a dangerous amount of the poisonous gas before palace guards managed to whisk him and Catherine to safety. Hercules didn’t feel right meeting with the man when his health wasn’t up to par but Felix had insisted that he examine the maps that Helena had retrieved from Nebula’s ship. That meeting had taken place a few days ago. Felix’s health still was not at one hundred percent but he was the only one who knew well the area where the saber piece laid so he led the expedition for its retrieval. As the group got closer to the mountain range, vast amounts of steam could be seen rising from some of the peaks indicating they were volcanic. At the base of one of the mountains, there was a cave that was home to the gigantic octopus, Oligar. The large animal was apparently in his abode for a few of his large tentacles were draped outside the entranceway to the cave. The group traveled towards two of the mountain peaks, headed for the valley in between them. The eyes of the demigod widened upon seeing all of the abandoned ships scattered about the ocean floor in between the mountains. These ships had belonged to land-dwellers that had been brought to the sea-bottom kingdom of Meridia as slaves centuries ago. The rotted-out ships were covered with barnacles and now served as homes for the many fish that swam about. The group abandoned their seahorse mounts and proceeded on foot towards the ancient wrecks. Felix led the way, headed towards a rotted out old ship resting at the base of one of the mountains. After intensive study of the maps, Felix had determined that the saber piece was in this general area. Now, everyone moved about the old and unstable wreckage, looking for the saber. The palace guards cautiously made their way into the ship’s hull to search while Hercules and Felix searched the deck. As he took careful steps on the rotted wood of the deck, Hercules spotted a shiny speck in the deck floor near the stern of the ship. Felix stood nearby him so he instantly laid a hand on the man’s shoulder to get his attention. He pointed in the direction of the shiny speck and that’s where the two headed. When the pair stood above the speck, they could now see it was an oblong piece of metal a few inches in length deeply embedded in the wood of the deck. The two men squatted to their knees. The metal was wedged into the deck pretty deep so both used their fingers to pick away the wood surrounding the piece until it popped from its resting place and floated into Hercules’ waiting hand. He held it up so Felix could see it too. Even with the partial design engraved in it, the shard of metal looked old and ordinary but when it was joined with the pieces found by the others it would form a saber that had the power to kill Dahak --- the most evil being to have ever existed. Hercules took his gaze off the saber piece and saw a group of divers swimming towards the wreckage. There were five total, with four wearing helmets similar to Hercules’ indicating they must be land-dwellers. He alerted Felix to the new arrivals and the Meridian quickly took the saber piece from Hercules and placed it in a pouch secured around his waist. The palace guards who had seen the men steadily approaching from one of the old portholes had made their way back to the ship’s top deck and were on alert for a possible attack. As the divers got closer, the one without the helmet, the Meridian, was recognized by all in attendance as Roger, someone Felix had known his whole life. Any sense of caution started to evaporate but quickly returned when each of the helmeted divers shot off spears from the guns they wielded hitting the palace guards in the neck and chest, mortally wounding them. Hercules and Felix stood in shock. Both were weaponless and did not move and only watched as Roger took the lead in front of the helmeted divers. A loaded spear gun was firmly held in his right hand and aimed in a threatening manner at the unarmed pair. Felix was thoroughly baffled as to the reasons why Roger had committed such a treacherous act. When he finally stood before the two, a sinister smile was plastered across his face. With his free hand, Roger pointed towards the pouch attached to Felix’s waist and motioned for him to hand it over. Both men were now really at a lost as to why Roger would want the piece of old metal they had come to collect. That is until Hercules gazed into the eyes of the armed, helmeted, land-dwellers that had accompanied him. Thanks to the metal of light medallion hanging from his neck, Hercules could now see a red glow in the eyes of these men that he had unfortunately seen before. The evil that had befallen those upon the land had made its way to Meridia. Roger wanting the piece to the Holy Saber made sense now. Hercules turned towards Felix and through the glass-covered opening in his helmet yelled, "ROGER IS WORKING WITH DAHAK!" Felix’s eyes widened in understanding and horror. ********** Alexis had a triumphant smile on her face as she led her prisoners into the volcanic caverns under the large home that had been in her family for centuries. The newly freed slaves, along with Catherine had their wrists shackled. Only Helena was allowed to remain without shackles. With loaded spear guns pointed at them, the group was ushered into the cavern and made to stand before a large hole in the cavern’s stoney floor. The heat around the hole was intense as thick white steam rose from it while lava could be heard bubbling deep within its depths. "Our freedom was certainly short-lived," Nebula grumbled as she stood beside Iolaus. "Now I wonder what’s going to happen to us?" Iolaus didn’t answer and only wriggled the metal cuffs around his wrists. His eyes wandered over their new surroundings and fell on what appeared to be a garden on the other side of the cavern. His eyes widened when he saw what was being grown. "Oh by the gods, NO!" "Iolaus, what is it?" Nebula asked with concern as she too turned her gaze towards the makeshift garden. The others in the group did the same. "Those are the same plants being grown by Dahak’s cult." His bound hands pointed in the direction of the large plants with bright orange flowers that had not yet bloomed. "The plants contain demons and when the flowers bloom, the demons shoot out of them and if anyone is in the vicinity, the demons will take over their bodies." Touching the medallion that hung from his neck, he looked at the guard standing across from him. A red flicker danced in the man’s eyes. Iolaus quickly looked at the other guards and they too had that same red flicker about their eyes. "The guards...they are all demon-possessed." All in the captured group now gazed in fear and horror at the large plants on the other side of the cavern as well as the evil that they now knew surrounded them. "Ah, so you know about the plants," Alexis deduced. "But then again, you land-dwellers would since Dahak revealed himself to you first." Helena glared at Alexis with anger and contempt. She made a move towards the woman but was immediately restrained by two of the armed guards. "Alexis how could you!?" Helena struggled against the strong grip of her captors. " Why would you align yourself with someone as evil as this Dahak!?" "I would have aligned myself with anyone to put my family back in its rightful position as rulers of Meridia," Alexis casually replied. "Centuries ago, my family had secret dealings with Dahak. So, when he showed up again, Roger and I renewed those ties." "Roger! He’s in on this with you!?" Catherine asked with surprise. "Why of course he is," Alexis huffed. "Roger always goes along with his big sister’s plans. Especially when they have his best interest at heart." When she finally stopped struggling, Helena was set free. "And where is Roger now?" She looked around the cavern. "Oh, he wanted to monitor Felix’s and Hercules’ search for the Holy Saber piece." There was a gleam in Alexis’ eyes as she seated herself atop a nearby boulder. "They will meet with an unfortunate accident, so I’m afraid you won’t be seeing them again." Her tone was laced with mock sympathy. Upon hearing Alexis’ words, anger boiled in those being held captive. "And I guess you are going to kill us too?" Iolaus asked. "Only your souls," Alexis replied with a wicked smile. "Your bodies will become the new homes for Dahak’s comrades." "You’ll never get away with this," Catherine hissed. "There’s nothing you can do to stop us," Alexis said with unwavering confidence. "Felix is probably already dead. Since he has no direct heirs, the throne will go to Helena, who will then announce to the people of Meridia that she has accepted my brother’s proposal of marriage and their joint rule as King and Queen. "I will NEVER marry Roger!" Helena spat. "Oh you will marry him all right or your sisters and mother will suffer the consequences of your defiance," Alexis threatened. "They have already been taken into custody by men loyal to me so you have no choice but to cooperate." Everyone being held captive now had faces riddled with worry. Alexis’ eyes were filled with merriment over her impending triumph as they gazed at the prisoners. "It’s time you were introduced to the lava plants." The guards prepared to usher the bound group towards the makeshift garden. "NO!" Helena shouted as she grabbed for the spear gun being held by one of the guards standing next to her. The gun fired, sending a spear in Alexis’ direction that embedded in her shoulder. She screamed in agony as she fell from her position atop the boulder. The commotion gave Iolaus enough time to shove aside the guard standing next to him as he delivered a kick to another. Nebula and her crew soon joined in the ruckus. Using a rock, Helena managed to knock out one of the guards and grab the keys that hung at his waist. She unlocked the cuffs around Catherine wrists. She wanted to get to Iolaus and the others but they were embroiled in an intense battle with the guards and despite having bound hands were doing a fair job. Iolaus had the chains binding his hands wrapped around the throat of a guard. Knowing that his opponent was demon possessed, Iolaus could not kill him because that would put those around him in jeopardy of being a new home for the displaced demon. So, the blonde hunter had to come up with another way of destroying his opponent. Dragging the gasping and struggling guard over to the large hole, Iolaus released the chain from around the man’s neck as he shoved him into its depths. The man’s cries echoed out of earshot as he disappeared into the bubbling fiery lava below. Iolaus wiped sweat from his brow as he looked to his bound comrades fighting the remaining guards. "We have to get them into the lava hole!" Iolaus shouted as he went to lend the others a hand with their opponents. "It’s the only way to destroy them without risking demon possession." The others did as Iolaus ordered and tossed the remaining guards into the steaming, bubbling lava pool. "I have the key for your cuffs." Catherine approached the group of land-dwellers. "Where’s Helena?" Iolaus asked while watching her unlock the cuffs around his wrists. "She went after Alexis," Catherine replied while moving on to the cuffs of his comrades. "Hey, look up there!" Nebula pointed to a precipice that jetted out from a cavern wall. Everyone looked up to see Alexis poised near the edge of the precipice. The spear gun she still held was aimed at the group. So focused was she on those standing far below that she didn’t hear Helena creep up behind her. Her arms were held above her head and in her hands was a rock that she brought down on the back of Alexis’ skull. The woman dropped the spear gun as she fell to the precipice floor unconscious. "Are you guys okay?" Helena shouted as she gazed down at the assembled group. "Yeah, we’re okay. How about you?" Iolaus shouted back. "I’m fine," she said with a smile. "Now we must free my sisters and mother." She glared at the unconscious woman lying before her who would have no choice but to help them do just that. ********** Knowing that Roger was allied with Dahak did not budge Felix who refused to hand over the pouch containing the piece to the Holy Saber. Roger prepared to shoot the future King with the spear gun when a commotion at the bow of the ship halted his intention. The three fixed their gaze in that direction just in time to see the large tentacles of Oligar wrap around the bodies of the men who had accompanied Roger. Their mouthpieces were knocked loose and bubbles poured from their lips as the giant octopus swam away carrying each man wrapped in the death grip of a tentacle. Roger watched the spectacle in horror, giving Hercules the opportunity to jump the distracted man. He knocked the spear gun from the Meridian’s hands but Roger did manage to deliver a stunning punch to the head gear of the demigod, knocking him hard into a sail mast on the ship, severely dazing him. With an angry snarl, Roger lunged at Felix, knocking them both down and sending them through the rotted out floor of the deck. When the deck collapsed so did the sail mast of the ship, directly into the hull where Roger and Felix had disappeared. When Hercules, got his bearings back, he rose to his feet and swam through the hole in the deck and into the hull. Fish quickly retreated as he made his way into their home. Rotted out trunks that had contained the old ship’s cargo were scattered everywhere. His eyes widened in horror when he spotted Felix and Roger on the barnacle covered floor. Roger had fallen on top of Felix as the sail mast pierced right through the former’s body. Hercules quickly made his way to the fallen men and inspected their condition. The sail mast had penetrated all the way through Roger’s chest and appeared to have penetrated Felix’s torso as well. There was no movement out of the man on top but he could see the gills along the sides of Felix’s face opening and closing indicating he was still alive. The only way to save him was to remove the sail mast. The demigod got a firm grip on the sail mast and as gently as he could, gave it a pull. Hercules could feel the mast sliding out of Roger’s body. He looked down at Felix. The man’s eyes had opened. A muffled cry of agony represented by bubbles escaped his lips as the rotten wood came out of his body. Felix looked up into Roger’s face. His mouth hung open in surprise and his eyes had the stare of death. The pain Felix felt was excruciating but using what little strength he had left, he pushed aside Roger’s lifeless body and moved himself from beneath the dead man. Hercules released his hold on the sail mast and made his way to Felix’s injured form. The rotten wood had punctured the man’s abdomen and blood now poured from the wound. Gently, Hercules draped one of Felix’s arms around his broad shoulders as the injured man used his free hand to slow down the escape of blood from the wound. The two made their way out of the old ship’s hull and headed to where the seahorses had been left. ********** Hercules had a concerned look on his face as he gazed at Helena. She sat on a pillow-covered bench alongside her two sisters and mother. All four women were crying. In a comforting gesture, he held Helena’s delicate right hand in his large one as the woman used the handkerchief held in her left hand to wipe away the tears streaming down her face. Iolaus, Nebula and her crew were present also---their own faces expressing the grimness of the situation. They all waited in the hallway just outside the royal bedchamber inside the Meridian palace. Catherine was inside the bedchamber, along with the royal physician and palace servants who were attending to the injured Felix. No one knew how long they had been waiting in the hall but it seemed like forever when the large door to the bedchamber quietly opened and out stepped the royal physician. All looked to him to find out Felix’s condition. The man had snowy white hair. His gray old eyes were misty with tears that went along with the grim frown on his face. "I have already given Catherine the news and she wanted me to come out here and inform you," he began. "Felix was already in a weakened condition from the poison attack and that has made the wound he received fatal." Upon hearing the bleak news, loud sobs poured from the mouths of Helena’s sisters. Their mother pulled them close for comfort. The doctor had delivered Felix when he was born, so this was extremely sad for him too. He pulled a handkerchief from a pocket and quickly dabbed his eyes that threatened to spill with tears. They were somewhat misty when he turned to look at Helena and Hercules. "Felix has asked to see you two." Hercules helped Helena to her feet and continued to hold her hand as the two made their way into the royal bedchamber. Palace servants stood in a corner of the bedchamber softly crying. Felix looked very pale as he lay in a large canopied bed---his body covered by purple silk sheets and blankets. Catherine sat on the side of the bed; tears were running down her cheeks as she grasped onto one of her husband’s hands. Quietly, Hercules and Helena had made their way over to the bed and now stood before it. Felix looked at them as did Catherine, who moved aside to give them room. "Hercules...I just wanted to thank you...for getting me out of the wreckage," he said in a hoarse voice. "Considering the sacrifice you made helping me, it was the least I could do," Hercules grimly replied. Slowly, Felix raised an arm in Helena’s direction. "Dear cousin, come sit." Quickly wiping away the last of her tears, Helena moved to sit on the side of the bed. She took hold of Felix’s offered hand as she stared into his pale face. "My death will make you the Queen of Meridia," he whispered. "I don’t want to be queen," Helena sobbed as she wiped away new tears with the handkerchief in her free hand. "But Helena you must. Since I have no direct heir, you are the next in line." Felix squeezed her hand with the little strength he had left. "You must free the land-dweller slaves like we discussed." "I will do it Felix, in your memory." Helena brought his hand up to her lips and kissed the palm then held it against her face. A thankful smile crossed Felix’s pale face as he took his last breath and closed his eyes. "Oh, he’s gone!" Catherine wailed as she turned to Hercules who stood beside her. Hercules did the best he could to comfort the new widow who cried against a broad shoulder. Helena was freely crying too as she laid Felix’s hand on his now stilled chest. ********** "All right fellas, let’s get these supplies on board the Oasis," Nebula ordered as she clapped her hands together three times. Each member of the crew quickly grabbed a crate and headed up the plank that led onto the Oasis. "Aye, aye, Captain," Iolaus said in his best pirate impersonation. He saluted her before picking up a crate. When he walked by her to go up the plank, she gave him a playful slap on the rear. Iolaus quickly turned around and looked at her with mock shock in his eyes. "I couldn’t resist," Nebula confessed as a wide grin spread across her face. Iolaus grinned back as he made his way up the plank. Nebula followed after him. Hercules had stood on the sidelines watching the whole scene. A faint smile came to his lips. It certainly wouldn’t surprise him if a romance blossomed between his best friend and the pirate woman. He turned to look at the woman standing beside him. A faint smile graced her beautiful face. It was the first time he had seen her smile since Felix’s funeral. "Helena, we don’t have to leave right away. We could wait until after the coronation ceremony." She grasped Hercules’ big hands in hers and squeezed them with affection. "How I would love for you to be able to do that but you have already stayed here far too long. You have to get that saber piece back to Greece so it can join with the others and you can defeat Dahak once and for all." "You’re right," he confessed. "But I’m worried about you and Meridia. We still don’t know how many people were taken over by demons." "Don’t worry. The medallions you and Iolaus were gracious enough to leave us will be melted down and mixed into metal to create more. They will provide my people with the protection needed to root out any remaining demons," she assured. "And I will be just fine as well. I have my mother, sisters and Catherine to look after me." Helena raised a hand and laid it against his face. "You just make sure that when this mess with Dahak is over, you will come back to visit." "I promise, I will be back." Hercules gently held Helena’s chin with a hand as he tilted her face upward while he leaned down and softly claimed her lips with a sweet kiss. When the kiss was broken, they stared into each other’s eyes a moment before Hercules turned and headed up the plank. Once he was aboard, palace guards removed the plank from the side of the ship and untied the ropes securing it to the dock. The crew on board immediately hauled the ropes onto the deck. A strong wind caught onto the raised sails and got the ship underway for its long journey back to Greece. Hercules, Iolaus and Nebula stood on the deck and waved to Helena and the guards as the Oasis sailed out of sight.
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