Lissia's Xena/Ares Fan Fiction
Chapter 1:
Gabrielle sighed as she looked around, “Athens.” The town was busy, as it always was. She didn’t know what to do without Xena, but she knew that she had to fine Eve and tell her of her mother’s death. After that, it was up to fate. She knew that if push came to shove, the Amazons would be happy to have her as their Queen or at least a high ranking member. She walked to he nearest Inn and rented a room. She closed the door and leaned heavily against it, releasing a deep sigh. There was a bright flash in front of her, “Okay Gabrielle where’s Xena? I’ve been waiting for you to get back from Jappa, so where is she?” Ares asked in his usual, I don’t have time for you, voice that he tried to always use on her. “Xena’s dead,” she said, tears welling in her eyes. Ares face fell and the arrogance left his eyes, “Dead? How?” Gabrielle was now crying freely. She walked to the bed and sat down. Ares sat beside her as she told the tale, the whole tale. By the end Ares was fighting back tears, though he would never let Gabrielle know that, “So, if she doesn’t stay dead then the souls will be lost forever and she’ll never be redeemed, do I have that straight?” She nodded, then stared blankly at the far wall. He got up and paced the small room, abruptly he stopped and stared at the blonde, “I’ll be back later.” She raised her eyes to look at him, “What are you going to do?” He smirked, “I’m going to find a way to get my princess back without undoing what she’s done.” Gabrielle shook her head, “It’s impossible.” Happily, he corrected her, “With Xena, nothing is impossible or even close to being so. She’s defeated all of Olympus, tricked an Archangel, destroyed a whole army and she’s made the God of War love her. All of those were deemed impossible, but she pulled them off. Now I know that there must be a way for her to return to us without disturbing those souls or her redemption. For once Gabrielle, trust me, give me a chance.” She nodded, “Alright, but I’m leaving after breakfast to find Eve and tell her about Xena.” Before disappearing, he said, “I’ll meet you on the road.” At that he was gone, not giving her the time to argue. She laid back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. “Damn gods. They always think they can change everything.” She reached for her bag and pulled out Xena’s Chakram, “Oh Xena, why did I let you die? Why wasn’t I there to save you?” A faint whisper in her mind replied, “You would have been killed too, Gabrielle, I didn’t want that.” Gabrielle cried, the only comfort she had was knowing that Xena would live on in her heart. After what seemed to be ages of crying, she fell into a shaky slumber, filled with dreams of Xena’s death.
Early the next morning, just as the first rays of light hit the sky, Gabrielle set out looking for Eve. “This is early for you, Gabrielle. I hope you slept well, it’s going to be a long day.” She jumped, she had been expecting him of course, but she didn’t like the God’s way of popping up out of nowhere, “What do you want Ares?” She knew, but thought she’d ask all the same. “My dear annoying Gabrielle, we can get our Warrior Princess back.” She laughed bitterly at him, “Go away Ares. Xena didn’t want to be brought back. I told you that. She had been searching for her redemption and now she’s found it. It’s all she wanted, let her have it, Ares.” He smirked, “You mortals never see the whole picture. Well, let me enlighten you. Aphrodite and I pored through every book in Athena’s library and we found a way. Xena can be brought back, leaving her redemption and the souls safe.” She rolled her eyes, but secretly hoped he had found something, “How?” He sat on a rock and after realizing he wasn’t continuing, she did too. “I can bring her back to life, just as I did you and Eve, I’ll just have to leave out a few details.” Gabrielle’s jaw dropped, “What?” “Okay, let me break it down for you. She’ll have to be retrained. She’ll have all her memories, all her feelings, all her skills, but she won’t be able to actually fight.” She nodded, “She’ll be back and she’ll be redeemed as will the souls. But, won’t that turn you mortal?” He shook his head, “Not that it would stop me, but no, it’s the good thing about having Athena gone, one of many to be frank. We needed her blessing, but now with her dead, we can do it without her. My God Hood will remain in tact. I’ll retrain her once she’s in good health. There’s just one slightly difficult part to this whole operation.” Gabrielle had been smiling, but at the mention of a potential problem she frowned, “What?” “You burned her body. Aphrodite and I will have to recreate it before we can bring her back. Gabrielle I need you to give me her ashes. By sunset we’ll have her body and before sunrise tomorrow we’ll have her.” Gabrielle stared at the ground in shock. Feeling the need to comfort her, for Xena’s sake, Ares put a hand on her shoulder, “A bit too much to take in, huh?” She nodded. She had lost hope of ever seeing Xena alive again. She had given up and now that candle of hope was being lit again. She wanted to cry, not out of depression or grief, but out of relief and stress. Tears swelled in her eye, but they vanished as a strong hand squeezed her shoulder and she remembered just who was sitting next to her. She straightened her self and dug in her bag for Xena’s ashes. “What should I do, while you’re recreating her body? And look, I do want to be there when you bring her back.” “Of course. I think she would like you to be there. The whole thing will be very stressful for her. But, until that time, I advice you to rest up. I’ll come and get you after we finish her body.” She nodded, “I’ll go back to the Inn, then.” He nodded and stood up. “Ares, wait.” “Yes?” She smiled, “Thank you.” He nodded and disappeared. She turned around and headed back to Athens. Suddenly, in a carefree mood, she started humming the all too catchy tune of ‘Joxer The Mighty.’ Everyone she passed knew that she was a few slices short of a Falafel sandwich.
Chapter 2:
The art of recreation was a tiring project as both Ares, the God of War and Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, were learning. “Ar, I have got to take a break. I’m about to pass out here. I’m not used to all this.” He sighed, his sister was right, they needed a break, but he’d be damned if he gave in that easy, “She’s not done yet. Keep working.” She stared at him, “If we keep going like this we’ll both pass out and then we know we won’t be done with her by sunset. Although I don’t see what the huge rush is.” A stubborn look crossed his face, “I told Gabrielle that Xena’s body would be back by sunset and she would be alive again before sunrise tomorrow. Keep working Dite.” She pouted, “We’ve been working, nonstop, with all our strength for five hours! We have plenty of time, just let me rest.” Ares could feel that his power was draining and knew his sister was worse off than him. He nodded, “Okay, we can take an hour break. No more though. We have to get her done.” The blonde Goddess giggled, “Thank you. I didn’t think I would ever get you to give in. Look out bubble bath, here I come!” There was a splash of bright pink against the stone wall and she was gone. Ares sighed and went to his chambers for some rest.
***
Gabrielle sighed, she had counted sheep, children, and how many times she’d been kidnapped, but nothing was working, she was far to excited to sleep. The idea of having Xena back had her mind in a blur. She couldn’t wait for Ares to come get her so she could be there when Xena woke up. Ares had told her to rest, but how could she? She knew that at this very moment, Xena’s body was being restored. How could anyone sleep through something that exciting? A low growl interrupted her thinking and Gabrielle looked around the room. There was another growl and she laughed as she realized it was her own stomach. Now that she actually thought about it, she was pretty hungry. She jumped off the bed and ran out the room. Upon entering the dining area, she paused to take in the smells. There was not one thing on the menu she didn’t want. She ordered several dishes and a jug of ale. She smiled and went to work eating the marvelous food.
***
Ares smiled, he was totally refreshed after the hour of rest. He entered the alter room where Xena’s unfinished body lay. He sighed, Aphrodite wasn’t back yet, “Oh well, I’ll just have to go find her.” He quickly transported himself to her private chamber. “Ar! Gods, don’t do that! Get out of here!” He rolled his eyes, “Dite, I’ve seen you in the bath before. Break’s over, time to get back to work.” She wined, “Ar! I’m in the middle of a bubble bath!” He sighed, “Come on. It’s been an hour. It’s time to get back to Xena. I promised.” A tear went down the Goddess’s cheek, “That’s so sweet.” With a snap of her dainty fingers, she was standing before him adorned in her pink outfit, “Chocolate?” She offered, extending a box towards him. He shook his head, “No, let’s just get back to Xena and finish recreating her body.” She nodded, set the box down on a pink table, then grabbed Ares as they disappeared.
***
Gabrielle smiled and poked at the man, “You know something? You look a lot like this guy I once knew. He’s dead though. Say, are you dead?” The man shook his head, “No, I don’t think so.” “Oh. Too bad. I liked him.” She wrapped her arms around the guys’ neck and sat on his lap, breathing heavily in his face. He cringed at the scent of alcohol. There was a bright flash, “Gabrielle?” A shocked expression hit her face and the man fled. “Oh, hunky god. Sit, drink.” He laughed, she was totally drunk, “Great timing, Gabrielle. You’re going to have one hell of a head ache, but Xena will kill me if you’re drunk when she gets brought back.” He grabbed her shoulders in a vice grip and searched her mind for traces of the alcohol, removing it as he went. She fell limp in his arms, “I always knew you weren’t that smart.” Soon they were in his temple, at the alter.
Aphrodite was pacing when Ares arrived with Gabrielle. The Warrior Bard was just now regaining consciousness. “Oh gods, my head!” Ares laughed, “That’s what you get for drinking when we need you sober.” She held her head as he set her down, “If it feels like this, I’ll never drink another drop again,” she said, then ran to the alter where Xena’s body lay, “Xena! It’s Xena! It’s her body! You have her body!” Aphrodite smiled and handed her a drink, “For your head,” she explained, “When you’re ready, we’ll bring her back.” Gabrielle drank the mixture thankfully, “Please, just bring her back. I miss her so much.” The two gods nodded, “Here hold her hand,” Ares directed. He motioned to Aphrodite who put a hand on Xena’s head and chest. He did the same. Gabrielle watched as they both grew serious and a bright yellow light flowed over Xena’s still body. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she held Xena’s hand tightly against her face. Hesitantly, Xena inhaled. Gabrielle smiled and both Ares and Aphrodite relaxed. “That a girl Xe,” he sighed. Her eyes fluttered open, “Wha?” She asked confusedly. Tears still pouring down her face, Gabrielle through herself on the warrior, “Oh Xena! I thought I’d lost you forever!” In a weak voice, she asked, “How?” Ares moved into her line of sight, “Welcome back Princess.” Xena startled to struggle, but soon fell back, exhausted, “You.” “Don’t worry Xe,” he reassured her, “The souls are fine. The only down side is, you can’t fight anymore.” “Wha? No.” He walked closer to her, “I’ll retrain you. It’ll be okay,” he said, kissing her forehead. She jerked away from him. “Okay, Warrior babe. We might have done a remarkably good job on your bod, but let’s get you cleaned up a bit.” Xena managed a smile, and slowly said, “Let me rest first Dite.” The Goddess nodded. Ares picked Xena up gently and received a questioning look from her. “I’ll take you someplace warm and comfortable to sleep.” She smiled and feeling exhausted, rested her head against his chest. He started down the hall. Gabrielle tried to follow, but Aphrodite grabbed her arm and shook her head. Ares brought Xena to a room that had once belonged to her and laid her on the silk sheets. He looked down to see her asleep, “Sweet Dreams, My Princess.” He gently kissed her, then went to his own room.
***
Aphrodite laughed at the pacing blonde. “Gabrielle, she’s fine, she’s resting.” Gabrielle snapped, “I know! I know. But what else can I do? I have to be there! What if she wakes up?” The Goddess smirked, “Chill hun. Ar’s there for her. But doll, you really smell. It’s like one of those old horny men that sit around all day drinking booze has taken over your body. Let’s get you cleaned up a bit. Then maybe Xena will want you around.” Gabrielle looked offended, then self conscious, “Do I really smell that bad?” “Yeah and you don’t look so good either.” The bard gave in, “Okay, Aphrodite, you win. Let’s get me cleaned up.” The Goddess screeched, “Yeah! Now that sounds like fun!” They disappeared in a flash of pink light, heading towards Aphrodite’s private spa.
Chapter 3:
Aphrodite smiled as the petite warrior relaxed in the bubbling hot spring, “Hits the spot, doesn’t it?” Gabrielle nodded, “Aphrodite, why does Ares care so much about Xena?” There was a sigh, “Gab, he loves her, he always has. He told you and her. Give him a chance. Being mortal changed him and he’s better for it.” The bard nodded, “Oh. He’s helped so much, I guess it’s time that I learned to trust him.” The Goddess hugged her, “Thanks blondie. All he wants is to be with her. They just need some time alone, some time to bond and see things between them as they should be. Things will be fine.” Gabrielle sighed, “After Jappa, do you think it can be the same between me and Xena?” Aphrodite laughed, “Of course, things will be fine between you two. Why wouldn’t they?” “It’s just, whenever something big happens, things change between us. After Caesar killed us, we started fighting more as a team. I’m worried that this will change things again. She sacrificed herself for four thousand souls, she’s redeemed herself and that’s always been her goal. What if she wants to settle down now and stop fighting for the greater good?” Aphrodite rolled her eyes, “Xena? Settle down? Doll face, I don’t think we’re thinking of the same Xena. I can’t see her settling down all too soon, in fact, like never. Xena lives by her sword and she always will.” Gabrielle smiled, “Thanks Aphrodite, you’re right. I don’t know what I was thinking.” They both relaxed into the water letting all their cares seep away. The bubbles formed around them as they relaxed, eating chocolates and drinking mochas.
***
Ares paced his room, waiting for Xena to awaken. Not too long ago, he’d thought he’d lost her forever. He sighed and sat down, drumming his fingers on a nearby table. Warlords were calling on him, wishing to be blessed before going into battle. He hadn’t answered them in over a day and didn’t plan on doing so now. He didn’t want Xena to be alone when she woke up. He wanted to be by her side the second she stirred from her slumber. He stood and started pacing again. He knew that Xena was alright and out of the danger zone, but he still worried. He wanted to sit by her side, but feared it would wake her up. The last thing she needed was for her rest to be disturbed.
Xena tossed from one side to the other, then sat up screaming. Quickly Ares ran through the door and wrapped an arm around her, “Shh, Xena. It’s okay. It was just a bad dream. It’s over now.” She sighed, a few tears traveling down her cheek, “I’ve done so many horrible things, killed so many innocent people. You should have left me dead, it was what I deserved.” He moved her away from his chest and looked into her eyes, “Xena, you have done so much good. So many people have been saved because of you. Think how far you’ve come sense the beginning.” She looked away from him, “I have so much to atone for.” “Xena, you already have. You saved so many and died to save even more. Stop letting your past haunt you. That’s not who you are anymore.” She gave a faint hint of a smile, “Thank you Ares.” She rested her head on his chest, “I’m so confused right now. I have so many mixed feelings about everything. This is the third time I’ve been brought back to life. First was the ambrosia, then Eli and now you. It’s like someone’s trying to tell me that I’m supposed to die.” “No, Xena. You are supposed to live. There are many people who depend on you. You must live, or they will be lost. We need you Xena. Get some rest, we’ll start your training tomorrow.” She nodded. Ares stood up and began to walk out the door. “Ares wait.” He turned to look at Xena, resting on the bed, staring intently back at him. “Stay with me, please.” Uneasily he sat down by her on the bed. She cuddled against him, resting her head on his chest. She sighed as she felt his arms wrap around her.
Hours later, Xena awoke to find Ares asleep. She gently moved away from him and smiled at his still form. For the first time, she looked down at herself, she was in a thick white shift. “Can’t fight in this.” She stood up shakily, but quickly gained her balance and walked to the closet. There among dresses and armor, she found boots, a leather top and pants. “Much better.” She walked back to the bed and sat down beside Ares, who was still asleep. She smiled, pushed her hair behind her ear, leaned over and gently kissed him. As she straightened up, his eyes fluttered open, “Xena?” A smile appeared on her face, “Who else?” He sat up and stared at her in awe, “You look good. Hungry?” She nodded, “Famished.” He laughed a little, “Good, let’s go get Aphrodite and Gabrielle, then we can eat.” She smiled and took his hand as he transported them to Aphrodite’s chambers. There were two shrill screams as they arrived. Xena looked over at her friend and the Goddess, all that showed of Gabrielle was a nose and two eyes, the rest was covered in watery bubbles. Aphrodite was standing up, bubbles covering almost all of her. Xena smirked, “You two hungry or should we go eat without you?” “Xena!” Gabrielle jumped up, then seeing Ares, fell back into the water, “Umm, Ares, could you, umm.” He shook his head, then turned around laughing, “Nothing I haven’t seen before.” Xena nudged him playfully.
Soon, both Aphrodite and Gabrielle were dry and clothed. Gabrielle went straight to Xena’s side. Xena, put an arm around her friend, “Ready to go?” Gabrielle nodded. Xena took Ares hand and Aphrodite took Gabrielle’s. The Inn they arrived at was a small place, with good service and even better food. Xena and Gabrielle sat down on one side of the table with Ares and Aphrodite on the other. Xena reached across and stole a few grapes off Ares’ plate, “Thanks.” Ares laughed, “Now Xena, didn’t your mother ever teach you table manners?” Xena looked thoughtful, “She tried, just didn’t work out as she had planned it to.” Xena laughed and stole a few more grapes while Ares shook his head, laughing. Aphrodite sighed, “I’ll just have to change that now, won’t I?” Gabrielle laughed, “Ha! Good luck!” “Yeah, what does a warrior need with manners anyway?” A new voice asked.
Chapter 4:
Xena’s head whipped around, searching for the face that went with the voice, “Eve?” A cloaked figure moved into view, “Hello mother,” she said, pulling the hood away from her face. Xena stood and embraced her daughter, “Hi Eve. How have you been?” “Fine,” she answered uneasily, “What are you doing with these two?” Gabrielle answered, “It’s a long story, I’ll explain it to you later.” Xena sat back down and Eve drug a chair over from a nearby table. Murmuring could be heard from the Inn’s other guests. Many were talking about Eve truly being Livia the Bitch of Rome. Xena stood up, “Hey, that’s my daughter you’re talking about. If you have a problem with her, you have a problem with me.” A group of men stepped forward, “Then, we’re in the middle of a big mess, aren’t we? That Livia, killed my wife and child. She must pay!” Xena got into a fighting stance, as Ares and Gabrielle stood up on either side of her. Aphrodite pulled Eve back. Both the group of men and Xena drew their weapons. Just as Xena’s sword fell to the floor, a group of six Roman Guards stormed through the door. Xena looked around uneasily as they pushed passed her and grabbed Eve, “Livia, you’re coming with us. In two days time, you will die.” Xena looked around helplessly, “What has she done?” A guard laughed, “Everyone living knows what Livia has done. She betrayed her Emperor and now she must suffer the consequences: Death.” Gabrielle shook her head, “But she’s changed.” All six men laughed, then drug Eve away. Xena moved towards them, but Ares put a hand on her shoulder to stop her, “We’ll get her back. Don’t worry. I’ll train you and before two days time is passed, you will be ready to save your daughter.” She smiled at him shakily, “Let’s get started.” Ares nodded and put his arm around her, then they disappeared, leaving Gabrielle and Aphrodite behind.
Gabrielle stared at the space that Xena and Ares had been only moments before, “Do you think they can do it?” Aphrodite sighed, “Yeah. Xena’s unbeatable and Ares is good. Put them together and there’s nothing they can’t do.” Gabrielle looked away, “I hope you’re right.” Aphrodite shook her head slightly, “Me too.” Defeatedly, the two sat down and finished their meals, both wondering if the real Xena would be back in time to save Eve from certain death.
***
Ares smiled as Xena picked up her sword. “It’s heavier than I remember it,” she noted. He took the sword out of her hand, “You’ve been dead, it tends to take a person’s strength away. Let’s try some moves first without the sword.” Xena stares down at her chakram. “Or the chakram, Xena,” he adds smiling. “Alright, what are you suggesting? Sticks? Flips?” Ares shook his head, “No, something simpler.” She raised an eyebrow, “Such as?” “Dance,” Ares answered quickly. Xena gave him a look of bewilderment, “How is that going to help?” He rolled his eyes, “The key to fighting is in a simple step, a turn, then a strike of the hand. You have to have discipline, strength, trust, and balance.” He reached out his hand, and looked at her expectantly. She gulped, then put her hand in his as fast music started playing in the trees behind them. She spun and was dipped, then something inside of her came alive, they moved as one, each supporting the other, each knowing the others next move. Xena spun around, away from him, out of breath, “I think I understand now.” Ares smiled at her, “Ready to try it with a sword?” She nodded and picked up her sword, it suddenly feeling at home in her hand, “Think you can handle me, Ar?” She asked sarcastically. His smile broadened, “Oh, I don’t know. Xena, you have that gleam in your eye, the one you always get when we used to fight. Do you really think you’re ready to challenge me?” “Only one way to find out,” she replies, striking at him with all the strength and fierceness in her soul. They exchange blows, smiling at each other, both sharing the same gleam, the same love for battle. As Xena began to weaken, Ares took the upper hand in the battle, he knocked the sword from her hand, then sat his down. “Looks like I win.” Xena only shakes her head, then seductively leans towards her. Ares was a little taken aback by her closeness, when suddenly his legs were knocked out from under him and he landed flat on his back, Xena coming down to pin him with a dagger at his throat. “Ares, you should never let your guard down. Be happy we’re only practicing, you might have got hurt,” she said laughing. Ares joined in her laughter, then flipped her over, using his strength to pin her to the ground, having no need for a dagger. “When will you learn Xena? You can’t outdo a god, at least not this one.” She smiled and lifted her head off the ground, “Yes I can.” Their lips were mere centimeters from touching. Ares hesitantly closed the distance between them and their lips locked in a passionate kiss. Ares loosened his hold on Xena so he could move his arms around her waist and pick her up. Xena moved her arms up around his neck, but refused to let her legs be lifted. Instead, she slowly moved backwards, dragging him along through their kiss. Soon she had him near a lake, and with one quick shove, she had him falling in the lake. What she hadn’t expected was for him to drag her in as well. He landed cleanly on his feet and caught Xena before she could hit the water. “Now Xena, that wasn’t very nice,” he said. She smiled at him then knitted her eyebrows together as a devilish grin crept onto his face. “Ares,” she muttered warningly. It was too late, he dropped her into the cold lake. A shrill scream erupted from her as she hit the waters surface then plummeted downwards. It was all Ares could to keep himself from falling from laughter, when Xena came back up drenched and spitting water.
***
In a nearby temple to Aphrodite, Gabrielle sat talking to the Goddess about all the places she had been and the cute guys she had met. A scream filled the room. Gabrielle ran to the door, “Someone needs help. Aphrodite, can you take us to where that scream came from?” “Sure sweet pea,” Aphrodite replied, grabbing the bard’s hand.
Gabrielle arrived by a lake, sais drawn, ready to take on whoever or whatever was causing problems. She looked in the lake and saw who the scream had come from. Her mouth hung open and her sais fell to the ground, “Xena?!” Aphrodite was smiling, “Yeah! You go bro! Get it on!” Xena’s head whipped around, “Gabrielle toss me a sai. I’m going to teach this god a lesson he’ll never forget,” she said evenly. Ares stared at her, “Isn’t that how we ended up in the lake?” He asked, crossing his arms. “Yup,” she replied suddenly jumping up and shoving him under the water. Before he could recover, she took off swimming for shore. He caught her by the ankle and pulled her back down, then took the lead in the apparent race to land. Then he stopped, realizing that Xena wasn’t behind him and in fact, hadn’t resurfaced yet. He glanced at the shore, where Gabrielle was searching the water’s surface for Xena. Xena appeared, already very close to land. Ares sighed, then struggled to catch up with her, which he did quickly. When they reached the shore, Aphrodite and Gabrielle were seated on land. Gabrielle looked at her soaked friend, “Why did you scream?” Xena blushed a little, “He dropped me in the freezing lake!” She said, pointing an accusing finger at Ares, who was looking around innocently, “Me?” Xena laughed and playfully slapped his cheek, “Yes you.” Gabrielle raised an eyebrow, “My, my, aren’t we in a good mood.” Ares leaned back, “Yeah, you would be too if you had me,” he said, wearing a devilish grin. Gabrielle gasped and turned red. Xena smiled slightly, then gave Ares a dirty look. Aphrodite just watched and waited to see where the drama was going to lead.
Chapter 5:
Ares looked from Aphrodite to Gabrielle and finally settled his gaze on Xena, “We need to get back to training. We can go to one of my Arenas. At least there I won’t have to worry about being backed into a lake,” he said playfully. Xena laughed, “It was your fault.” Gabrielle looked from Ares to Xena, feeling a little uncomfortable, “So, uh, things are going well?” Ares looked at her, “Of course they are. Xena always was a quick learner. And with me training her, what could go wrong?” Xena smiled at him, then looked at Gabrielle, “What’s wrong?” The bard looked down, “Nothing, I’m just restless and in need of some of your time. We need to talk Xena.” The warrior nodded, “I know. Ares I’ll meet you at your temple in an hour. Why don’t you and Aphrodite go rest, I’m sure you’re both worn out.” Aphrodite smiled and grabbed Ares arm, “That’s a great idea Xena. It’s just what we all need.” Ares nodded, “Okay, I’ll see you in an hour, princess.” Xena looked away from him, trying to hide the flush of color that had just pasted her face.
Aphrodite went with Ares to his temple, knowing that she needed to talk to him about what was going on. “Alright Dite, what do you want?” “To talk,” she said simply, sitting down on his throne, then jumping up, “Ar, you need cushions.” He laughed at her and made several soft feather pillows appear on the floor. He lounged on a few of them, “More to your liking I hope.” Aphrodite laid down, “Much better.” “So, what did you want to talk about?” Aphrodite’s face grew serious, “Xena.” When Ares didn’t say anything, she continued, “It’s going to be hard on her. I know, as well as you that she doesn’t have all her strength back and that it will take time. Her and Gabrielle won’t be able to get Eve back without help. They will need you. We both know that Xena has never been good at excepting help from the gods, especially you. She knows you love her, but do you think she will let you help her save Eve?” Ares nodded, “Xena will do anything to keep her daughter safe. Xena and I are bonding. Things are going back to the way they were before there was good and evil between us. She’ll let me help her get Eve out of Rome. And then, when Eve is safe, we can finally be together, if she’ll have me that is.” Aphrodite smiled, “I know how much you love her and honestly, I believe she feels the same for you. After all, you always did get to her. Do you think she can give up her way of life for you though? Xena’s not the settling type and you’re a god, with responsibilities. I don’t like being the voice of reason here, but I want you to be aware of what she might tell you.” Ares looked away, realizing that his sister was right, he remained quite.
***
Gabrielle sat down by the lake and waited for Xena to join her. Xena sat down, letting her feet dangle in the water, “It’s so nice to be back. The sun is amazing. I never realized how beautiful it really is.” Gabrielle smiled, “Xena, I don’t know what I would do if you were still dead. We weren’t doing so well without you. When Ares offered to bring you back, I didn’t know if he should. I didn’t know if you would be happy. But now, I see you and I know it was the right thing to do. You are glowing with happiness right now.” The sun reflected off of Xena’s hair, making it shimmer, “Gabrielle, things are changing and things will continue to change. But, no matter what you will always be the best thing in my life. You saved me from myself and taught me the power of friendship.” Gabrielle blushed then looked serious, “Xena, what’s on your mind? You wouldn’t have said all that unless something was really bothering you.” Xena sighed, “Gabrielle, I’m having mixed feelings about Ares. He’s changed so much. The feelings I’m having for him are a lot like they were before there was good and evil between us. I think that after all these years and all the things he’s done to me, I’m actually falling for him. He always got to me, but now, things seem different somehow, they seem real and serious. I know I can trust him and I know he loves me. I think I love him, Gabrielle,” she admitted. “I know, Xena. It’s kind of obvious, it always has been. Xena, I want you to be happy and I think with Ares by your side, you can be,” Gabrielle said. “I’m not much of a settling down type of girl. I need the travel and I need to help people. It’s all I know how to do. I don’t want an army again. I want travel and adventure. I want to see people safe and sound because of me. I don’t want children left orphans. How can I be who I am while still being in a relationship?” “That’s something you’ll have to figure out,” Gabrielle replied, “But, no matter what you decide to do, I will stick by your choice and support you in any way I can.” Xena reached over and gave her friend a tight hug, “Thank you.” Gabrielle smiled and hugged Xena, “It’s so good to see you alive again.” They sat like that, arms around each other, smiling, and thinking.
***
Xena walked into Ares temple and was met by both Ares and Aphrodite. “Where’s Gabrielle?” Aphrodite asked, looking behind Xena. “She went to the market place. She had the urge to shop. I think she’s planning on cooking those dumplings with the red stuff in them for me,” Xena answered, smiling. Aphrodite left the temple, heading in the direction of the market place. “So you ready to get back to training? I was thinking we could work on some flips and hand to hand combat, if that’s okay with you,” Ares said. “Sounds great, let’s get to the arena and get to work. We only have an hour before it gets dark and we still have a lot to do,” Xena explained. Ares grabbed her hand and they disappeared into the ether.
***
Gabrielle walked into a shop and smiled at the young woman standing by the counter. Aphrodite strolled in behind her, “So how’d it go with Xena?” Gabrielle jumped around, sias in hand. Seeing Aphrodite she adopted a sheepish look, “Sorry Dite, I’m a little jumpy still. They went well. She loves Ares, but doesn’t know if she can settle down. She wants to continue helping people. I know she’ll find a way.” Aphrodite smiled, “She always does. So, are we looking for anything in particular today?” Gabrielle shook her head, “No not really, just looking to see what I can find.” They strolled around the store, laughing at some of the new inventions and playing with a few of the others, then they headed onto the next shop.
***
A punch flew at Xena, she dodged it and sent a kick towards Ares head. It hit the mark, but as she pulled back, he grabbed her ankle and sent her flying over. She landed cat like on the ground, “That the best you have all mighty god of war?” She purred. He smiled, a glean in his eyes, “Oh no, I just don’t want to hurt you warrior princess.” She leaped over him, flipping to face him. He spun around in time to block her next punch. But he didn’t see her foot coming up to collide with her chin. He fell back, but not before grabbing her foot and bringing her down with him. As they hit the ground they both smiled, then leaped to a low crouch. Ares was the first to move, flipping over Xena then charging towards her. Xena leaped up, running towards a wall and using it to gain momentum over him. She landed behind him with enough time to tackle him and wrestle him down to the ground. “Had enough?” He shook his head, “No, you?” She smiled, “Never.” She got up and offered him a hand which he took. “That was very well done Xena. You’re quick and agile. Two great advantages to have over your enemies. There’s just one thing we haven’t worked on yet,” Ares informed. “What’s that?” Xena asked, although she knew very well what it was. Ares reached down towards her hip, “This,” he said, holding up the chakram, “It’s late, Gabrielle and Aphrodite are waiting for us in the main dining area of my temple. We’ll work with the chakram early tomorrow, then we can go rescue Eve.” “We?” Xena asked, raising an eyebrow. Ares looked away, “If you’ll let me, I want to help you. You mean so much to me Xena. And even though your training is going great, you still don’t have all your strength. I don’t want to see you get hurt. I love you, Xena.” He looked like he was going to say more, but Xena put her finger on his lips to silence him, “Thank you,” she said, moving her lips towards his until they were almost touching. She could feel his breath on her lips and longed to kiss him. “I was hoping you’d want to he-,” she began to say, but his lips met hers in a passionate kiss before she could finish.
Chapter 6:
Dinner was spent in a comfortable silence. Gabrielle, was sampling everything, even though she had made or bought most of the food spread out on the table. Aphrodite was daintily nibbling on some bread and grapes. She was looking forward to dessert more than the actual dinner. Ares sat and munched on some meet and a few other things that were sitting near him on the table. Xena was taking her fair share of just about everything, needing two plates to hold the food that she was happily eating. Gabrielle had made the dumplings that she loved and she had to make sure that they were all eaten up. Xena could only hope that there wasn’t more. She wanted to be able to keep eating, it all tasted amazing to her. But, she knew that eventually she would be stuffed and unable to eat more. A thought hit her then: leftovers. That made her slow down to a polite pace of eating. She looked at everyone else, who only had one plate with a few things on them. Her eyes settled on Ares plate where she saw a few of her dumplings sitting. She glared at him and he forked one and ate it. Gabrielle was giggling and Aphrodite was thinking of trying a few dumplings.
Servants came out and cleared the empty plates off the table. Somehow all the food, especially the dumplings had ended up gone. Xena knew that was because of her. Seconds later, several servants came out holding trays filled with desserts. Aphrodite’s eyes lit up, Ares smiled, Xena beamed, though she looked quite full, Gabrielle just looked happily at everyone’s reaction. “Gabrielle, you made enough to feed an army. Of course, army food never tastes quite this good,” Ares complimented. Xena looked around the table, it was now filled with sweets of all kinds. Fruit pies and cakes and cookies of all kinds flowed over the table. No one knew where to start. “Wow,” Xena breathed. Aphrodite started collecting dainty pieces of cake and a few cookies onto her plate, making it look like a picture perfect plate of sweets. Gabrielle munched on a fruit pie and piece of nutbread, hoping it wouldn’t do any strange things to her. Ares looked around the table, then watched as Xena took a bit of everything onto her plate. “How many are you eating for over there? Feeding the dogs too?” He asked sarcastically. Xena’s head shot up from her plate, “I was dead. I’m just trying to enjoy the yummy food. Do you think dead people get this good of food?” Ares laughed and Gabrielle giggled. Finally Ares decided to try a few of the cakes, even though most of them were oddly decorated with icing of bright annoying colors. Aphrodite smiled at him as he helped himself to a bright pink cake covered in flowers, “Wow Ar, that is SO you,” she laughed. He smirked, “Yeah, I figured I could try eating something that looks like you. Any way, food comes in different shapes and colors, a god can not be prejudice against one that is colored an embarrassing shade of pink.” She stuck her tongue out at him, then grabbed another cookie. Xena smiled and shook her head looking at Ares. That’s when she saw it, an untouched chocolate mousse cake. She glared at the god standing in her way of getting to it, “Ares, pass me a piece of that,” she ordered, a threat behind her words. He looked at the cake, “Hmm...That does look awfully good, doesn’t it Xena? But, I’m sure your too full to eat any of it. Don’t worry, I’ll eat your share too,” he said cutting himself a piece. “Ares,” Xena started warningly, then smiled as he past a plate holding a large piece to her. “There you go Princess.” Gabrielle looked at Xena as she savored the cake, “You know Xena, you’re going to have to fit back into your armor after this meal.” Xena just glared at her as Aphrodite and Ares tried and failed to hold back laughter. Soon the table was cleared, leaving a few cookies left over from the large meal. Xena ordered those to be brought to her room and left there for her as a midnight snack.
Aphrodite left to return to her own temple were lovers were asking for the help of the beautiful goddess of love. A servant showed Gabrielle to a guest room where she found several different outfits that oddly fit her. She smiled, slipped on a silk night gown and curled up on the large bed, not quite knowing how she was supposed to take up the whole thing. Ares walked Xena to her room and escorted her in, “I didn’t mess with anything. If it’s in here, it’s yours, Xena.” She turned to him and kissed his cheek, “Thank you.” “Your welcome. I’ll wake you in the morning.” She smiled, “Unless I wake up before you,” she said. He laughed, “Good night Xena,” he said before turning to leave. He felt Xena’s hand on his shoulder and turned to look at her, she had an innocent, yet expectant look on her face, “Don’t I get a good night kiss?” He smiled, wrapping his arms around her, kissing her deeply. When they parted, Xena went to her closet and changed, while Ares left for his own room.
Chapter 7:
The next morning Gabrielle woke up in a room covered with pink, frilly, things, “Aphrodite?” The goddess appeared beside her, “Nice, isn’t it? I figured you wouldn’t want to hang out with Ar’s people all day.” Gabrielle nodded, “Oh, thank you. So what’s for breakfast? And did you bring my clothes?” “Fruit and yes I did, they’re over there,” Aphrodite answered pointing to a closet. Gabrielle changed into her warrior outfit, then grabbed Aphrodite’s extended hand as they disappeared into a dining area.
***
Xena was awake before the sun came out. She was shocked to see Ares sitting by her side. “Sorry, did I wake you?” He asked, getting up and heading towards the door. She grabbed his wrist, “No. Let me change and then we can get to work. I have a lot to do today and not nearly enough time. Do you think we have a chance?” He raised an eyebrow, “Xena, you destroyed Rome basically, single handedly, at that. You can do anything. And with my help, how can we fail today? We will get Eve back. I promise.” “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Ares,” she replied, then added, “I just have an odd feeling. Eli came to me in a dream last night. He said I had to give her up and move on with my life. He said we were going in different directions. That the only way she could fulfill her destiny was for her to be away from me. She doesn’t need me anymore.” Ares put an arm around her, unsure what to say or do, “It’ll be okay. He probably just meant it was time to let her grow up and move on. Maybe he was saying that it was time for you to move on with your life too. You’ve redeemed yourself. And I know, just as well as anyone else, that you won’t stop fighting for the greater good. That’s who you are and I’m thankful for that. Maybe Eli is suggesting that it’s time that you try things a little differently. Maybe we all need to.” He stared into her eyes and saw her cheeks turn slightly pink as she pulled away from him, “Maybe you’re right,” she said kissing his cheek and heading towards the closet, “I’ll be ready in a few minutes.” He turned to leave the room, “I’ll bring breakfast and your chakram.” She smiled at him as he left the room.
***
Xena stood in a circle of trees. Ares had an arm wrapped around her, guiding her hand as she released the chakram. Gabrielle and Aphrodite stood nearby, both ready to bolt if it took a stray turn. “Stay calm, focused,” Ares whispered in Xena’s ear. She turned to look at him, “That’s hard to do when you’re whispering in my ear and breathing down my neck.” “Sorry,” he said as his lips went to meet hers. “Xena!” Gabrielle shouted as the chakram came flying towards the warrior princess. Xena’s hand shot up and plucked the chakram from the air,” So, who’s ready to beat some Romans?” Everyone stared at her in awe. “Wow, first try, not bad. Almost as good as your first try with it all those years ago,” Ares admitted. “Almost? I thought this time was better. After all, I was being distracted this time.” “Yeah, but if Gabrielle hadn’t said anything, it would have hit you.” “I knew were it was the whole time,” Xena said smugly. Gabrielle stepped up to Xena, “Before we go rescue Eve, can I talk to you? I had a dream.” “Eli,” Xena nodded. Gabrielle looked surprised. “Gabrielle, we have to let her go. It’s time for her to go out on her own, without us. It’s the only way.” Gabrielle nodded, “Xena there’s more. Eli said I needed to let you go too. He told me it was the only way for our destinies to be complete. It’s the only way for us to get the best out of life.” Xena looked away, “Let’s see how today goes and then we’ll figure the rest of this out. There will be a sign of which way we should go. There always is.” Ares walked forward, “Ready?” He asked gently. Xena and Gabrielle nodded, then looked at Aphrodite, “We’ll be back later,” Gabrielle informed her. “I’ll be waiting and I’ll have dinner and bathes ready,” The goddess said.
Chapter 8:
Eve stood in the center of an arena, surrounded by Rome’s best, chained, and bloody. She had been beaten harshly for long hours. A Roman general stood on a podium, he was in charge of Eve’s trial. “Are you afraid Livia?” She shook her head, “No, Eli will protect me. The woman you seek is already dead, all that is left is her past and a line of dead innocent townspeople. I am here to redeem her. I am not the woman you seek. But I will take her punishment if that will please the God of Eli.” The general laughed along with the people in the stands. Eve stood up, “Death is what I deserve for Livia’s crimes against these innocent people. I know that and I accept it. Do not subject me to do battle with a champion to win my freedom. I will not fight.” The general continued laughing, but a movement on the side of the stands caught his attention.
Xena, Ares, and Gabrielle strode into the arena, heading purposefully towards Eve, weapons drawn, eyes darting around. The guards stood erect, ready to fight or to kill Eve, all they awaited was the signal from their general. Xena stepped forward and looked the general in the eye, “You have heard what my daughter has to say. Now, listen to me, you harm her and I will make all of Rome suffer. You, these guards, those people, your families. They’ll be gone.” Her eyes turned icy. Eve struggled towards her, but was caught by the guards, “No mother! This isn’t the way. I must pay for the crimes of Livia. It is how things are to be. It’s my destiny. Eli has told me in a dream that to better save these people and serve our god, I must leave. Don’t be scared mother, I’m not. Eli will protect be. I’m ready.” Xena looked around, confused. Her eyes went from the general, to her daughter, to Gabrielle and then to Ares. They darted back to the general, “I can’t let you kill my daughter.” “It’s justice and it must be served.” Gabrielle stepped forward, “It’s madness. She’s changed, can’t you see that?” He shook his head, “It doesn’t matter. She herself has said it, she must pay, she must die. Don’t get in the way of the law.” A flame filled Xena’s eyes and she leapt forward, attacking the nearest guard. Eve struggled back, “Mother, no, this is how it has to be.” Gabrielle and Ares joined in the fight as more guards came from hidden vantage points. Ares glanced at the podium and saw it was empty, “Xena, the general’s gone!” Xena looked at where Eve was. “Eve!” She yelled, not seeing her daughter. Gabrielle caught a glance of the general and a slightly struggling Eve, “Xena! Over there.” Xena flipped over the guards, but was too late. They grabbed her feet as she went over their heads. They drug her down as a knife went towards Eve’s neck. Eve sat in peace, staring directly at Xena. Ares ran and plucked the guards off Xena, throwing them into the far wall. Xena leapt up and rushed to Eve, but was too late. Xena looked at her daughter, who was struggling to say something, “I love you mother. Please, let me be at peace. Let me serve Eli. Let the light come, I see it now. Good bye mother. I love you.” Tears fell down Xena’s face as her daughter’s body went limp in her arms, “Do something.” The general stared at her. Ares put an arm around her, “Xena, she wouldn’t want to be brought back. I know you loved your daughter and always will and she knew it too. That’s the most important thing here.” Gabrielle fell to the ground beside Xena, “We’re too late. She’s gone.” Ares looked at her and put a hand on her shoulder, “It’s what she wanted, Gabrielle.” With both women nestled against his chest, crying, Ares disappeared, heading towards his nearest temple where Aphrodite was awaiting their return.
***
Aphrodite sat in Ares throne smiling at her nails when he appeared, holding both Xena and Gabrielle. He looked up at her, and she gasped upon seeing the tears going down his face. Xena was shaking and Gabrielle was sobbing. The goddess leapt off the throne and threw herself down by her friends and brother, grabbing them all in a fierce hug, “I’m so sorry.” Xena looked up at her, “Please, I need to be alone right now.” With that she got onto shaky feet and ran to her room. Ares jerked as he heard the door slam shut. “I think I better go to my room too,” Gabrielle said between sobs. She struggled to stand, but fell back down. Ares picked her up in his arms and took her to her room, where he sat her down on the bed and left her. He went back to Aphrodite and collapsed to the floor where she still sat. “It was horrible. Eve wouldn’t fight back. She wanted to die, Dite. She wanted to.” Aphrodite put an arm around Ares.
The two gods sat on the floor of the temple and hardly noticed the bright white light that filled the room. “Ares,” a voice said. His head shot up and he saw, through the blinding light, Eve. “You’re dead.” Eve nodded, “Yes, I am. I went over to the light so I could better serve the God of Eli. You must help my mother and Gabrielle. You can’t let them slip over, not because of my death. Protect them, especially mother. She needs you. You understand what’s going on, you always have. Help them, help mother.” He nodded, “I will. I promise you.” Eve nodded and the light got brighter then suddenly was gone. Ares looked around the room, letting his eyes rest on his sister, who sat shocked. “Wow,” she breathed gently, “Which one are you going to start with?” Ares shook his head, “I don’t know. I think I’ll let them have some alone time. They need it.” Aphrodite nodded and stood up, “Go take a bath Ar. You need to relax before you go to talk to them. I’ll stay here.” Ares nodded and disappeared, still a little shocked by his talk with Eve.
***
Ares relaxed on his bed, lost in thought. He remembered the first time he saw Eve, just a little bundle resting in Xena’s arms. He remembered holding her as a baby and how right that had felt. The look Xena gave him as he held her daughter had sent chills down his spine. Then, he remembered Livia. She had so reminded him of Xena. So young, so beautiful, so full of fire. Not for one minute did he think that this girl could have been Eve. He remembered thinking that just maybe, Livia could be the next Xena, at least to the world, if not to him. He couldn’t help but wonder though, if maybe she was Xena, having passed into her next life. He dismissed the thought quickly, then. He remembered bringing Eve back from the dead to save Xena. That had felt so right to him, he hadn’t even thought about it. And now, she was gone and there was no way to get her back without ruining her. He was left to take care of Xena and Gabrielle who were both broken. He had no clue were to start or how to handle either of them. This wasn’t his department. But he had promised and he wasn’t going to defile Eve’s memory by braking his last promise to her. He laid down and stared at the ceiling, trying to relax his fried nerves.
***
Gabrielle jerked awake, wondering how she had gotten where she was. Wondering if Eve’s death had been some horrible dream. She knew it wasn’t. It still felt too fresh, almost as if she taken the wound. She sat up and cried. “Poor Xena. She’s lost both of her children. How can this be right if it causes so much pain? How could this have happened? Eli, why didn’t you save her? Why didn’t you stop these horrid events from passing?” She sighed, “I know, because of me. I let you die. You couldn’t be here to save Eve, because I let you be killed. Eve died because of me. She became Livia because of me. If only you could have been there. She would have been the girl that Xena and I always wanted her to be.” Gabrielle broke down in tears. Lost in her guilt, she fell back to sleep, a fitful sleep with little rest involved.
***
Aphrodite looked from one wall to the other, confused about what was going on. She had never really known Eve, so her death didn’t effect the Goddess much. But she had been very close to Gabrielle, Xena and Ares. All three of them were broken hearted right now. And being the Goddess of Love, she had the desire to heal those hearts, though she didn’t know what she could do to help. She knew how much they were hurting, but she didn’t know how to stop that hurt. She felt quite useless right now. She shook her head. Ares was in his room, hopefully relaxing a bit, straightening things out in his head so he could help Xena and Gabrielle. But, Aphrodite felt that there had to be something for her to do. She sighed, “Well, if there’s nothing just for me, then I’ll find something to do. The least I can do, is have food and baths ready for everyone. I can try to keep things calm and comfortable. Maybe one of my personal massagers would come in and help out a bit.” She smiled and set herself to work.
***
Xena shot up from the bed that she was laying on. “Eve!” She looked around her room and knew that it hadn’t been a dream. It had all happened. Her daughter was dead, she hadn’t been able to save her from Rome. “I’ve lost her,” she wailed. She sunk down to the bed and let her tears spill onto the pillow. She remembered running from the gods who wanted her baby dead. She remembered awakening from twenty-five years of slumber and her first thought had been of her daughter. And then, she remembered exactly what had happened while the Romans killed her. She could hear Eve telling her that she loved her, that this was how things were supposed to be. She sighed, “Oh my darling Eve. You always wanted to redeem yourself. You were always so quick to let yourself suffer. Why? This wasn’t your battle anymore. You were supposed to live, that’s why we were separated for twenty-five years.” She cried out, “Eli! Why did you take my daughter from me?” She sunk to her bed, wailing into the nights sky.
Chapter 9:
Ares went to where he had left Aphrodite and was surprised to see that his temple had been turned into a makeshift spa. There were candles lit everywhere, letting off a calming scent that tickled his nose. There were tables of exotic food and drink. There were hot tubs and massage tables set up, all surrounded by odd oils and candles. He stared at his sister, “Been busy have we?” Aphrodite looked around, guilt in her eyes, “Sorry, Ar. I know it’s not your thing, but I figured that this might help the girls a bit and maybe even you. Anyway, I had to find something to keep busy with.” He raised an eyebrow, “You did that alright.” He walked over to one of the tables and picked up a grape, popping it in his mouth, he asked, “Have Xena and Gabrielle woken up yet?” She shrugged, “I don’t know. You’re going to need Gabrielle’s help to get Xena out of the deep end. You know that right?” He nodded, “Yeah, I figured I’d go try and talk to her. Want to hand me a tray of food and drink. Put one of those candles on it too, will ya?” Aphrodite nodded and in seconds she handed his a tray, “Good Luck Bro.” Ares nodded and walked down the hallway, carrying the tray.
Ares stood at the door and gently knocked. There was no reply, so he opened the door and walked in. Gabrielle tossed and turned in the bed, fighting against something in her dreams. He sat the tray down on a table and shook the girl gently. She bolted into his arms, crying. A little uncomfortable, he put his arms around her and let her cry. Then she pulled back and looked up at him, “Sorry,” she said, moving away a little. He nods, “That’s alright, you were having a bad dream.” Gabrielle shakes her head, “It wasn’t a dream. It was real. I killed Xena’s son, I killed my daughter, and now I’ve killed her daughter too. What have I become?” He looked her over and handed her the tray, unsure of what else to do. “You know, you didn’t kill Solon, Hope did, and you didn’t kill Hope, Destroyer did and you didn’t kill Eve, Rome did. So how does the blame fall on you?” Tears run down her face as she replied, “Solon died because of my daughter. Hope was alive because I didn’t kill her as a baby. I was the one who tricked Destroyer into killing Hope, so ultimately that falls on my shoulders. And Eve, well, if I had saved Eli, then he could have helped Eve be the girl Xena and I wanted her to be.” Ares stifled a laugh, “I killed Eli, but he wanted to die, much like Eve did. It’s called being a martyr to the faith. As for Hope, she was your daughter, you wanted to trust her and love her, anyone would. You are so quick to blame yourself for everything. I’m sorry Gabrielle, but you can’t take all of the blame this time,” he said. He quickly added, “Of course, there’s no need to get mad at me either. I’ll get enough of that from Xena.” Gabrielle looked up at him, her eyes rimmed in red, “Xena...Is she alright?” Ares shook his head, “I don’t know. I’m going to need your help to get through to her. She’s not going to be open to talking, she’s going to want revenge against all of Rome.” Her eyes widened, “No, she won’t dishonor Eve that way.” Ares nodded, “I hope not. Gabrielle, after the battle, Eve came to me. She’s with Eli now and she’s happy. You should have seen her, it was amazing. She doesn’t want you and Xena to suffer because of her. She asked me to take care of you two and frankly I have no clue as to what I should be doing.” Gabrielle laughed a little, a lightness in her manner, “You’re doing just fine. I suppose some things are just meant to happen and this was one of them.” He nodded, “Her birth set up a chain of events, I think this was the last link in the chain. Now, we just have to recover.” She smiled, “That’s easier said than done.” “So is bring back the dead,” he shot back at her. She smiled, “Go talk to Xena, she needs you more than I do.” He nodded and went to the door, “Aphrodite has a spa set up in the front of my temple. I’m sure she would like company.” Gabrielle nodded behind him, “Thank you,” she said, as he left the room.
Ares walked to the front of his temple and sat down in a chair. A servant came over and started massaging his shoulders, but he pushed the servant away, “Don’t.” Aphrodite walked up to him, “Things didn’t go well?” He shook his head, “No, they went fine, with Gabrielle. I haven’t talked to Xena yet.” Aphrodite nodded and handed him another tray, “Come on big guy, the day isn’t over yet.” He stood up and grabbed the tray, “Gabrielle might be coming in later.” Aphrodite nodded at his back, “Fine, fine,” she said, going back the massage she had been receiving before he had returned. She sighed contently and ate the strawberry with cream that was being offered to her, “This is the life.”
Ares stopped outside Xena’s door and knocked gently. Silence answered him. Shaking his head and wishing for luck, he walked in. Xena was laying on the bed, asleep, tossing and turning. Small moans were escaping her lips. He sat next to her, letting a hand run through her hair and wiping the sweat from her brow. “Xena, wake up. It’s a dream,” he said, gently shaking her. Hesitantly she opened her eyes and looked around the room. Her eyes land on the God sitting next to her and she lets her body go limp on the bed. “I let her die. I should have done something more to help her,” she said quietly. ‘Here we go again,’ he thought before saying, “Xena, there was nothing you could do to save her. She knew what was coming and she accepted it, welcomed it even. She wanted to be with Eli and their God so she could help more people. Now, as a higher being, she will be able to save the world, just like she’s always wanted to do,” he said, gently stroking her hair. Xena laughed bitterly, “My daughter is dead and you’re trying to tell me that it’s for the best, for the greater good.” He shook his head, “No, I’m trying to tell you that some things are meant to be and this was one of them. Don’t let her death be in vain, Xena. Remember your daughter, not as weak and dying, but as the woman who destroyed the Gods all for the love of the common mortal. Xena, follow her, fight her battles, be her champion.” She stared at him, shocked, “When did you become a philosopher?” He laughed, not being able to help it, after all, the same thought had been going through his mind as well, “Eve came to me. She asked me to save you and to help you. It was her last wish and I will not let her down. So, get up and stop moping. It’s not time for that Xena, it’s time for action. Her people, your daughter’s people are being persecuted and destroyed. They need you, they need a champion, they need a Warrior Princess.” Her eyes flashed and she smiled a little, “Are you going to help us? Even though this one God thing is still a threat to your existence.” He nodded, “Eli’s God is no more a threat to me than Eve was to Zeus when she was born. The Twilight is over and mortal’s need me and Aphrodite. So, yes, I will help you save the Elijians.” A smile beamed across her face and she reached for her sword, “Then what are we waiting for?” He laughed and offered her a hand up as he stood, “Maybe for some of them to need our help. Rome seems happy to have killed Eve. For now the Elijians are safe, but it won’t last forever. We have to be prepared.” They walked out of the room, hand in hand, ready to fight whatever battle came their way. And that’s exactly what they did.
-End
Gabrielle sighed as she looked around, “Athens.” The town was busy, as it always was. She didn’t know what to do without Xena, but she knew that she had to fine Eve and tell her of her mother’s death. After that, it was up to fate. She knew that if push came to shove, the Amazons would be happy to have her as their Queen or at least a high ranking member. She walked to he nearest Inn and rented a room. She closed the door and leaned heavily against it, releasing a deep sigh. There was a bright flash in front of her, “Okay Gabrielle where’s Xena? I’ve been waiting for you to get back from Jappa, so where is she?” Ares asked in his usual, I don’t have time for you, voice that he tried to always use on her. “Xena’s dead,” she said, tears welling in her eyes. Ares face fell and the arrogance left his eyes, “Dead? How?” Gabrielle was now crying freely. She walked to the bed and sat down. Ares sat beside her as she told the tale, the whole tale. By the end Ares was fighting back tears, though he would never let Gabrielle know that, “So, if she doesn’t stay dead then the souls will be lost forever and she’ll never be redeemed, do I have that straight?” She nodded, then stared blankly at the far wall. He got up and paced the small room, abruptly he stopped and stared at the blonde, “I’ll be back later.” She raised her eyes to look at him, “What are you going to do?” He smirked, “I’m going to find a way to get my princess back without undoing what she’s done.” Gabrielle shook her head, “It’s impossible.” Happily, he corrected her, “With Xena, nothing is impossible or even close to being so. She’s defeated all of Olympus, tricked an Archangel, destroyed a whole army and she’s made the God of War love her. All of those were deemed impossible, but she pulled them off. Now I know that there must be a way for her to return to us without disturbing those souls or her redemption. For once Gabrielle, trust me, give me a chance.” She nodded, “Alright, but I’m leaving after breakfast to find Eve and tell her about Xena.” Before disappearing, he said, “I’ll meet you on the road.” At that he was gone, not giving her the time to argue. She laid back on the bed and stared up at the ceiling. “Damn gods. They always think they can change everything.” She reached for her bag and pulled out Xena’s Chakram, “Oh Xena, why did I let you die? Why wasn’t I there to save you?” A faint whisper in her mind replied, “You would have been killed too, Gabrielle, I didn’t want that.” Gabrielle cried, the only comfort she had was knowing that Xena would live on in her heart. After what seemed to be ages of crying, she fell into a shaky slumber, filled with dreams of Xena’s death.
Early the next morning, just as the first rays of light hit the sky, Gabrielle set out looking for Eve. “This is early for you, Gabrielle. I hope you slept well, it’s going to be a long day.” She jumped, she had been expecting him of course, but she didn’t like the God’s way of popping up out of nowhere, “What do you want Ares?” She knew, but thought she’d ask all the same. “My dear annoying Gabrielle, we can get our Warrior Princess back.” She laughed bitterly at him, “Go away Ares. Xena didn’t want to be brought back. I told you that. She had been searching for her redemption and now she’s found it. It’s all she wanted, let her have it, Ares.” He smirked, “You mortals never see the whole picture. Well, let me enlighten you. Aphrodite and I pored through every book in Athena’s library and we found a way. Xena can be brought back, leaving her redemption and the souls safe.” She rolled her eyes, but secretly hoped he had found something, “How?” He sat on a rock and after realizing he wasn’t continuing, she did too. “I can bring her back to life, just as I did you and Eve, I’ll just have to leave out a few details.” Gabrielle’s jaw dropped, “What?” “Okay, let me break it down for you. She’ll have to be retrained. She’ll have all her memories, all her feelings, all her skills, but she won’t be able to actually fight.” She nodded, “She’ll be back and she’ll be redeemed as will the souls. But, won’t that turn you mortal?” He shook his head, “Not that it would stop me, but no, it’s the good thing about having Athena gone, one of many to be frank. We needed her blessing, but now with her dead, we can do it without her. My God Hood will remain in tact. I’ll retrain her once she’s in good health. There’s just one slightly difficult part to this whole operation.” Gabrielle had been smiling, but at the mention of a potential problem she frowned, “What?” “You burned her body. Aphrodite and I will have to recreate it before we can bring her back. Gabrielle I need you to give me her ashes. By sunset we’ll have her body and before sunrise tomorrow we’ll have her.” Gabrielle stared at the ground in shock. Feeling the need to comfort her, for Xena’s sake, Ares put a hand on her shoulder, “A bit too much to take in, huh?” She nodded. She had lost hope of ever seeing Xena alive again. She had given up and now that candle of hope was being lit again. She wanted to cry, not out of depression or grief, but out of relief and stress. Tears swelled in her eye, but they vanished as a strong hand squeezed her shoulder and she remembered just who was sitting next to her. She straightened her self and dug in her bag for Xena’s ashes. “What should I do, while you’re recreating her body? And look, I do want to be there when you bring her back.” “Of course. I think she would like you to be there. The whole thing will be very stressful for her. But, until that time, I advice you to rest up. I’ll come and get you after we finish her body.” She nodded, “I’ll go back to the Inn, then.” He nodded and stood up. “Ares, wait.” “Yes?” She smiled, “Thank you.” He nodded and disappeared. She turned around and headed back to Athens. Suddenly, in a carefree mood, she started humming the all too catchy tune of ‘Joxer The Mighty.’ Everyone she passed knew that she was a few slices short of a Falafel sandwich.
Chapter 2:
The art of recreation was a tiring project as both Ares, the God of War and Aphrodite, the Goddess of Love, were learning. “Ar, I have got to take a break. I’m about to pass out here. I’m not used to all this.” He sighed, his sister was right, they needed a break, but he’d be damned if he gave in that easy, “She’s not done yet. Keep working.” She stared at him, “If we keep going like this we’ll both pass out and then we know we won’t be done with her by sunset. Although I don’t see what the huge rush is.” A stubborn look crossed his face, “I told Gabrielle that Xena’s body would be back by sunset and she would be alive again before sunrise tomorrow. Keep working Dite.” She pouted, “We’ve been working, nonstop, with all our strength for five hours! We have plenty of time, just let me rest.” Ares could feel that his power was draining and knew his sister was worse off than him. He nodded, “Okay, we can take an hour break. No more though. We have to get her done.” The blonde Goddess giggled, “Thank you. I didn’t think I would ever get you to give in. Look out bubble bath, here I come!” There was a splash of bright pink against the stone wall and she was gone. Ares sighed and went to his chambers for some rest.
***
Gabrielle sighed, she had counted sheep, children, and how many times she’d been kidnapped, but nothing was working, she was far to excited to sleep. The idea of having Xena back had her mind in a blur. She couldn’t wait for Ares to come get her so she could be there when Xena woke up. Ares had told her to rest, but how could she? She knew that at this very moment, Xena’s body was being restored. How could anyone sleep through something that exciting? A low growl interrupted her thinking and Gabrielle looked around the room. There was another growl and she laughed as she realized it was her own stomach. Now that she actually thought about it, she was pretty hungry. She jumped off the bed and ran out the room. Upon entering the dining area, she paused to take in the smells. There was not one thing on the menu she didn’t want. She ordered several dishes and a jug of ale. She smiled and went to work eating the marvelous food.
***
Ares smiled, he was totally refreshed after the hour of rest. He entered the alter room where Xena’s unfinished body lay. He sighed, Aphrodite wasn’t back yet, “Oh well, I’ll just have to go find her.” He quickly transported himself to her private chamber. “Ar! Gods, don’t do that! Get out of here!” He rolled his eyes, “Dite, I’ve seen you in the bath before. Break’s over, time to get back to work.” She wined, “Ar! I’m in the middle of a bubble bath!” He sighed, “Come on. It’s been an hour. It’s time to get back to Xena. I promised.” A tear went down the Goddess’s cheek, “That’s so sweet.” With a snap of her dainty fingers, she was standing before him adorned in her pink outfit, “Chocolate?” She offered, extending a box towards him. He shook his head, “No, let’s just get back to Xena and finish recreating her body.” She nodded, set the box down on a pink table, then grabbed Ares as they disappeared.
***
Gabrielle smiled and poked at the man, “You know something? You look a lot like this guy I once knew. He’s dead though. Say, are you dead?” The man shook his head, “No, I don’t think so.” “Oh. Too bad. I liked him.” She wrapped her arms around the guys’ neck and sat on his lap, breathing heavily in his face. He cringed at the scent of alcohol. There was a bright flash, “Gabrielle?” A shocked expression hit her face and the man fled. “Oh, hunky god. Sit, drink.” He laughed, she was totally drunk, “Great timing, Gabrielle. You’re going to have one hell of a head ache, but Xena will kill me if you’re drunk when she gets brought back.” He grabbed her shoulders in a vice grip and searched her mind for traces of the alcohol, removing it as he went. She fell limp in his arms, “I always knew you weren’t that smart.” Soon they were in his temple, at the alter.
Aphrodite was pacing when Ares arrived with Gabrielle. The Warrior Bard was just now regaining consciousness. “Oh gods, my head!” Ares laughed, “That’s what you get for drinking when we need you sober.” She held her head as he set her down, “If it feels like this, I’ll never drink another drop again,” she said, then ran to the alter where Xena’s body lay, “Xena! It’s Xena! It’s her body! You have her body!” Aphrodite smiled and handed her a drink, “For your head,” she explained, “When you’re ready, we’ll bring her back.” Gabrielle drank the mixture thankfully, “Please, just bring her back. I miss her so much.” The two gods nodded, “Here hold her hand,” Ares directed. He motioned to Aphrodite who put a hand on Xena’s head and chest. He did the same. Gabrielle watched as they both grew serious and a bright yellow light flowed over Xena’s still body. Tears trickled down her cheeks as she held Xena’s hand tightly against her face. Hesitantly, Xena inhaled. Gabrielle smiled and both Ares and Aphrodite relaxed. “That a girl Xe,” he sighed. Her eyes fluttered open, “Wha?” She asked confusedly. Tears still pouring down her face, Gabrielle through herself on the warrior, “Oh Xena! I thought I’d lost you forever!” In a weak voice, she asked, “How?” Ares moved into her line of sight, “Welcome back Princess.” Xena startled to struggle, but soon fell back, exhausted, “You.” “Don’t worry Xe,” he reassured her, “The souls are fine. The only down side is, you can’t fight anymore.” “Wha? No.” He walked closer to her, “I’ll retrain you. It’ll be okay,” he said, kissing her forehead. She jerked away from him. “Okay, Warrior babe. We might have done a remarkably good job on your bod, but let’s get you cleaned up a bit.” Xena managed a smile, and slowly said, “Let me rest first Dite.” The Goddess nodded. Ares picked Xena up gently and received a questioning look from her. “I’ll take you someplace warm and comfortable to sleep.” She smiled and feeling exhausted, rested her head against his chest. He started down the hall. Gabrielle tried to follow, but Aphrodite grabbed her arm and shook her head. Ares brought Xena to a room that had once belonged to her and laid her on the silk sheets. He looked down to see her asleep, “Sweet Dreams, My Princess.” He gently kissed her, then went to his own room.
***
Aphrodite laughed at the pacing blonde. “Gabrielle, she’s fine, she’s resting.” Gabrielle snapped, “I know! I know. But what else can I do? I have to be there! What if she wakes up?” The Goddess smirked, “Chill hun. Ar’s there for her. But doll, you really smell. It’s like one of those old horny men that sit around all day drinking booze has taken over your body. Let’s get you cleaned up a bit. Then maybe Xena will want you around.” Gabrielle looked offended, then self conscious, “Do I really smell that bad?” “Yeah and you don’t look so good either.” The bard gave in, “Okay, Aphrodite, you win. Let’s get me cleaned up.” The Goddess screeched, “Yeah! Now that sounds like fun!” They disappeared in a flash of pink light, heading towards Aphrodite’s private spa.
Chapter 3:
Aphrodite smiled as the petite warrior relaxed in the bubbling hot spring, “Hits the spot, doesn’t it?” Gabrielle nodded, “Aphrodite, why does Ares care so much about Xena?” There was a sigh, “Gab, he loves her, he always has. He told you and her. Give him a chance. Being mortal changed him and he’s better for it.” The bard nodded, “Oh. He’s helped so much, I guess it’s time that I learned to trust him.” The Goddess hugged her, “Thanks blondie. All he wants is to be with her. They just need some time alone, some time to bond and see things between them as they should be. Things will be fine.” Gabrielle sighed, “After Jappa, do you think it can be the same between me and Xena?” Aphrodite laughed, “Of course, things will be fine between you two. Why wouldn’t they?” “It’s just, whenever something big happens, things change between us. After Caesar killed us, we started fighting more as a team. I’m worried that this will change things again. She sacrificed herself for four thousand souls, she’s redeemed herself and that’s always been her goal. What if she wants to settle down now and stop fighting for the greater good?” Aphrodite rolled her eyes, “Xena? Settle down? Doll face, I don’t think we’re thinking of the same Xena. I can’t see her settling down all too soon, in fact, like never. Xena lives by her sword and she always will.” Gabrielle smiled, “Thanks Aphrodite, you’re right. I don’t know what I was thinking.” They both relaxed into the water letting all their cares seep away. The bubbles formed around them as they relaxed, eating chocolates and drinking mochas.
***
Ares paced his room, waiting for Xena to awaken. Not too long ago, he’d thought he’d lost her forever. He sighed and sat down, drumming his fingers on a nearby table. Warlords were calling on him, wishing to be blessed before going into battle. He hadn’t answered them in over a day and didn’t plan on doing so now. He didn’t want Xena to be alone when she woke up. He wanted to be by her side the second she stirred from her slumber. He stood and started pacing again. He knew that Xena was alright and out of the danger zone, but he still worried. He wanted to sit by her side, but feared it would wake her up. The last thing she needed was for her rest to be disturbed.
Xena tossed from one side to the other, then sat up screaming. Quickly Ares ran through the door and wrapped an arm around her, “Shh, Xena. It’s okay. It was just a bad dream. It’s over now.” She sighed, a few tears traveling down her cheek, “I’ve done so many horrible things, killed so many innocent people. You should have left me dead, it was what I deserved.” He moved her away from his chest and looked into her eyes, “Xena, you have done so much good. So many people have been saved because of you. Think how far you’ve come sense the beginning.” She looked away from him, “I have so much to atone for.” “Xena, you already have. You saved so many and died to save even more. Stop letting your past haunt you. That’s not who you are anymore.” She gave a faint hint of a smile, “Thank you Ares.” She rested her head on his chest, “I’m so confused right now. I have so many mixed feelings about everything. This is the third time I’ve been brought back to life. First was the ambrosia, then Eli and now you. It’s like someone’s trying to tell me that I’m supposed to die.” “No, Xena. You are supposed to live. There are many people who depend on you. You must live, or they will be lost. We need you Xena. Get some rest, we’ll start your training tomorrow.” She nodded. Ares stood up and began to walk out the door. “Ares wait.” He turned to look at Xena, resting on the bed, staring intently back at him. “Stay with me, please.” Uneasily he sat down by her on the bed. She cuddled against him, resting her head on his chest. She sighed as she felt his arms wrap around her.
Hours later, Xena awoke to find Ares asleep. She gently moved away from him and smiled at his still form. For the first time, she looked down at herself, she was in a thick white shift. “Can’t fight in this.” She stood up shakily, but quickly gained her balance and walked to the closet. There among dresses and armor, she found boots, a leather top and pants. “Much better.” She walked back to the bed and sat down beside Ares, who was still asleep. She smiled, pushed her hair behind her ear, leaned over and gently kissed him. As she straightened up, his eyes fluttered open, “Xena?” A smile appeared on her face, “Who else?” He sat up and stared at her in awe, “You look good. Hungry?” She nodded, “Famished.” He laughed a little, “Good, let’s go get Aphrodite and Gabrielle, then we can eat.” She smiled and took his hand as he transported them to Aphrodite’s chambers. There were two shrill screams as they arrived. Xena looked over at her friend and the Goddess, all that showed of Gabrielle was a nose and two eyes, the rest was covered in watery bubbles. Aphrodite was standing up, bubbles covering almost all of her. Xena smirked, “You two hungry or should we go eat without you?” “Xena!” Gabrielle jumped up, then seeing Ares, fell back into the water, “Umm, Ares, could you, umm.” He shook his head, then turned around laughing, “Nothing I haven’t seen before.” Xena nudged him playfully.
Soon, both Aphrodite and Gabrielle were dry and clothed. Gabrielle went straight to Xena’s side. Xena, put an arm around her friend, “Ready to go?” Gabrielle nodded. Xena took Ares hand and Aphrodite took Gabrielle’s. The Inn they arrived at was a small place, with good service and even better food. Xena and Gabrielle sat down on one side of the table with Ares and Aphrodite on the other. Xena reached across and stole a few grapes off Ares’ plate, “Thanks.” Ares laughed, “Now Xena, didn’t your mother ever teach you table manners?” Xena looked thoughtful, “She tried, just didn’t work out as she had planned it to.” Xena laughed and stole a few more grapes while Ares shook his head, laughing. Aphrodite sighed, “I’ll just have to change that now, won’t I?” Gabrielle laughed, “Ha! Good luck!” “Yeah, what does a warrior need with manners anyway?” A new voice asked.
Chapter 4:
Xena’s head whipped around, searching for the face that went with the voice, “Eve?” A cloaked figure moved into view, “Hello mother,” she said, pulling the hood away from her face. Xena stood and embraced her daughter, “Hi Eve. How have you been?” “Fine,” she answered uneasily, “What are you doing with these two?” Gabrielle answered, “It’s a long story, I’ll explain it to you later.” Xena sat back down and Eve drug a chair over from a nearby table. Murmuring could be heard from the Inn’s other guests. Many were talking about Eve truly being Livia the Bitch of Rome. Xena stood up, “Hey, that’s my daughter you’re talking about. If you have a problem with her, you have a problem with me.” A group of men stepped forward, “Then, we’re in the middle of a big mess, aren’t we? That Livia, killed my wife and child. She must pay!” Xena got into a fighting stance, as Ares and Gabrielle stood up on either side of her. Aphrodite pulled Eve back. Both the group of men and Xena drew their weapons. Just as Xena’s sword fell to the floor, a group of six Roman Guards stormed through the door. Xena looked around uneasily as they pushed passed her and grabbed Eve, “Livia, you’re coming with us. In two days time, you will die.” Xena looked around helplessly, “What has she done?” A guard laughed, “Everyone living knows what Livia has done. She betrayed her Emperor and now she must suffer the consequences: Death.” Gabrielle shook her head, “But she’s changed.” All six men laughed, then drug Eve away. Xena moved towards them, but Ares put a hand on her shoulder to stop her, “We’ll get her back. Don’t worry. I’ll train you and before two days time is passed, you will be ready to save your daughter.” She smiled at him shakily, “Let’s get started.” Ares nodded and put his arm around her, then they disappeared, leaving Gabrielle and Aphrodite behind.
Gabrielle stared at the space that Xena and Ares had been only moments before, “Do you think they can do it?” Aphrodite sighed, “Yeah. Xena’s unbeatable and Ares is good. Put them together and there’s nothing they can’t do.” Gabrielle looked away, “I hope you’re right.” Aphrodite shook her head slightly, “Me too.” Defeatedly, the two sat down and finished their meals, both wondering if the real Xena would be back in time to save Eve from certain death.
***
Ares smiled as Xena picked up her sword. “It’s heavier than I remember it,” she noted. He took the sword out of her hand, “You’ve been dead, it tends to take a person’s strength away. Let’s try some moves first without the sword.” Xena stares down at her chakram. “Or the chakram, Xena,” he adds smiling. “Alright, what are you suggesting? Sticks? Flips?” Ares shook his head, “No, something simpler.” She raised an eyebrow, “Such as?” “Dance,” Ares answered quickly. Xena gave him a look of bewilderment, “How is that going to help?” He rolled his eyes, “The key to fighting is in a simple step, a turn, then a strike of the hand. You have to have discipline, strength, trust, and balance.” He reached out his hand, and looked at her expectantly. She gulped, then put her hand in his as fast music started playing in the trees behind them. She spun and was dipped, then something inside of her came alive, they moved as one, each supporting the other, each knowing the others next move. Xena spun around, away from him, out of breath, “I think I understand now.” Ares smiled at her, “Ready to try it with a sword?” She nodded and picked up her sword, it suddenly feeling at home in her hand, “Think you can handle me, Ar?” She asked sarcastically. His smile broadened, “Oh, I don’t know. Xena, you have that gleam in your eye, the one you always get when we used to fight. Do you really think you’re ready to challenge me?” “Only one way to find out,” she replies, striking at him with all the strength and fierceness in her soul. They exchange blows, smiling at each other, both sharing the same gleam, the same love for battle. As Xena began to weaken, Ares took the upper hand in the battle, he knocked the sword from her hand, then sat his down. “Looks like I win.” Xena only shakes her head, then seductively leans towards her. Ares was a little taken aback by her closeness, when suddenly his legs were knocked out from under him and he landed flat on his back, Xena coming down to pin him with a dagger at his throat. “Ares, you should never let your guard down. Be happy we’re only practicing, you might have got hurt,” she said laughing. Ares joined in her laughter, then flipped her over, using his strength to pin her to the ground, having no need for a dagger. “When will you learn Xena? You can’t outdo a god, at least not this one.” She smiled and lifted her head off the ground, “Yes I can.” Their lips were mere centimeters from touching. Ares hesitantly closed the distance between them and their lips locked in a passionate kiss. Ares loosened his hold on Xena so he could move his arms around her waist and pick her up. Xena moved her arms up around his neck, but refused to let her legs be lifted. Instead, she slowly moved backwards, dragging him along through their kiss. Soon she had him near a lake, and with one quick shove, she had him falling in the lake. What she hadn’t expected was for him to drag her in as well. He landed cleanly on his feet and caught Xena before she could hit the water. “Now Xena, that wasn’t very nice,” he said. She smiled at him then knitted her eyebrows together as a devilish grin crept onto his face. “Ares,” she muttered warningly. It was too late, he dropped her into the cold lake. A shrill scream erupted from her as she hit the waters surface then plummeted downwards. It was all Ares could to keep himself from falling from laughter, when Xena came back up drenched and spitting water.
***
In a nearby temple to Aphrodite, Gabrielle sat talking to the Goddess about all the places she had been and the cute guys she had met. A scream filled the room. Gabrielle ran to the door, “Someone needs help. Aphrodite, can you take us to where that scream came from?” “Sure sweet pea,” Aphrodite replied, grabbing the bard’s hand.
Gabrielle arrived by a lake, sais drawn, ready to take on whoever or whatever was causing problems. She looked in the lake and saw who the scream had come from. Her mouth hung open and her sais fell to the ground, “Xena?!” Aphrodite was smiling, “Yeah! You go bro! Get it on!” Xena’s head whipped around, “Gabrielle toss me a sai. I’m going to teach this god a lesson he’ll never forget,” she said evenly. Ares stared at her, “Isn’t that how we ended up in the lake?” He asked, crossing his arms. “Yup,” she replied suddenly jumping up and shoving him under the water. Before he could recover, she took off swimming for shore. He caught her by the ankle and pulled her back down, then took the lead in the apparent race to land. Then he stopped, realizing that Xena wasn’t behind him and in fact, hadn’t resurfaced yet. He glanced at the shore, where Gabrielle was searching the water’s surface for Xena. Xena appeared, already very close to land. Ares sighed, then struggled to catch up with her, which he did quickly. When they reached the shore, Aphrodite and Gabrielle were seated on land. Gabrielle looked at her soaked friend, “Why did you scream?” Xena blushed a little, “He dropped me in the freezing lake!” She said, pointing an accusing finger at Ares, who was looking around innocently, “Me?” Xena laughed and playfully slapped his cheek, “Yes you.” Gabrielle raised an eyebrow, “My, my, aren’t we in a good mood.” Ares leaned back, “Yeah, you would be too if you had me,” he said, wearing a devilish grin. Gabrielle gasped and turned red. Xena smiled slightly, then gave Ares a dirty look. Aphrodite just watched and waited to see where the drama was going to lead.
Chapter 5:
Ares looked from Aphrodite to Gabrielle and finally settled his gaze on Xena, “We need to get back to training. We can go to one of my Arenas. At least there I won’t have to worry about being backed into a lake,” he said playfully. Xena laughed, “It was your fault.” Gabrielle looked from Ares to Xena, feeling a little uncomfortable, “So, uh, things are going well?” Ares looked at her, “Of course they are. Xena always was a quick learner. And with me training her, what could go wrong?” Xena smiled at him, then looked at Gabrielle, “What’s wrong?” The bard looked down, “Nothing, I’m just restless and in need of some of your time. We need to talk Xena.” The warrior nodded, “I know. Ares I’ll meet you at your temple in an hour. Why don’t you and Aphrodite go rest, I’m sure you’re both worn out.” Aphrodite smiled and grabbed Ares arm, “That’s a great idea Xena. It’s just what we all need.” Ares nodded, “Okay, I’ll see you in an hour, princess.” Xena looked away from him, trying to hide the flush of color that had just pasted her face.
Aphrodite went with Ares to his temple, knowing that she needed to talk to him about what was going on. “Alright Dite, what do you want?” “To talk,” she said simply, sitting down on his throne, then jumping up, “Ar, you need cushions.” He laughed at her and made several soft feather pillows appear on the floor. He lounged on a few of them, “More to your liking I hope.” Aphrodite laid down, “Much better.” “So, what did you want to talk about?” Aphrodite’s face grew serious, “Xena.” When Ares didn’t say anything, she continued, “It’s going to be hard on her. I know, as well as you that she doesn’t have all her strength back and that it will take time. Her and Gabrielle won’t be able to get Eve back without help. They will need you. We both know that Xena has never been good at excepting help from the gods, especially you. She knows you love her, but do you think she will let you help her save Eve?” Ares nodded, “Xena will do anything to keep her daughter safe. Xena and I are bonding. Things are going back to the way they were before there was good and evil between us. She’ll let me help her get Eve out of Rome. And then, when Eve is safe, we can finally be together, if she’ll have me that is.” Aphrodite smiled, “I know how much you love her and honestly, I believe she feels the same for you. After all, you always did get to her. Do you think she can give up her way of life for you though? Xena’s not the settling type and you’re a god, with responsibilities. I don’t like being the voice of reason here, but I want you to be aware of what she might tell you.” Ares looked away, realizing that his sister was right, he remained quite.
***
Gabrielle sat down by the lake and waited for Xena to join her. Xena sat down, letting her feet dangle in the water, “It’s so nice to be back. The sun is amazing. I never realized how beautiful it really is.” Gabrielle smiled, “Xena, I don’t know what I would do if you were still dead. We weren’t doing so well without you. When Ares offered to bring you back, I didn’t know if he should. I didn’t know if you would be happy. But now, I see you and I know it was the right thing to do. You are glowing with happiness right now.” The sun reflected off of Xena’s hair, making it shimmer, “Gabrielle, things are changing and things will continue to change. But, no matter what you will always be the best thing in my life. You saved me from myself and taught me the power of friendship.” Gabrielle blushed then looked serious, “Xena, what’s on your mind? You wouldn’t have said all that unless something was really bothering you.” Xena sighed, “Gabrielle, I’m having mixed feelings about Ares. He’s changed so much. The feelings I’m having for him are a lot like they were before there was good and evil between us. I think that after all these years and all the things he’s done to me, I’m actually falling for him. He always got to me, but now, things seem different somehow, they seem real and serious. I know I can trust him and I know he loves me. I think I love him, Gabrielle,” she admitted. “I know, Xena. It’s kind of obvious, it always has been. Xena, I want you to be happy and I think with Ares by your side, you can be,” Gabrielle said. “I’m not much of a settling down type of girl. I need the travel and I need to help people. It’s all I know how to do. I don’t want an army again. I want travel and adventure. I want to see people safe and sound because of me. I don’t want children left orphans. How can I be who I am while still being in a relationship?” “That’s something you’ll have to figure out,” Gabrielle replied, “But, no matter what you decide to do, I will stick by your choice and support you in any way I can.” Xena reached over and gave her friend a tight hug, “Thank you.” Gabrielle smiled and hugged Xena, “It’s so good to see you alive again.” They sat like that, arms around each other, smiling, and thinking.
***
Xena walked into Ares temple and was met by both Ares and Aphrodite. “Where’s Gabrielle?” Aphrodite asked, looking behind Xena. “She went to the market place. She had the urge to shop. I think she’s planning on cooking those dumplings with the red stuff in them for me,” Xena answered, smiling. Aphrodite left the temple, heading in the direction of the market place. “So you ready to get back to training? I was thinking we could work on some flips and hand to hand combat, if that’s okay with you,” Ares said. “Sounds great, let’s get to the arena and get to work. We only have an hour before it gets dark and we still have a lot to do,” Xena explained. Ares grabbed her hand and they disappeared into the ether.
***
Gabrielle walked into a shop and smiled at the young woman standing by the counter. Aphrodite strolled in behind her, “So how’d it go with Xena?” Gabrielle jumped around, sias in hand. Seeing Aphrodite she adopted a sheepish look, “Sorry Dite, I’m a little jumpy still. They went well. She loves Ares, but doesn’t know if she can settle down. She wants to continue helping people. I know she’ll find a way.” Aphrodite smiled, “She always does. So, are we looking for anything in particular today?” Gabrielle shook her head, “No not really, just looking to see what I can find.” They strolled around the store, laughing at some of the new inventions and playing with a few of the others, then they headed onto the next shop.
***
A punch flew at Xena, she dodged it and sent a kick towards Ares head. It hit the mark, but as she pulled back, he grabbed her ankle and sent her flying over. She landed cat like on the ground, “That the best you have all mighty god of war?” She purred. He smiled, a glean in his eyes, “Oh no, I just don’t want to hurt you warrior princess.” She leaped over him, flipping to face him. He spun around in time to block her next punch. But he didn’t see her foot coming up to collide with her chin. He fell back, but not before grabbing her foot and bringing her down with him. As they hit the ground they both smiled, then leaped to a low crouch. Ares was the first to move, flipping over Xena then charging towards her. Xena leaped up, running towards a wall and using it to gain momentum over him. She landed behind him with enough time to tackle him and wrestle him down to the ground. “Had enough?” He shook his head, “No, you?” She smiled, “Never.” She got up and offered him a hand which he took. “That was very well done Xena. You’re quick and agile. Two great advantages to have over your enemies. There’s just one thing we haven’t worked on yet,” Ares informed. “What’s that?” Xena asked, although she knew very well what it was. Ares reached down towards her hip, “This,” he said, holding up the chakram, “It’s late, Gabrielle and Aphrodite are waiting for us in the main dining area of my temple. We’ll work with the chakram early tomorrow, then we can go rescue Eve.” “We?” Xena asked, raising an eyebrow. Ares looked away, “If you’ll let me, I want to help you. You mean so much to me Xena. And even though your training is going great, you still don’t have all your strength. I don’t want to see you get hurt. I love you, Xena.” He looked like he was going to say more, but Xena put her finger on his lips to silence him, “Thank you,” she said, moving her lips towards his until they were almost touching. She could feel his breath on her lips and longed to kiss him. “I was hoping you’d want to he-,” she began to say, but his lips met hers in a passionate kiss before she could finish.
Chapter 6:
Dinner was spent in a comfortable silence. Gabrielle, was sampling everything, even though she had made or bought most of the food spread out on the table. Aphrodite was daintily nibbling on some bread and grapes. She was looking forward to dessert more than the actual dinner. Ares sat and munched on some meet and a few other things that were sitting near him on the table. Xena was taking her fair share of just about everything, needing two plates to hold the food that she was happily eating. Gabrielle had made the dumplings that she loved and she had to make sure that they were all eaten up. Xena could only hope that there wasn’t more. She wanted to be able to keep eating, it all tasted amazing to her. But, she knew that eventually she would be stuffed and unable to eat more. A thought hit her then: leftovers. That made her slow down to a polite pace of eating. She looked at everyone else, who only had one plate with a few things on them. Her eyes settled on Ares plate where she saw a few of her dumplings sitting. She glared at him and he forked one and ate it. Gabrielle was giggling and Aphrodite was thinking of trying a few dumplings.
Servants came out and cleared the empty plates off the table. Somehow all the food, especially the dumplings had ended up gone. Xena knew that was because of her. Seconds later, several servants came out holding trays filled with desserts. Aphrodite’s eyes lit up, Ares smiled, Xena beamed, though she looked quite full, Gabrielle just looked happily at everyone’s reaction. “Gabrielle, you made enough to feed an army. Of course, army food never tastes quite this good,” Ares complimented. Xena looked around the table, it was now filled with sweets of all kinds. Fruit pies and cakes and cookies of all kinds flowed over the table. No one knew where to start. “Wow,” Xena breathed. Aphrodite started collecting dainty pieces of cake and a few cookies onto her plate, making it look like a picture perfect plate of sweets. Gabrielle munched on a fruit pie and piece of nutbread, hoping it wouldn’t do any strange things to her. Ares looked around the table, then watched as Xena took a bit of everything onto her plate. “How many are you eating for over there? Feeding the dogs too?” He asked sarcastically. Xena’s head shot up from her plate, “I was dead. I’m just trying to enjoy the yummy food. Do you think dead people get this good of food?” Ares laughed and Gabrielle giggled. Finally Ares decided to try a few of the cakes, even though most of them were oddly decorated with icing of bright annoying colors. Aphrodite smiled at him as he helped himself to a bright pink cake covered in flowers, “Wow Ar, that is SO you,” she laughed. He smirked, “Yeah, I figured I could try eating something that looks like you. Any way, food comes in different shapes and colors, a god can not be prejudice against one that is colored an embarrassing shade of pink.” She stuck her tongue out at him, then grabbed another cookie. Xena smiled and shook her head looking at Ares. That’s when she saw it, an untouched chocolate mousse cake. She glared at the god standing in her way of getting to it, “Ares, pass me a piece of that,” she ordered, a threat behind her words. He looked at the cake, “Hmm...That does look awfully good, doesn’t it Xena? But, I’m sure your too full to eat any of it. Don’t worry, I’ll eat your share too,” he said cutting himself a piece. “Ares,” Xena started warningly, then smiled as he past a plate holding a large piece to her. “There you go Princess.” Gabrielle looked at Xena as she savored the cake, “You know Xena, you’re going to have to fit back into your armor after this meal.” Xena just glared at her as Aphrodite and Ares tried and failed to hold back laughter. Soon the table was cleared, leaving a few cookies left over from the large meal. Xena ordered those to be brought to her room and left there for her as a midnight snack.
Aphrodite left to return to her own temple were lovers were asking for the help of the beautiful goddess of love. A servant showed Gabrielle to a guest room where she found several different outfits that oddly fit her. She smiled, slipped on a silk night gown and curled up on the large bed, not quite knowing how she was supposed to take up the whole thing. Ares walked Xena to her room and escorted her in, “I didn’t mess with anything. If it’s in here, it’s yours, Xena.” She turned to him and kissed his cheek, “Thank you.” “Your welcome. I’ll wake you in the morning.” She smiled, “Unless I wake up before you,” she said. He laughed, “Good night Xena,” he said before turning to leave. He felt Xena’s hand on his shoulder and turned to look at her, she had an innocent, yet expectant look on her face, “Don’t I get a good night kiss?” He smiled, wrapping his arms around her, kissing her deeply. When they parted, Xena went to her closet and changed, while Ares left for his own room.
Chapter 7:
The next morning Gabrielle woke up in a room covered with pink, frilly, things, “Aphrodite?” The goddess appeared beside her, “Nice, isn’t it? I figured you wouldn’t want to hang out with Ar’s people all day.” Gabrielle nodded, “Oh, thank you. So what’s for breakfast? And did you bring my clothes?” “Fruit and yes I did, they’re over there,” Aphrodite answered pointing to a closet. Gabrielle changed into her warrior outfit, then grabbed Aphrodite’s extended hand as they disappeared into a dining area.
***
Xena was awake before the sun came out. She was shocked to see Ares sitting by her side. “Sorry, did I wake you?” He asked, getting up and heading towards the door. She grabbed his wrist, “No. Let me change and then we can get to work. I have a lot to do today and not nearly enough time. Do you think we have a chance?” He raised an eyebrow, “Xena, you destroyed Rome basically, single handedly, at that. You can do anything. And with my help, how can we fail today? We will get Eve back. I promise.” “Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Ares,” she replied, then added, “I just have an odd feeling. Eli came to me in a dream last night. He said I had to give her up and move on with my life. He said we were going in different directions. That the only way she could fulfill her destiny was for her to be away from me. She doesn’t need me anymore.” Ares put an arm around her, unsure what to say or do, “It’ll be okay. He probably just meant it was time to let her grow up and move on. Maybe he was saying that it was time for you to move on with your life too. You’ve redeemed yourself. And I know, just as well as anyone else, that you won’t stop fighting for the greater good. That’s who you are and I’m thankful for that. Maybe Eli is suggesting that it’s time that you try things a little differently. Maybe we all need to.” He stared into her eyes and saw her cheeks turn slightly pink as she pulled away from him, “Maybe you’re right,” she said kissing his cheek and heading towards the closet, “I’ll be ready in a few minutes.” He turned to leave the room, “I’ll bring breakfast and your chakram.” She smiled at him as he left the room.
***
Xena stood in a circle of trees. Ares had an arm wrapped around her, guiding her hand as she released the chakram. Gabrielle and Aphrodite stood nearby, both ready to bolt if it took a stray turn. “Stay calm, focused,” Ares whispered in Xena’s ear. She turned to look at him, “That’s hard to do when you’re whispering in my ear and breathing down my neck.” “Sorry,” he said as his lips went to meet hers. “Xena!” Gabrielle shouted as the chakram came flying towards the warrior princess. Xena’s hand shot up and plucked the chakram from the air,” So, who’s ready to beat some Romans?” Everyone stared at her in awe. “Wow, first try, not bad. Almost as good as your first try with it all those years ago,” Ares admitted. “Almost? I thought this time was better. After all, I was being distracted this time.” “Yeah, but if Gabrielle hadn’t said anything, it would have hit you.” “I knew were it was the whole time,” Xena said smugly. Gabrielle stepped up to Xena, “Before we go rescue Eve, can I talk to you? I had a dream.” “Eli,” Xena nodded. Gabrielle looked surprised. “Gabrielle, we have to let her go. It’s time for her to go out on her own, without us. It’s the only way.” Gabrielle nodded, “Xena there’s more. Eli said I needed to let you go too. He told me it was the only way for our destinies to be complete. It’s the only way for us to get the best out of life.” Xena looked away, “Let’s see how today goes and then we’ll figure the rest of this out. There will be a sign of which way we should go. There always is.” Ares walked forward, “Ready?” He asked gently. Xena and Gabrielle nodded, then looked at Aphrodite, “We’ll be back later,” Gabrielle informed her. “I’ll be waiting and I’ll have dinner and bathes ready,” The goddess said.
Chapter 8:
Eve stood in the center of an arena, surrounded by Rome’s best, chained, and bloody. She had been beaten harshly for long hours. A Roman general stood on a podium, he was in charge of Eve’s trial. “Are you afraid Livia?” She shook her head, “No, Eli will protect me. The woman you seek is already dead, all that is left is her past and a line of dead innocent townspeople. I am here to redeem her. I am not the woman you seek. But I will take her punishment if that will please the God of Eli.” The general laughed along with the people in the stands. Eve stood up, “Death is what I deserve for Livia’s crimes against these innocent people. I know that and I accept it. Do not subject me to do battle with a champion to win my freedom. I will not fight.” The general continued laughing, but a movement on the side of the stands caught his attention.
Xena, Ares, and Gabrielle strode into the arena, heading purposefully towards Eve, weapons drawn, eyes darting around. The guards stood erect, ready to fight or to kill Eve, all they awaited was the signal from their general. Xena stepped forward and looked the general in the eye, “You have heard what my daughter has to say. Now, listen to me, you harm her and I will make all of Rome suffer. You, these guards, those people, your families. They’ll be gone.” Her eyes turned icy. Eve struggled towards her, but was caught by the guards, “No mother! This isn’t the way. I must pay for the crimes of Livia. It is how things are to be. It’s my destiny. Eli has told me in a dream that to better save these people and serve our god, I must leave. Don’t be scared mother, I’m not. Eli will protect be. I’m ready.” Xena looked around, confused. Her eyes went from the general, to her daughter, to Gabrielle and then to Ares. They darted back to the general, “I can’t let you kill my daughter.” “It’s justice and it must be served.” Gabrielle stepped forward, “It’s madness. She’s changed, can’t you see that?” He shook his head, “It doesn’t matter. She herself has said it, she must pay, she must die. Don’t get in the way of the law.” A flame filled Xena’s eyes and she leapt forward, attacking the nearest guard. Eve struggled back, “Mother, no, this is how it has to be.” Gabrielle and Ares joined in the fight as more guards came from hidden vantage points. Ares glanced at the podium and saw it was empty, “Xena, the general’s gone!” Xena looked at where Eve was. “Eve!” She yelled, not seeing her daughter. Gabrielle caught a glance of the general and a slightly struggling Eve, “Xena! Over there.” Xena flipped over the guards, but was too late. They grabbed her feet as she went over their heads. They drug her down as a knife went towards Eve’s neck. Eve sat in peace, staring directly at Xena. Ares ran and plucked the guards off Xena, throwing them into the far wall. Xena leapt up and rushed to Eve, but was too late. Xena looked at her daughter, who was struggling to say something, “I love you mother. Please, let me be at peace. Let me serve Eli. Let the light come, I see it now. Good bye mother. I love you.” Tears fell down Xena’s face as her daughter’s body went limp in her arms, “Do something.” The general stared at her. Ares put an arm around her, “Xena, she wouldn’t want to be brought back. I know you loved your daughter and always will and she knew it too. That’s the most important thing here.” Gabrielle fell to the ground beside Xena, “We’re too late. She’s gone.” Ares looked at her and put a hand on her shoulder, “It’s what she wanted, Gabrielle.” With both women nestled against his chest, crying, Ares disappeared, heading towards his nearest temple where Aphrodite was awaiting their return.
***
Aphrodite sat in Ares throne smiling at her nails when he appeared, holding both Xena and Gabrielle. He looked up at her, and she gasped upon seeing the tears going down his face. Xena was shaking and Gabrielle was sobbing. The goddess leapt off the throne and threw herself down by her friends and brother, grabbing them all in a fierce hug, “I’m so sorry.” Xena looked up at her, “Please, I need to be alone right now.” With that she got onto shaky feet and ran to her room. Ares jerked as he heard the door slam shut. “I think I better go to my room too,” Gabrielle said between sobs. She struggled to stand, but fell back down. Ares picked her up in his arms and took her to her room, where he sat her down on the bed and left her. He went back to Aphrodite and collapsed to the floor where she still sat. “It was horrible. Eve wouldn’t fight back. She wanted to die, Dite. She wanted to.” Aphrodite put an arm around Ares.
The two gods sat on the floor of the temple and hardly noticed the bright white light that filled the room. “Ares,” a voice said. His head shot up and he saw, through the blinding light, Eve. “You’re dead.” Eve nodded, “Yes, I am. I went over to the light so I could better serve the God of Eli. You must help my mother and Gabrielle. You can’t let them slip over, not because of my death. Protect them, especially mother. She needs you. You understand what’s going on, you always have. Help them, help mother.” He nodded, “I will. I promise you.” Eve nodded and the light got brighter then suddenly was gone. Ares looked around the room, letting his eyes rest on his sister, who sat shocked. “Wow,” she breathed gently, “Which one are you going to start with?” Ares shook his head, “I don’t know. I think I’ll let them have some alone time. They need it.” Aphrodite nodded and stood up, “Go take a bath Ar. You need to relax before you go to talk to them. I’ll stay here.” Ares nodded and disappeared, still a little shocked by his talk with Eve.
***
Ares relaxed on his bed, lost in thought. He remembered the first time he saw Eve, just a little bundle resting in Xena’s arms. He remembered holding her as a baby and how right that had felt. The look Xena gave him as he held her daughter had sent chills down his spine. Then, he remembered Livia. She had so reminded him of Xena. So young, so beautiful, so full of fire. Not for one minute did he think that this girl could have been Eve. He remembered thinking that just maybe, Livia could be the next Xena, at least to the world, if not to him. He couldn’t help but wonder though, if maybe she was Xena, having passed into her next life. He dismissed the thought quickly, then. He remembered bringing Eve back from the dead to save Xena. That had felt so right to him, he hadn’t even thought about it. And now, she was gone and there was no way to get her back without ruining her. He was left to take care of Xena and Gabrielle who were both broken. He had no clue were to start or how to handle either of them. This wasn’t his department. But he had promised and he wasn’t going to defile Eve’s memory by braking his last promise to her. He laid down and stared at the ceiling, trying to relax his fried nerves.
***
Gabrielle jerked awake, wondering how she had gotten where she was. Wondering if Eve’s death had been some horrible dream. She knew it wasn’t. It still felt too fresh, almost as if she taken the wound. She sat up and cried. “Poor Xena. She’s lost both of her children. How can this be right if it causes so much pain? How could this have happened? Eli, why didn’t you save her? Why didn’t you stop these horrid events from passing?” She sighed, “I know, because of me. I let you die. You couldn’t be here to save Eve, because I let you be killed. Eve died because of me. She became Livia because of me. If only you could have been there. She would have been the girl that Xena and I always wanted her to be.” Gabrielle broke down in tears. Lost in her guilt, she fell back to sleep, a fitful sleep with little rest involved.
***
Aphrodite looked from one wall to the other, confused about what was going on. She had never really known Eve, so her death didn’t effect the Goddess much. But she had been very close to Gabrielle, Xena and Ares. All three of them were broken hearted right now. And being the Goddess of Love, she had the desire to heal those hearts, though she didn’t know what she could do to help. She knew how much they were hurting, but she didn’t know how to stop that hurt. She felt quite useless right now. She shook her head. Ares was in his room, hopefully relaxing a bit, straightening things out in his head so he could help Xena and Gabrielle. But, Aphrodite felt that there had to be something for her to do. She sighed, “Well, if there’s nothing just for me, then I’ll find something to do. The least I can do, is have food and baths ready for everyone. I can try to keep things calm and comfortable. Maybe one of my personal massagers would come in and help out a bit.” She smiled and set herself to work.
***
Xena shot up from the bed that she was laying on. “Eve!” She looked around her room and knew that it hadn’t been a dream. It had all happened. Her daughter was dead, she hadn’t been able to save her from Rome. “I’ve lost her,” she wailed. She sunk down to the bed and let her tears spill onto the pillow. She remembered running from the gods who wanted her baby dead. She remembered awakening from twenty-five years of slumber and her first thought had been of her daughter. And then, she remembered exactly what had happened while the Romans killed her. She could hear Eve telling her that she loved her, that this was how things were supposed to be. She sighed, “Oh my darling Eve. You always wanted to redeem yourself. You were always so quick to let yourself suffer. Why? This wasn’t your battle anymore. You were supposed to live, that’s why we were separated for twenty-five years.” She cried out, “Eli! Why did you take my daughter from me?” She sunk to her bed, wailing into the nights sky.
Chapter 9:
Ares went to where he had left Aphrodite and was surprised to see that his temple had been turned into a makeshift spa. There were candles lit everywhere, letting off a calming scent that tickled his nose. There were tables of exotic food and drink. There were hot tubs and massage tables set up, all surrounded by odd oils and candles. He stared at his sister, “Been busy have we?” Aphrodite looked around, guilt in her eyes, “Sorry, Ar. I know it’s not your thing, but I figured that this might help the girls a bit and maybe even you. Anyway, I had to find something to keep busy with.” He raised an eyebrow, “You did that alright.” He walked over to one of the tables and picked up a grape, popping it in his mouth, he asked, “Have Xena and Gabrielle woken up yet?” She shrugged, “I don’t know. You’re going to need Gabrielle’s help to get Xena out of the deep end. You know that right?” He nodded, “Yeah, I figured I’d go try and talk to her. Want to hand me a tray of food and drink. Put one of those candles on it too, will ya?” Aphrodite nodded and in seconds she handed his a tray, “Good Luck Bro.” Ares nodded and walked down the hallway, carrying the tray.
Ares stood at the door and gently knocked. There was no reply, so he opened the door and walked in. Gabrielle tossed and turned in the bed, fighting against something in her dreams. He sat the tray down on a table and shook the girl gently. She bolted into his arms, crying. A little uncomfortable, he put his arms around her and let her cry. Then she pulled back and looked up at him, “Sorry,” she said, moving away a little. He nods, “That’s alright, you were having a bad dream.” Gabrielle shakes her head, “It wasn’t a dream. It was real. I killed Xena’s son, I killed my daughter, and now I’ve killed her daughter too. What have I become?” He looked her over and handed her the tray, unsure of what else to do. “You know, you didn’t kill Solon, Hope did, and you didn’t kill Hope, Destroyer did and you didn’t kill Eve, Rome did. So how does the blame fall on you?” Tears run down her face as she replied, “Solon died because of my daughter. Hope was alive because I didn’t kill her as a baby. I was the one who tricked Destroyer into killing Hope, so ultimately that falls on my shoulders. And Eve, well, if I had saved Eli, then he could have helped Eve be the girl Xena and I wanted her to be.” Ares stifled a laugh, “I killed Eli, but he wanted to die, much like Eve did. It’s called being a martyr to the faith. As for Hope, she was your daughter, you wanted to trust her and love her, anyone would. You are so quick to blame yourself for everything. I’m sorry Gabrielle, but you can’t take all of the blame this time,” he said. He quickly added, “Of course, there’s no need to get mad at me either. I’ll get enough of that from Xena.” Gabrielle looked up at him, her eyes rimmed in red, “Xena...Is she alright?” Ares shook his head, “I don’t know. I’m going to need your help to get through to her. She’s not going to be open to talking, she’s going to want revenge against all of Rome.” Her eyes widened, “No, she won’t dishonor Eve that way.” Ares nodded, “I hope not. Gabrielle, after the battle, Eve came to me. She’s with Eli now and she’s happy. You should have seen her, it was amazing. She doesn’t want you and Xena to suffer because of her. She asked me to take care of you two and frankly I have no clue as to what I should be doing.” Gabrielle laughed a little, a lightness in her manner, “You’re doing just fine. I suppose some things are just meant to happen and this was one of them.” He nodded, “Her birth set up a chain of events, I think this was the last link in the chain. Now, we just have to recover.” She smiled, “That’s easier said than done.” “So is bring back the dead,” he shot back at her. She smiled, “Go talk to Xena, she needs you more than I do.” He nodded and went to the door, “Aphrodite has a spa set up in the front of my temple. I’m sure she would like company.” Gabrielle nodded behind him, “Thank you,” she said, as he left the room.
Ares walked to the front of his temple and sat down in a chair. A servant came over and started massaging his shoulders, but he pushed the servant away, “Don’t.” Aphrodite walked up to him, “Things didn’t go well?” He shook his head, “No, they went fine, with Gabrielle. I haven’t talked to Xena yet.” Aphrodite nodded and handed him another tray, “Come on big guy, the day isn’t over yet.” He stood up and grabbed the tray, “Gabrielle might be coming in later.” Aphrodite nodded at his back, “Fine, fine,” she said, going back the massage she had been receiving before he had returned. She sighed contently and ate the strawberry with cream that was being offered to her, “This is the life.”
Ares stopped outside Xena’s door and knocked gently. Silence answered him. Shaking his head and wishing for luck, he walked in. Xena was laying on the bed, asleep, tossing and turning. Small moans were escaping her lips. He sat next to her, letting a hand run through her hair and wiping the sweat from her brow. “Xena, wake up. It’s a dream,” he said, gently shaking her. Hesitantly she opened her eyes and looked around the room. Her eyes land on the God sitting next to her and she lets her body go limp on the bed. “I let her die. I should have done something more to help her,” she said quietly. ‘Here we go again,’ he thought before saying, “Xena, there was nothing you could do to save her. She knew what was coming and she accepted it, welcomed it even. She wanted to be with Eli and their God so she could help more people. Now, as a higher being, she will be able to save the world, just like she’s always wanted to do,” he said, gently stroking her hair. Xena laughed bitterly, “My daughter is dead and you’re trying to tell me that it’s for the best, for the greater good.” He shook his head, “No, I’m trying to tell you that some things are meant to be and this was one of them. Don’t let her death be in vain, Xena. Remember your daughter, not as weak and dying, but as the woman who destroyed the Gods all for the love of the common mortal. Xena, follow her, fight her battles, be her champion.” She stared at him, shocked, “When did you become a philosopher?” He laughed, not being able to help it, after all, the same thought had been going through his mind as well, “Eve came to me. She asked me to save you and to help you. It was her last wish and I will not let her down. So, get up and stop moping. It’s not time for that Xena, it’s time for action. Her people, your daughter’s people are being persecuted and destroyed. They need you, they need a champion, they need a Warrior Princess.” Her eyes flashed and she smiled a little, “Are you going to help us? Even though this one God thing is still a threat to your existence.” He nodded, “Eli’s God is no more a threat to me than Eve was to Zeus when she was born. The Twilight is over and mortal’s need me and Aphrodite. So, yes, I will help you save the Elijians.” A smile beamed across her face and she reached for her sword, “Then what are we waiting for?” He laughed and offered her a hand up as he stood, “Maybe for some of them to need our help. Rome seems happy to have killed Eve. For now the Elijians are safe, but it won’t last forever. We have to be prepared.” They walked out of the room, hand in hand, ready to fight whatever battle came their way. And that’s exactly what they did.
-End