ForevaXena's FanFic . . .

Forgotten Heart

by Trigar

Disclaimers: The characters of Xena, Gabrielle and all associated belong to Renaissance Pictures, but the rest is mine. (gimme, gimme!)  No copyright infringement was meant by the writing of this story, I simply enjoy them so much that I thought I’d throw these gals on a few extra adventures;-)

Disclaimer 2: This story was written about two years ago (!) and is set around the time of the third season and strays from the mainstream story of the show, so you don’t have to worry about spoilers.  However, there is a slight snag...this is the fourth part to a four-parter that a friend of mine started and I finished and is no longer available on the net.  There will be mentions of a few events/things that may make you go "Huh? so I’m providing a synopsis of the previous stories that lead up to this one.  Btw, this story can stand by itself.

Synopsis

It all started one day when Xena and Gabrielle happened upon a very reclusive and widely unknown village in the middle of an old forest.  Their plans were to simply pass on through, but as things go, they’re rarely that simple.  One thing lead to another and Xena and Gabrielle found themselves staying in the peaceful village for a day. 

As the day wore on, Xena began seeing things that weren’t there.  Unknown to her, this was the result of something malicious evil tapping into her psyche, prematurely bringing forth her violence.  Unfortunately, before either Xena or Gabrielle knew what was happening, the hallucinations Xena had been seeing lead to the massacre of a number of villagers in broad daylight.  Once the bloodshed was done, Xena couldn’t understand the violent reactions of the remaining villagers.  After all, she truly believed she had just saved them from a pack of wild marauders and told them as much.  Then, her vision cleared and she saw what she had truly done.  The mighty Warrior Princess relinquished her freedom and life to the hands of the people she had so terribly wronged.

Once the trial had started though, the villagers soon realized what had truly transpired here.  The Ancient Evil that plagued their people managed to slip free of its restraints enough to wreck its havoc through this warrior woman.

You see, the reason for their seclusion was because of an ancient evil their ancestors had been cursed to carry with them for past crimes.  Subsequently, they accepted their fate and that they would live separate from the peoples of the world. 

The Darkmeer, as the evilness was known, had to be kept imprisoned within the body of one whose will and strength could trap it to prevent it from wrecking its havoc on the world.  Somehow, the draw of Xena’s own dark side and the will of the current prison was barely strong enough to contain, thus the massacre. 

After deliberating over what Xena’s punishment would be, they came to a decision: Xena must bear the cross of the Darkmeer.  In order for the Darkmeer to be drawn into Xena, the Warrior Princess had to kill its current host. 

Figuring Xena would never do so willingly, they quickly devised a plan to trick her into killing the current host who willingly gave his life to rid himself of the Darkmeer.  Xena soon discovered the deception and refused to kill another innocent. 

The middle-aged man however, explained to Xena that he was no innocent.  He told her of the atrocities he once committed and that his forefather was the reason his family and village was meant to bear the burden of the Darkmeer.  And so, Xena agreed to bear the burden as one of the guilty.  But things always have a twist to them.  It was explained to her that if she failed to control the darkness of the Darkmeer that its power would ultimately destroy her.  But, despite this knowledge, she still accepted the sentence of the Darkmeer.

Now, as you may have guessed, the Warrior Princess has an indomitable will, which enabled her to overcome and contain the Darkmeer.  Before long however, Xena discovered that there was more to containing the Darkmeer than was said.  By having the Darkmeer imprisoned within her, she became empathic to the moods, emotions and strong thoughts of those around her.

This newfound ability certainly came in handy when Xena and Gabrielle finally left the village and traveled to Athens for a festival only to find that the great city was on the brink of war.  Warlords secretly played the people of Athens against one another while they stole the riches of a nearby mine. 

The Warrior and the Bard found all this out and once again averted a war and brought about peace, but not without casualties.  The bumbling warrior-wannabe Joxer, whose noble heart was always in the right place, happened upon the scene and wound up dead.

Meanwhile, Ares (who is forever plotting new and devious schemes) comes up with a plan for the ultimate warrior; one that nobody would suspect, but would succeed in doing all that he demanded without question -- the now deceased Joxer. 

He steals Joxer from the underworld, right out from under Hades’ nose, and brings Joxer back to the land of the living.  The reason for this?  Joxer has the ability within him to be a great warrior and his mind would be completely free of any and all memories of his former life.  His mind is as impressionable as a new born babe’s waiting to be molded into the warrior Ares wants.  Ares decided a new name befitting his chosen one had to be picked, and picked it was...and so, Alexander the Great was born. (If Rob Tapert and crew can play with history, why can’t I? *g*)

Months go by and Ares is extremely pleased with how well his new protégé has been learning the deadly art of swordplay and war.  Now, there remained one last obstacle in his path of glory, Xena.

Meanwhile, a sculptor of great repute, Pheidias, had embarked on a work to sculpt Athena, the patron goddess and protector of his fair city of Athens.  Before Xena averted the war, Pheidias had much of the sculpture finished but there arose a creative problem; he wasn’t sure how he wanted to sculpt the face of his goddess.  So, after Xena’s success with stopping the war, he decided to use Xena’s likeness for the face of his large sculpture.  Xena was flattered and even tried dissuading Pheidias from this course of action.  Pheidias was adamant however, and would not change his mind.  This discussion soon was forgotten as the wind whispered a new army was on its way.

Peace once again was being threatened as a new general by the name of Alexander marched into Athens looking to recruit soldiers for a crusade to finally conquer Persia, restoring Greece’s greatness.  Many of the younger men jumped at the chance to be a part of the great army that would fell their Persian enemies once and for all.

Xena and Gabrielle had overheard the commotion and decided to check out this new general.  To their astonishment and disbelief, there stood Joxer in the middle of a forum turning people to his cause.

Xena approached Joxer asking him how he was alive and demanded to know what he thought he was doing leading an army.  Alexander stated that he knew no such person by the name of ‘Joxer’ and insisted that she call him by his proper name.  Through the Darkmeer, Xena knew Joxer believed everything he was saying to her.  It wasn’t long when Ares popped in on the scene convincing Alexander and the senate what a danger Xena was to the destruction of Persia.  A battle to the death quickly ensued.  Ares’ diamond in the rough was given an added advantage none knew -- Alexander wielded the sword of Ares into battle against Xena to ‘tip’ the odds in favor of the god of war.  Though Ares had great confidence in Alexander’s abilities, he couldn’t take the chance of Xena ruining all of his carefully laid out plans.

Fiercely the two combatants fought, Xena in awe at Joxer’s newfound skill.  The balance was quickly tipped in favor of Alexander as the god of war fought Gabrielle and wounded her.  Xena became distracted from her own battle, which she obviously had the upper hand, to stop Ares from delivering the killing blow to her best friend.  Alexander saw his chance and seized the opportunity.  The Warrior Princess had been bested and now lay dead at Alexander’s feet.

Seeing the death of his most cherished warrior, Ares’ thirst to kill the young bard dissipated and spared her life.  Even knowing that Xena had to die to preserve his plans, he couldn’t dismiss his feelings for her and the hollow feeling he felt down to his very core at her passing.  Taking back his sword, he disappeared in a flash of light.

Though Alexander triumphed over the Warrior Princess, he felt no joy in the killing of this woman.  For some reason, he felt a trickle of recognition for the woman but was soon distracted as something supernatural took hold of his body.  Little did he know what darkness Xena carried within her and he who kills the mortal host of the Darkmeer is then cursed to bear its burden or die.

With the intense training and mental conditioning, Alexander’s will successfully contained the beast.  Now, through his newfound empathy, he mourned for Xena’s death a million times over as the feelings of those who surrounded them filled his mind.

Meanwhile, not far out of Athens, an old witch concocts yet another potion to bring the youth back to the old.  She finally tired of making everybody else young except for herself.  She’s never tried her own magic on herself, but she reasoned there was always a first time for everything.  The first step of the spell was for the old shell to die.  As the sorceress Carinna went through this end, something went wrong.

Upon entering Hades’ realm, she was informed that all this time, Carinna’s spells had been stealing souls from his realm and restoring them to life.  Those whom she had promised renewed youth, remained in the land of the dead as wandering souls.

Learning of Ares’ deception, Hades decided it was time to even the odds.  The sorceress Carinna’s spell was to go through as planned except for one catch; she would remain in his realm as all those before her, but Xena would return to the lands in her stead. 

Because a mortal initially worked the spell, there was one more obstacle; Xena went back with little to no memories of her former self.  Eventually, Carinna’s home village believed Xena was their sorceress Carinna.  Gabrielle eventually caught wind of the miraculous of a nearby village’s sorceress and decided to take a look.

What she found there was a woman who looked exactly like the Warrior Princess Xena.  Through conversations she had with the wizardess Carinna, Gabrielle soon discovered the story as Carinna could remember it and came to the decision that Carinna should perform another spell; a spell to restore her lost memories to find out if her hunch that this sorceress was really her best friend Xena.

Before the spell was performed, an uprising had occurred.  Alexander, feeling terrible for what he had done to the bard’s friend felt compelled to help her in her plight to save the villagers of a raiding army.  Once they successfully fought back the invaders, Carinna went through her spell books and found the spell she was looking for.  She performed the spell not only on herself, but also on Alexander at his request. 

Alexander went through the spell first and successfully had all his ‘Joxer’ memories restored in full.  Then, Carinna performed the spell a second time on herself.  Little did she know however, that Ares mucked up the spell for his own purposes and Carinna only partially got back her memories from her life as Xena.

Now, Gabrielle and Xena travel back to Amphipolis in an attempt to restore Xena’s memories completely.  And here is where we pick up our story and follow our heroines on yet again another adventure into Xena’s... ... ... ....  

Forgotten Heart

Nearly half the day had passed since Gabrielle and Xena left Thebes.  Gabrielle walked with Argo’s reins in her hand as Xena followed silently behind, deep in thought.  The clamoring birds up above went unnoticed as the pair passed beneath their nests.  The soft breeze blowing through kept the duo’s glistening bodies comfortable in the heat of the day’s sun.  Unfortunately, their visit to Athens for the Festival of Dionysus had taken its toll.  So much so, that the usually talkative bard had not the energy to talk of how lovely the birds sang, how beautiful the lands were, or recited tales of legends before.

It started with Joxer returning to life as a skilled warrior, rather than his usual bumbling self.  That alone was enough to throw anyone who had been there off guard.  But to find out that he had taken an army with Ares’ backing hadn’t helped matters.  Xena had first tried reasoning with Joxer, thinking him delusional, but Ares turned it into a battle to the death...Xena’s death.  Ares had imbued Joxer with his own might to defeat the Warrior Princess as the last obstacle to his plans for Joxer’s glory; Ares’ glory.  Hades had other plans.

Gabrielle’s heart nearly burst from her chest with joy when she found Xena alive.   ‘Ha, alive all right.’  Gabrielle thought.  ‘Alive with no memory of Xena, Warrior Princess.’

The villagers who had found her were convinced that she was their recently deceased wizardess, Carinna.  Gabrielle found herself on a roller coaster of emotions.  She didn’t know whether to thank the gods for giving her Xena back or curse them for playing such a cruel joke on her.

After Carinna restored Joxer’s memories, Gabrielle was over zealous in performing the ritual on ‘Carinna’ to reunite Xena’s memories with her body.  Initially, the ritual seemed to have gone off without a hitch.  Gabrielle was ecstatic.  Though later, she discovered Carinna/Xena had not been entirely truthful about the success of the ritual.  In reality, Carinna/Xena regained fragments of memories she had yet to understand entirely.  The determined bard vowed to herself and to Xena that they would both paste the pieces of Xena’s past together.  There was only one place Gabrielle knew of that could hold the key to unlocking Xena’s memories: Amphipolis.

Chapter 1

"Gabrielle," Xena uttered in a soft voice not quite her own.  "Maybe I should lead Argo for awhile."

Gabrielle turned to look at Xena, still dressed in a simple blue dress that fell just short of the ground.  It caught her off guard seeing Xena without her armor on.  She seemed so relaxed, at peace and vulnerable.  With a friendly smile, Gabrielle handed Xena the reins.  "Here you go."

Xena took them gently in her hands, carefully measuring up the horse.  Then added with a smile of what appeared to be uncertainty.  "After all, she is my horse isn’t she?"  She commented as she tenderly stroked Argo’s snout.  Then, with a deep breath, she led the horse down their intended path.

The two women continued down the well-used trade route in silence.  Joxer’s eager army left a myriad of fresh footprints for them to follow.  Now, as Alexander, he was leading the life his former self had only dreamt of.  He was leading the crusade against Persia and went ahead of the two of them seeking recruits.

Gabrielle walked a few paces behind Xena, searching to find the Xena she knew and loved.  The problem was, everything Gabrielle saw was Xena.  The way she talked, the way she walked, and even the way she held herself was Xena.  Yet, at the same time, wasn’t.

"How could the gods be so cruel?"  She muttered to herself unintentionally out loud.

Xena cocked her head towards Gabrielle.  "Did you say something?"  Xena inquired.

"Who me?  No no.  Just, uh, going over a story out loud."  Gabrielle stammered an excuse, not really having an answer to offer her.  "Sorry..."

Xena eyed the bard for a minute with a raised eyebrow, not sure whether to push the subject.  She finally thought against it.  Xena knew what it was Gabrielle had mumbled, but what could she say?  She still had no idea of Xena’s life, though she allowed Gabrielle to call her Xena instead of Carinna. 

As the young bard had woven her tales of the Warrior Princess, she felt more of a connection with ‘Xena’ than ‘Carinna’.  That and the fact she displayed absolutely no skills what so ever for magic helped convince her otherwise.  Whereas the sword and, oh what did Gabrielle call it, the Chakram?  That’s it.  The sword and the chakram felt like old friends while in her hands.  The battle in Thebes proved that.  But she still refused to wear the armor.  That was still another woman she was not yet prepared to become.  Another life.  Perhaps once she got her memories back, she would don the armor.  Until then, she felt more comfortable in her plain dress.  Comfortable, yet somehow out of touch with its simplicity.  She found herself wanting to get back in touch with that simple life this dress promised.  She sensed however, that the simple life might not be as easily attainable for her as the life the leather armor promised.

She intended to relish every peaceful moment while she had the chance.  Because, in her heart, she knew it wouldn’t last for long.  She was born to be more than just a simple woman.

Hours and miles drifted by in silence, each woman engulfed in her own thoughts.  Both tried to find a way to express them to the other but always seemed to come up short.  Finally, Xena broke the silence.  "Gabrielle-"

"Hmm?"  Gabrielle looked at her hopefully.

Xena said nothing for a second, and then continued with "...we should make camp soon."

Looking up at the sky, Gabrielle agreed with her.  Gabrielle then held Xena for a few moments with her eyes, intending to say something while they had one another’s attention.  She wanted to tell her how much she loved her friend.  How watching her die, again, wrenched her soul from her body.  And how she would always be there for her.  But to her surprise, Gabrielle had no words to express those feelings.  So she said the only thing she could think of.

"I think there’s a clearing not far from here to make camp."

High atop Mt. Olympus in his dark war room, Ares sat comfortably on his throne.  His chin rested on his fist as scantily clad serving wenches attended him.  He cast looks of boredom and annoyance at them.  The evil smile, which caressed his wicked features, dropped as one of his wenches brought him out of his reverie offering a bowl of fruit.

"Leave me be!"  The god of war scowled as he waved her away with the same hand he was using as a chin rest.  The wench quickly lowered her head and rushed out of the room.  "All of you leave, now!"  All the women disappeared from the room much in the same manner as the first.

Ares looked around the empty room.  Nothing but tables flooded with maps and chess figures remained.  He smiled to himself.  "Now," he thought with a grin, "now, the fun begins."

He sprang up from his throne and marched over to where some chess pieces lay.  He held up a female figurine holding it tenderly between his thumb and forefinger.  Slowly, he brought it close to his face and turned it over, admiring its workmanship.

"Hades, you think you’ve won don’t you?"  Ares stated to himself, not really expecting an answer as his mischievous smile never faltered on his handsome face.  "I should thank you for practically delivering Xena back into my fold."

He carefully extended the figurine he held towards a marble pedestal.  As it neared its destination, Ares’ laughter grew louder and deeper until the figurine found its mark.  Ares’ self-satisfied laughter bellowed throughout Mt. Olympus unchallenged.

"You’re mine, Xena!  At last you are  mine!"

The sun had melted away, letting the darkness claim the lands.  Gabrielle and Xena had just finished the soup the bard had prepared with some vegetables she had bought in the markets of Athens.  Gabrielle watched as Xena got comfortable on her bedroll.  This brought to mind an idea.  Maybe a story about some of their adventures together might stir something in Xena.  ‘It was worth a try.’  She thought hopefully.

"Xena."

Xena turned over onto her side to face Gabrielle across the fire and answered, "yes?"

"I was thinking that maybe you’d like to hear a story."

"Sure."  Xena turned to listen to the tale Gabrielle had started to spin.  It sounded very interesting as it wove out to be a story about a mighty warrior princess who overcame her own evil to fight for the side of good.  She dearly wanted to listen, to find out more about this woman, but found she couldn’t.  All day, both women had remained silent, each caught up in their own thoughts.  Now, words were being spoken and she could barely stay focused enough to listen.  Her eyes refused to remain alert as her mind drifted elsewhere.  Sleep had claimed her quicker than she thought imaginable.

"Humph.  She never fell asleep during one of my stories before."  The bard thought for a moment as she tried to recall its occurrence before.  "Nope, she usually just told me to be quiet."  She thought with a slight grin.  "The last couple of days must have drained her more than I thought.

For a minute, Gabrielle watched the slumbering Xena.  So serene, so still.  The bard couldn’t remember the last time Xena ever fell asleep quite so quickly and peacefully.  "Guess I’ll have to keep one eye open for the both of us tonight."

Xena’s eyes shot open as something cold ran across her back.  She spun around.  Nothing.  Nothing but an empty, grassy field.  She looked to the sky, only to be blinded by the suns brilliant light.  She averted her eyes, but not quickly enough to avoid the black sunspots, which marred her vision.  Her hands rubbed her eyes, trying to dissolve the annoying spots to no avail.

"Xena!"

In one swift motion, she spun around to face an armored man.

"Xena, my warrior princess, this..." he raised a handful of jewels to her, "...is for you."

She stared at the featureless man, clad in dark armor, for only a moment.  Everything outside of his eyes melted away as a richly decorated throne room replaced it, with her seated upon its throne of gold.  She looked down at herself, dressed in her own leather armor.  Feelings and urges stirred up inside her soul.  Want, greed, revenge and passion.  They seemed so unnatural but at the same time, so compelling.  Somewhere inside, she yearned for more.

The man remained several paces back, his features still somewhat blurred from her.  She could make out that he was tall and appeared to be quite handsome.  The blurriness at last could not hide his thick, jet-black hair, which accentuated his strong features.

"Come with me Xena, my Warrior Princess and your heart will never go unfulfilled."  The man’s whispered words echoed through the air, reverberating down into her soul.  She found herself drawn in by his seductive words.  His promise carried the possibility of physical and emotional love, pure unrestrained passion.  Riches beyond her wildest dreams and power.  Raw power, the very likes few mortals have ever experienced.

Before her eyes, everything flashed in and out of existence.  Men appeared at her sides, caressing her body.  She reached out to one of them, her fingers brushed up against his face as he disappeared from her.  Women in fine silks, offered fruits, jewels and themselves.  Upon her touch, they too vanished from sight.  She felt herself sink into her throne.  Her eyes lit up as she found herself buried hip deep in riches.  From jewels and valuable stones to cold, hard gold pieces.

She dipped her hands into the pool of riches, snatching up the treasure and letting it spill through her fingers.  Her baby blues sparkled as brightly as the brightest jewel reflected in them.  Laughter erupted from her as the coins she scooped up and fell lovingly over her body.  She knew she should accept nothing from this strange man, but she couldn’t help herself.  She found herself wanting what he offered no matter what the cost.

The man stood motionless before her, his eyes never leaving hers.  His pleasure growing as a smile spread across his handsome face.  He knew she couldn’t resist.  She was...

"Xena.  Come on Xena, time to wake up."  Gabrielle said as she gently nudged Xena to consciousness a few hours after the sun had raised.  Xena rolled over onto her back, her eyes fluttering open.  Gabrielle saw the smile Xena still wore on her face from her sleep.  The bard laughed inwardly, shaking her head.

"Must have been some dream.  What was it about?"

Xena smiled, arched a brow and shrugged her shoulders as she got up.  "I’m not sure.  I can’t really remember."  Xena replied honestly as the details of the dream floated away on the breeze.

Gabrielle smiled, not sure of what to say.  Whatever the dream was, she was thankful it made Xena so happy.

The two women went about gathering their things as a beautiful voice gently filled the air.  Gabrielle turned about to find Xena singing to herself as she packed her things.  Xena, singing?!  ‘Boy, that must have been some dream!’

The bard’s smile grew as she found herself humming along with Xena as they continued packing their supplies.  No better way to start off a long day of traveling than this.

The day turned out to be a scorcher.  By noontime, the two women were wiping away beads of sweat that formed on their heated skin.  At this rate, they would have to stop for the comfort of some shade and hopefully find a stream within the next hour or so.

"So this is what it would have felt like to be cooked up as that giants main meal."  Gabrielle remarked humorously as she wiped her forehead with the back of her hand.

"Giant’s supper?"  Xena’s eyebrows arched disbelievingly towards the bard.

"It’s a long story.  You sure it won’t put you to sleep?"  Gabrielle teased.

"I told you I was sorry.  Really!"  Xena exclaimed in her defense, feigning a look of hurt.

Gabrielle laughed at Xena’s failed attempt at looking wounded.

"I’ll tell you all about it while Argo leads us to a nice stream out of the sun."  The horse snorted its approval as Xena loosened her grip on the reins, letting Argo lead the way.

"Did I teach her that?"  Xena asked amused as she watched the horse lead the way.

Gabrielle looked at her friend, barely able to suppress a giggle.  "Come on, I’ll tell you about it in my story."

Argo did indeed find a nice shady spot along a lazily flowing stream.  Xena had insisted on unsaddling the mare while Gabrielle relaxed by the cool, bubbling stream, occasionally splashing the inviting water over her hot skin.  Xena quickly joined Gabrielle, hoping to cool herself off as well.

The two friends sat by the stream’s edge for a little while longer as the suns’ heat began to wane.  In that short respite, Gabrielle finished her story about the giant; secretly hoping Xena would remember the circumstances leading up to that moment.  She didn’t.  A slight tension filled the air around them.

"Well, at least I didn’t put you to sleep this time."  The bard again teased as she lay on the grassy ground next to Xena.

Xena leaned against a tree trunk smiling at the bard’s attempt to lighten the atmosphere.  She could see the pain reflected in the young bard’s gentle green eyes as she told her she couldn’t remember the incident.

‘Who am I?’  Xena thought to herself as she watched the lazily stream flow by.  ‘This isn’t right.  Why can’t I remember?  It’s my life.  MY LIFE!’  She exclaimed in her mind as she picked up a nearby rock and flung it into the stream causing a small splash.  It frustrated her that she was so powerless to do anything about her situation except sit and wait for her memories.  Somehow, she knew that just wasn’t her style.

She tried calming herself before they took to the road again.  Being angry at a situation she could do nothing about made little sense and was counter productive.  Besides, she didn’t want to upset Gabrielle anymore than she already was.

"Hey," Xena gently nudged Gabrielle with her foot, "time to go."

"I’m already gone."  Gabrielle stated as she pushed herself up with her elbows.  "I’m going to fill the water skins before we leave."  She grabbed her staff and walked off towards the skins

Xena watched Gabrielle leave to fill the skins, wondering what must be going through her mind.  Wondering how all this must be affecting her.  She shook the thoughts away, leaving herself to saddle Argo.  Before long, they were back on the road.

Gabrielle told stories nearly till the time they settled for the night as they traveled.  Xena noticed however, that Gabrielle seemed to have steered away from the stories depicting Xena’s adventures.  Once in a while she’d mention a reference to Xena, but that was mostly it.

The women lay on top of their bedrolls, preparing for sleep.  No fire burned, the night air was much too warm for that.  As Gabrielle lay on her back, arms folded across her chest, she looked up into the night sky.  The sky was so clear; the bard could see every constellation twinkling against the black heavens.  Stories of each constellation sprang to mind.  She rolled her head over to look at Xena.  Again, Xena had fallen asleep quicker than even herself despite the stifling heat of the night.  She rolled her head back.

’This is going to be a long night.’  Gabrielle thought to herself as she felt herself fidgeting under the heat of the night air.  She let her mind drift into solutions on how to get Xena to remember her past.  She thought that by telling her stories of the lands and peoples they had met first, then stories of their adventures might help her.  That way, Xena wouldn’t feel overwhelmed by all the stories of her good deeds over the last couple of years.  She couldn’t tell just yet if her method was having any positive effects on Xena’s memory.  She closed her eyes, letting her mind wander until she fell to sleep.

Xena’s eyes closed, her mind slipped away to a quiet village.  Beautiful blossom fragrances filled the air accompanied by the laughter of children playing.  Xena felt at peace as she helped out at a local inn.  No difficulties, no trouble, just a quiet and peaceful life.

Screams suddenly ripped through the peaceful atmosphere, shattering the serene scene.  Xena’s eyes widened with surprise as she shot out of the inn to find out what caused the disturbance.  Horrified, she found soldiers ripping through this peaceful village, killing everything in sight.  She felt light headed as her world began to spin.

Everything spun so fast it was hard to keep track of up and down.  The ground disappeared beneath her feet.  Air rushed up past her as she fell uncontrollably to whatever awaited.  Sounds of battle drifted up to meet her.  She frantically searched about trying to find the battle.  Gray clouds of smoke blocked her view.  A voice grabbed a hold of her body, swinging her around forcefully.

She was suddenly atop a huge battle horse with sword in hand.  Men around her turned to her expectantly.  She stared at them, confusion cluttering her mind.  A small village lay before them.

"No."  She said looking at the village and then her sword as she lowered it.  "I won’t do it again."

The warriors’ eyes grew dark and menacing.  They raised their swords to her and attacked.  She fought to bring her sword up in her defense, but found she could not move.  She was helpless...powerless.  The coldness of her attackers blades cut into her vulnerable flesh.  Panic and fear began to fill her body and mind.  Slashing and piercing blades found their mark in her body as she cried out in agonizing pain that raged through her mortal body more intensely with each new wound.  Fear gripped her.   A fear so unnatural, so intense like nothing she has ever experienced before in her life. 

Just as she felt the last ounce of her life slipping away, she forced herself to look up at her murderers through the cloud of pain and fear that had settled in around her.  She beheld their bloodlust, their pleasure in giving her pain and ultimately her death. 

The faces of evil flashed before hers as they delivered blow after blow again and again.  Their evil, maniacal smiles unrelenting, their laughter unforgiving; it all filled her heart, her very soul with powerful emotions.  Emotions she knew she possessed, but dared not release.

Through the haze of death, she could see a lone figure in black leather standing above everything.  His dark eyes looked down at her in sorrow as his head shook disapprovingly. 

"Xena."  He called softly in the wind.  "Come to me and you can end all your suffering."  His hand reached out towards her.  Uncertainty filled her mind.  Again the pain of the piercing blades ran through her.  Darkness began to take a hold of her.  "It can’t end like this."  She whispered through the pain.  Tentatively she reached out to him with her last vestige of strength.  His hands clasped around hers powerfully.  A wicked smile spread across his face.

His power rejuvenated her mortally wounded body.  Her eyes flashed with hatred formed from their evil.  Her motor skills were once again her own.  Now, hatred and rage coursed through her body, the helplessness replaced by power.  She refused to die.

With unnatural ease, her body sprang to action as she cried out her shrill war cry.  She leapt up and back flipped over her enemies.  How many, she couldn’t tell; that no longer mattered.  Her feet landed on solid ground behind them.  She willed her sword to her hand, fending off the first wave of attackers. 

Perfectly choreographed dance played itself out as her arms danced in a flurry of parries and blocks.  Her face contorted into a mask of rage as her eyes burned with the need for revenge.  All her motions became a blur as she cut through their ranks with incredible ease.

With the sound of each dying warrior, her power grew.  Without hesitation, she tore into them with her sword and bare hands.  Warriors were thrown back with powerful kicks and lightning punches.  Her hands thrust out in some instances, locking onto weak, exposed necks.  With a quick twist, necks snapped beneath her death grip.  A mighty cry of triumph burst forth from her chest as another unfortunate man fell to her relentless onslaught.

 Soon, all bloody, she stood over the corpses of many enemies.  She looked up to find several warriors running away in fear for their lives.  This suddenly brought a wicked smile to her already frighteningly contorted face.  She looked down at her empty hands where she suddenly willed for her chakram to appear out of the mist.

"You don’t get away that easily!"  She yelled to the retreating warriors.

She snapped the chakram back and then forward, letting it fly.  With its death-delivering whistle, it found its mark.  Like a hot knife cutting through butter, the chakram sliced through the necks of its victims, finally coming to rest in the skull of the last man.  Never again would she let anyone harm her.

Behind her, a single man in black leather appeared in a cloud of smoke.  His heart delighted at the sight before him; a battlefield filled with the beautiful carnage of war.  His Warrior Princess battled through it all in her former power and glory.  The same emotions that brought her to this point in the first place would always be a part of her.  Only this time, she had very little memory to fall back on of how to fight these feelings.  It was so simple.  Now, all he had to do was get rid of that bard.

*******

"Xena, are you all right?"  Gabrielle asked cautiously, keeping a short distance between them as she worriedly watched Xena slashing away at some nearby trees.

Xena’s still sleeping body spun around, sword in hand and bloodlust filling her dream filled eyes.  Her mind showed to her no one but enemies surrounding her.  With a loud, shrill war cry and an evil lop-sided grin, she swung her blade upwards towards Gabrielle’s head.

Chapter 2

Frantically, the bard scrambled away from the deadly blade, stumbling clumsily into the golden mare nearly losing her balance.  The horse let out a whinny in protest as she anxiously stomped the ground around her.

Again Xena attacked, swinging her sword horizontal to Gabrielle’s mid-section.  The bard jumped back, stretching her exposed abdomen out of the reach of the sword.  From out of the corner of her eye, she caught sight of her war staff.  She looked up into Xena’s eyes; the black emptiness, which now filled them, scared her beyond belief.

Gabrielle quickly whirled around, snatching up her staff.  Continuing with the momentum of her turn, she narrowly turned back in time to deflect another attack.

"Xena!  Xena it’s me, Gabrielle...Your friend!"  Gabrielle cried out frantically.  "You’ve got to wake up Xena!"

Xena paused in her attack.  Gabrielle stood at the ready.  Xena’s blue eyes blinked rapidly as her mind began to wake from the reality of the dream.  Finally, her eyes focused on Gabrielle’s frightened face.

"Gabrielle?  What’s wrong?"  The concern was genuine in her voice.  She reached out to her friend and stopped suddenly when Gabrielle took a frightened step back.  A look of confusion crossed Xena’s face as she noticed Gabrielle’s wide eyes eyeing her outstretched hand with worry.  Puzzled, Xena looked down.  To her surprise, her sword was in hand and her dress was torn and ripped beyond repair.  She looked at the sword for a moment, not sure what to do with it.  It felt so warm and so comfortable in her sweaty hand.  Her heart was slowly calming down from its racing pace.  "What happened?"

"I could ask you the same thing."  Gabrielle replied in-between surprised gasps of air as she attempted to catch her breath from the recent surprise.

Xena only now noticed that Gabrielle’s body had been tensed and partially crouched in a defensive posture, staff in hand.  She looked at the staff, then at her own sword clutched tightly in her strong hands.

"I attacked you didn’t I?"  Xena’s voice was level, betraying no emotion.

"No," Gabrielle answered and then directed Xena’s attention to the cluster of damaged trees behind her.  "You attacked those trees, I just got in the way."

Xena looked at her sword quizzically.  She found she didn’t want to put it down, almost as though without it she would be naked and open.  But she knew she had to for Gabrielle’s sake.  Gabrielle relaxed visibly once the sword had been dropped to the ground and out of Xena’s hands.

"What happened Xena?  What were you dreaming of?"  Gabrielle asked as she walked over to her friend.

Xena heard the almost imperceptible quiver in Gabrielle’s voice.  Gabrielle was frightened of her.  What did happen?  One minute she was sleeping peacefully, the next, she woke to find she was trying to kill Gabrielle.

"I don’t know."  Xena answered simply. 

She could still remember the power and the thrill of the kills.  The sensations excited her.  She was unstoppable!  The possibilities intrigued her, yet terrified her at the same time.  She looked down once more at the sword, which lay in a clump of grass by her feet.  Right now, that sword seemed more real to her than anything else.  She understood it.  But there was also something else, something vague.

An image of a village so peaceful and calm fought its way to the forefront of her memories.  A hospitable inn with an ever-smiling woman present touched something deep inside.  She found the thought of it somehow comforting.  However, the thought of it faded from her grasp so quickly, almost as though it never was, as the power of the sword overwhelmed the memory.

Gabrielle saw there was more to it than what Xena was letting on.  She watched as no emotions registered on the tall, raven-haired woman’s face.  Xena appeared to be remembering her dream, but why won’t she talk about?  Gabrielle reached out to her only to have Xena unconsciously pull away from her touch.

"Xena, talk to me.  Tell me what you’re remembering."  Pleaded Gabrielle. 

Xena looked down at the bard as the green eyes begged to be let in.  She knew the two of them had shared a strong bond before all of this started.  She found herself wanting to reach out to the bard.

"Don’t fight this alone."  The bard pleaded with concern.  "I’m here for you."

But something held the warrior back.  She still felt the power burning inside of her.  Its call was so strong that she found herself wanting to let go and just fall into it.  But she knew it could not be allowed to run free.  She had to resist its calling.

"Please, let me in Xena." 

How could this young girl know anything of these feelings?  She was so young and innocent.  ‘She could never understand.’  Xena thought with rising contempt.  "There’s nothing to talk about!"  Xena finally shot back as her arm lashed out at the air between them, pushing the bard away from her.

"All right."  The bard shot back defensively as she took a step back, her hands raised in front of her in peace.  "Just know that if there’s anything you ever need to talk about, I’ll always be here for you."

They held one another’s eyes for a moment longer before Xena turned about and walked away.  ‘Something’s wrong.  But what?’  Gabrielle thought with unnerving concern.  Xena wouldn’t talk to her.  She found this somewhat difficult to deal with, especially after everything they’ve been through together over the years.  Xena’s silence was more than a little disturbing.  Gabrielle knew Xena had to get her memories back quickly before Xena’s path is lost to her.

"It’s nearly dawn."  Xena grunted back over her shoulder.  "We might as well pack and make ready to leave."

"Ya, I guess so."  Gabrielle responded with little enthusiasm.

Xena reappeared after Gabrielle finished packing their things wearing her armor; the armor she had been so reluctant to wear since they left Thebes.  The young bard wasn’t sure how to take this change in wardrobe.  Xena was obviously remembering her life, but what part?

"Let’s go."  Xena commanded coolly.

*******

The day was slightly cooler than the previous days, but still warm nonetheless.  The weather was just right for traveling as a slight breeze blew through.  But the beautiful day for traveling was disturbed as Gabrielle noticed storm clouds moving in from the East.  ‘Great,’ she thought irritably.  ’Not only is Xena in a dark mood, but the heavens are turning on me too?’  She sighed.  ’What else could go wrong?’

"I remember something about this area."  Xena interrupted after a long bout of silence.  But her voice seemed distant, almost as though she were talking to the wind as she sat atop Argo rather than actually addressing Gabrielle.

Gabrielle’s train of thought was broken at the sound of Xena’s voice.  Hope spread across the bards face.  Eyes widened in anticipation.

"You do? That’s great!  What do you remember of it?"  Gabrielle excitedly asked.

"I remember how my army and I rode through this area about six years ago.  There was a small coastal village east of here.  We ransacked it, taking the supplies and spoils we needed.  The villagers even put up a valiant fight."  With a small, humorless grin, she added.  "Their resistance gave my men good practice."

Gabrielle looked at Xena with a look of disbelief as Xena recounted her memory.  If she didn’t know better, she would have guessed that Xena actually savored the memory.  She made her way to Xena’s side and gently placed her hand on Xena’s leg to slow her down to talk.

"Is that all you remember Xena; your army?  What about your mother in Amphipolis, your brothers Lyceus and Toris or all the good you’ve accomplished within the last couple of years?"  Gabrielle stood there, waiting for an answer.  Xena simply sat atop Argo unmoving as she stared straight ahead of her.  She wasn’t sure if Xena was thinking about the question or just plain ignoring her.

Slowly, Xena turned her head and looked down at Gabrielle who was casually leaning on her staff.  Gabrielle’s eyes demanded an answer.  Xena remained stoic.

"I remember."  Was all she offered in a dark tone to the young bard.  Not waiting for a reaction, Xena spurred her horse into motion.  Gabrielle found herself glued to the spot for an agonizing moment, not exactly sure what to make of Xena’s response.  She snapped out of her dark thoughts and jogged to catch up with Xena.

‘She’s changed so much in the last couple of hours.’  Gabrielle thought sadly.  Slowly, Xena was turning into a woman the bard had never thought she would meet.  Her Xena was still there...barely.  Every attempt Gabrielle had tried at conversation with her silent friend was shot down.  Xena didn’t want to hear anything Gabrielle had to say.  That didn’t mean she would stop trying to break through to Xena.

"...There was the time you helped the Amazons avoid war with the Centaurs.  If it wasn’t for you, a lot of lives would have been lost..."

"Gabrielle, not now."  A hint of an icy undertone in Xena’s voice caught the bard’s attention.

"Okay..." The young bard drawled into silence.

Xena halted Argo so suddenly that Gabrielle almost walked into the rear of the horse.

"What’s wrong?"  Asked Gabrielle.

Xena just turned in her saddle to look at the young woman.  The tall warrior didn’t know why all of a sudden she had turned a cold shoulder to the young woman.  All she was trying to do was help.  "I’m sorry Gabrielle.  I didn’t mean to snap.  I’m just not myself...yet."  Gracefully Xena slipped off the horse and walked the remainder of the way by her friend’s side.

"Why don’t you tell me that story about stopping that war between the Amazons and the Centaurs."  She offered with the warmest smile she could muster, which was slight.

Gabrielle lightened somewhat.  "Are you sure you want to hear it?"  She asked hesitantly.

"Sure." 

A slight smile played at the corner of the bard’s lips.  "All right." 

The bard broke into the story full force after Xena had consented to hear it.  She wasn’t sure if Xena wanted to really hear the story to help her get her memory back or not.  But by the gods, she wasn’t going to let the moment pass.  She was going to take advantage of the situation and Xena was going to hear every heroic deed she had ever done in the last couple of years.  So many stories will be woven that Xena will think she was a saint.

Xena walked quietly between Gabrielle and Argo.  She listened patiently to the bard’s tales of her heroic deeds.  With a desperate need to connect to the life Gabrielle knew for her she forced herself to try and remember.  Try as she might, nothing struck a cord within her.  More and more, she found herself remembering more of her life as a warlord.  The thrill of the fight, the power she held over the lives around her.  These thoughts excited her more than she thought possible.  Each thought brought her closer to he warlord she once was.

Gabrielle noticed the change in Xena’s walk, in her attitude.  She became even quieter, if that was possible.  Her posture grew more intimidating; her strides grew longer with a purpose.  Xena was fighting a battle where she refused any help.  Gabrielle didn’t know what more to do. 

*******

The rain had held off until early evening.  When it finally started, it barreled down relentlessly, soaking them utterly in minutes.  They veered off the trail they had been following to find shelter.  Fortunately, they found a small cave in the side of a small hill. 

Small though it was, it was large enough for them to take shelter in.  It was high enough for them to stand and wide enough to stretch their bodies on the ground, barely.  Rain soaked, the two women squeezed in finding the cramped quarters preferable to the chilling rain.  Xena quietly apologized to Argo for not being able to find her horse any shelter as she unharnessed the mare for the night.

Gabrielle found some damp wood near the cave.  While Xena was outside tending to Argo in the rain, Gabrielle gave her best efforts in attempting to start a fire with the damp wood.  Try as she might, the most she could manage was a spark, which was quickly replaced by a low fizzle and then nothing.  Her patience was quickly wearing thin.

Despite the deafening cracks of thunder, Xena heard the soft curses coming from inside the small cave.  She gave Argo a quick pat and went inside.

"Is something the matter?"  Xena inquired.

"Is something the matter?!"  Gabrielle repeated sarcastically.  "Of course something’s the matter.  I’m cold, wet, hungry and I can’t get this damn fire going!  That’s what’s the matter, OK?!" Snapped the irritated bard as she threw her tinderbox into the fire pit completely frustrated.

Xena walked with her head lowered slightly to avoid hitting the low ceiling of the cave as she walked in to store the saddlebags and saddle out of the rain.  Gabrielle listened to the squeaking and creaking of the wet leather as Xena mutely fetched something out of the saddle bags and headed back towards her holding a small leather pouch.

"What’s that?"  The bard inquired as she nodded towards the pouch in Xena’s hand.

"A little flash powder from my Carinna days."  Xena responded evenly as she knelt down in front of the fire pit Gabrielle had made.  "I won’t be needing it anytime soon."

Xena fetched the discarded tinderbox and used the two items in unison and finally got the desired effect.  At first, it was a small flicker of flame.  But with a little encouragement it turned eventually turned into a warm fire.  Xena quickly gathered other small pieces of wood and placed them by the fire to dry out.

A tiny smile of relief spread across Gabrielle’s face as she felt he warmth of the fire reach her chilled bones.  She glanced over at Xena, hair matted to her face.  She still wore her wet leather.  Suddenly she felt guilty for venting her frustrations out.

"You should take that off, let it dry."  Gabrielle suggested with a nod of her chin to the wet leathers the warrior still wore.

Xena grunted her agreement.  Quietly, she set about taking it off and slipped into her worn nightshirt.  Seeing that nothing more was going to be said, Gabrielle went over to the saddlebags to find something to make for their meal. 

"Hope you like soup again tonight.  That’s all that’s left."  She softly called back over her shoulder to Xena as she gathered some dried meat and vegetables.  "We should stop in the next village to pick up a few things."

"Whatever you make will be fine."  Xena replied without looking up at Gabrielle as she poked at the fire with little interest.  As Gabrielle went about preparing their meal, Xena made very little eye contact with the bard.  Even when the bard was talking to her, the warrior paid her little attention, too caught up in her own thoughts.  Those thoughts, whatever they were, had Xena continuously eyeing the forest that lay beyond their meager shelter.

"Xena, this is crazy!"  The fiery blond finally blurted as she reached the end of her rope.  "I mean, even when you had your memory you were quiet, sure.  But at least you paid attention to me when I was talking to you."

Xena leaned over the stew pot and poured herself a bowl of soup.  Without acknowledging the bards impatient comments, Xena made her way to the back of their small shelter and began eating.  Again, she was too wrapped up in her own thought to even realize the bard was talking to her.

"See, this is what I meant!"  Gabrielle fumed as her hand unconsciously fingered the wood of her staff, ready to vent out her frustrations on a nearby tree.

Xena’s eyes caught the movement and misinterpreted its meaning.

Xena slowly put her bowl of soup aside, her hunger suddenly gone.  "If you plan on using that, then use it.  If not, be quiet and go to sleep.  It’s late."

Gabrielle’s hand jumped away from the staff at hearing the coldness in her companion’s voice.  The bard was left speechless and dumbfounded as she watched Xena pick up her sword and whetstone.  Xena settled herself down on the hard ground, comfort far from her mind, and began sharpening her sword.  She looked more and more like the stern warrior Gabrielle could only have imagined she once was.

‘Great.’  She thought to herself as she turned away from the secluded warrior.  ‘I just blew up at my best friend in what’ s probably her greatest time of need.  Real smart Gabrielle.’  The young bard quietly scolded herself as she retrieved her roll from the saddle and went about getting comfortable on the damp ground after putting away the untouched food.

As she lay down, blanket wrapped around her shivering body, her mind wandered back to the past few moments.  Back to when she tore into Xena, back to when she didn’t mean to snap at her like that.  However, she just found the whole situation frustrated and scared her more than she cared to let on. 

She remembered her hand sneaking over to her staff.  She had never felt so frightened around Xena in all her time with her.  Had she merely intended on venting her frustrations out on an inanimate object or was she subconsciously preparing for the worst?  She knew Xena was changing.  Silently, she prayed to the gods that she didn’t lose Xena to her darker passions...or to Ares.

Drawing her blanket up tight under her chin, unaware of her own squirming under the watchful eyes of the warrior.  She turned herself slightly so she could keep Xena in sight.  Quietly, she watched her longtime companion go about her routine of taking care of her weapons.  This was the first time she remembered Xena doing that since they began their trek to Amphipolis.  Was this a sign that Xena was indeed regaining some of her forgotten memories?  Whether it was a good sign or not, only time would tell.

Gabrielle finally closed her eyes, listening to the constant sound of stone against blade.  Slowly, her mind drifted into Morpheus’ realm as the rhythmic sound of Xena’s sharpening and the dull beating of the rain outside lulled her to sleep.

*******

Xena knew the young bard had been watching her.  A few quick glances confirmed her suspicions.  Fortunately, she wouldn’t be harassing her with stories or questions as she sharpened the sword since Gabrielle now slept soundly.

‘*My* sword.’  She mentally said.

She brought the sword to her face to better look it over.  It was such a marvel at how comfortable it felt in her hands.  Her eyes lingered for several moments on the well-used blade before reaching for an old cloth to wipe its steel surface before returning it to its sheath.

Now that she had taken care of her weapons, she knew she should get some sleep, but her body stubbornly refused to listen.  She leaned her back against the rocky wall, adjusted her back several times before settling on a reasonably comfortable spot.  Tensely, she stretched her long muscular legs out while crossing her arms over her chest in an attempt to convince her body to rest.  The coldness of steel against her outer thigh assured her that her weapons were within easy reach.

Several hours had passed and still sleep had not come to claim her.  The heavy rains had finally subsided, leaving a slight drizzle behind followed by the occasional flash of lightning and crack of thunder.  Their campfire had died down low from being neglected throughout the night.  The young bard who had fallen asleep near the fire shivered beneath her blanket.  Darkness had almost consumed the remaining light, making it difficult to see if Gabrielle remained asleep.  By the sounds of the light snoring and the even breathing coming from her though, the mighty warrior surmised that the bard was indeed asleep.

A flash of lightning briefly lit everything, revealing the inner peace of this remarkable young bard.  For an instant, Xena could almost feel that peace.  Then, the light and peace that accompanied it disappeared just as quickly, surrounding her once again with the darkness of the night and of her mind.

Images of herself leading her army through the country side, instilling fear in the lands both in their grasp and beyond; men cowering in fear at the very mention of her name.  The glorious taste of battle and bloodlust flooded through her mind.  She let these images play through, her muscles flexing unconsciously in anticipation.  An old spark lit her eyes as an almost imperceptible, lop-sided grin played at the corners of her mouth.

Lightning danced across the night sky once again.  A deafening crack of thunder immediately followed.  Her eyes snapped towards the entrance to spy Argo stomping the ground and snorting fiercely at something just beyond her sight.  Her warrior instincts took over.

She was up on her feet, sword in one hand, chakram flying through the still night without a second thought to find the intruder.  The scream of the chakram was the only sound to be heard.  Then it went quiet.  Everything she noticed fell deathly silent.  Argo quieted down.  The mare’s form was so still she almost looked like a statue.  Even Gabrielle’s steady breathing seemed to have come to a stop.  The seconds themselves stopped their continual passage.

Then she heard it.  Not the expected thud of her chakram finding its target.  Rather, she heard a low, husky laugh.  Her eyebrows furrowed in uncertainty and annoyance.  She clutched her sword handle more firmly.

"I see you haven’t lost your touch Xena."

In-between flashes of lightning, Xena noted the silhouette of a man standing just outside the entrance of the cave.  In his hands, she caught the flash of rounded steel, her chakram.  He appeared to be examining the weapon intently.  Moments passed before she heard anything.  Then, he tore his eyes from the weapon.  They pierced through the night to gaze into Xena’s spectacular crystal colored eyes.  His face and body also seemed to have illuminated against the darkness enabling Xena to see his strong smile and the twinkle in his eyes.

"Here...Catch!"

Xena easily caught the chakram as it was tossed playfully her way.  Her eyes never left his.

"You know Xena," he started, "if I wasn’t a god, that toy of yours would have left me without my head.  I’m very impressed."

"Ares..." Xena drawled sweetly as her muscles relaxed and her defense posture slipped away.  Her weapons dropped to the ground with a clang.  Dressed only in her nightshirt, Xena glided towards Ares.  Her movements were gracefully seductive, even in the low cave.

Ares made no move towards her.  He stood waiting for her to come to him.  Less than a foot away now.  She paused as each stood studying the other, expectant of what was to follow.  Xena took a step forward, bridging the gap between them.  Her hand shot out, clutching the back of Ares’ head, forcing his face towards her.  Their lips locked with one another forcefully for what seemed an eternity.

When they finally parted, Ares took a step back from Xena’s intensity.  He appraised her with an approving look.  Pleasure coursed through his godly veins.

"Welcome back Xena, my Warrior Princess."

A flash of blue light engulfed Xena.  Her leather and weapons once again adorned her shapely body.  Then, they were gone.

Chapter 3

Gabrielle walked through the bustling market place.  She couldn’t believe all the wonderful sights and smells that consumed her senses.  An odd weight at her hip caught her attention.  She peered down to find a sack full of dinars.  What luck!  She was going to enjoy herself this day.  Maybe pick up some new clothes for herself and some sweets for Xena.  She knew Xena had a soft spot for sweets.

She reached a vendor who sold the sweets Xena liked so much.  As she was in the midst of bartering with the vendor, Gabrielle heard a low rumbling.  She dismissed it to her oft times plaintive stomach.  She thanked the vendor for the chocolates and was off to another shop.

Another vendor she wished to visit came into view as she walked the crowded streets of the market place.  Several people walked by, blocking her view for an instant.  When they cleared, her target was back in her sights.  A smile spread across her face.  She began to advance towards her target when screams suddenly penetrated through the common conversations and bartering of the market. 

Spinning around, she caught sight of what was causing the disturbance.  To her surprise, she found armed horsemen rampaging through the market place, hacking and slashing at any living being in sight.  Vendor booths crashed to the ground, while others were burned.  Peasants and vendors alike ran past the bewildered bard in panic and fear yelling, "She’s back!  We’re all doomed!"

Her curiosity and sense of righteousness compelled her to at least peek at who was creating all this death and destruction.  She pushed her way through the crowd, an accomplishment in itself seeing as how she had to go against the flow of panic stricken people.

A mounted warrior swung his sword down towards Gabrielle’s head, narrowly missing.  Simultaneously, she jabbed the rider in the chest with her war staff, knocking him to the ground.  The stampeding people rushed past and over him, pummeling him to death in their frantic flight. 

The bard had no time to think about the warrior’s death as several more warriors made their way towards her in pursuit of the fleeing peasants.  She expertly ducked away from her attackers blows, delivering a few well-placed attacks in the process.  She ducked and weaved in and out of attacks.  However, the number of warriors soon began to overwhelm her.  She frantically searched around for a possible escape route.  No luck.  All possible avenues of escape were out of reach.  She had no choice but to stand and fight.

Then, just as things began to look hopeless, a glimmer of hope came riding into view.

"Xena!"  Cried the frantic bard.

The strong, imposing warrior caught sight of the bard who was in dire need of help.  She rode through the ranks of warriors with ease.  Not a single sword was raised in her passing.  Finally, she reached the desperate bard seconds before a warrior meant to run his blade through his fragile victim.

"Stop!"  Xena ordered in her most commanding tone.

To the bard’s surprise and relief, the warrior did as Xena commanded.  The point of his sword stopped just above her heart.

"Xena!  I’m so glad you’re here."  Expressed the bard with a sigh of relief.

For a moment, the fighting around her seemed to have stopped.  Xena remained seated on a dark horse, unmoving.  Her emotionless gaze studied the young lady who lay on the ground, helpless before her.

"Xena?!"  Gabrielle asked nervously.  "What’s the matter?  Why are you looking at me like that?  Help me!"

For a moment, the warriors also stared at Xena, not sure of what was going to happen next.  The warrior princess was quiet for a moment longer before speaking.

"I’m not here to save you Gabrielle."  The warlord stated threateningly.  "I’m here to destroy you."

Gabrielle gasped unintentionally.  Her eyes grew wide with sudden fear.  Could she have heard the warrior princess, her best friend, correctly?

"What?"  She gasped, smiling nervously as she added.  "You’re joking right?  You’re here to help me out and protect these villagers, right?"  She tried backing away, only to have the gathered warriors hold her in place.

The faces around her smiled wickedly with death in their eyes.  Her heart jumped in her throat when she saw that same look mirrored in Xena’s cold, uncaring eyes as she jumped off her horse to stand over the helpless woman.  Slowly, meaningfully, Xena unsheathed her sword.  The sound of the blade leaving its sheath grated on the bard’s ears.

Two strong men grabbed her from either side, holding her firmly in place.  Gabrielle kicked and squirmed vehemently trying to gain her freedom.  It was no use.  They were simply too strong.  Gabrielle looked back to Xena, fear and the pain of betrayal filled her eyes.  She shook her head in denial as she watched Xena position her sword above the bard’s chest.  The point of the sword pointing downwards as both of Xena’s hands grasped the hilt of the sword ready to strike.

"Goodbye Gabrielle."

"Xena, NO!"

She fought against her captors in one last-ditch effort of escape.  Her eyes grew wide in pain and disbelief as she felt cold steep slip between flesh and bone into her chest.  She stared at the blade that now protruded from her chest, then up the length of the arm of its wielder - Xena.  No words came to her except for a pain filled cry.  Tears welled up in her eyes.  She felt Xena retracting her sword from the bard’s chest.  The mortally wounded bard slumped down to the ground in a heap of blood.  The last thing Gabrielle saw before the darkness claimed her was the smiling image of Xena wiping her blade clean of her blood.

*******

"NO!"  Gabrielle cried out in horror as her body sprang to an upright position, her hands clutched at her chest where the sword pierced it.  Her breathing was heavy and labored.  Sweat glistened off of her well-muscled body.  Panic stricken eyes swept through her unfamiliar surroundings and then down to her trembling hand still at her chest.  Gingerly, she removed her hand expecting to see blood oozing out of a blade wound; a wound inflicted by Xena.

She let out her breath, which she’d been unconsciously holding, when she found no visible marks upon her body.

"I’m not dead!"  She breathed with a mixture of relief and surprise.  "It was just a dream."

She quickly looked around once again for Xena.  She recognized the cave now.  It was their shelter from the driving rains the day before.  Now the sun beamed in through the entrance of the cave.  As she squinted against the bright light, she saw Argo grazing on some grass peacefully outside.  She gingerly pushed herself up to take a look around for Xena.  In the corner, all of their equipment remained exactly where they had been placed the night before.  With the exception of Xena’s weapons, armor and Xena herself.

"You’ll not find your warrior friend here young bard."

Gabrielle turned at the sound of the soft, eloquent voice of a lady behind her.  Who she saw standing just outside the cave next to Argo, stunned her.  A tall, fully armed female warrior figure with shield and helmet stood unmoving in the sunlight.  Her own brilliance outlined her strong, but subtle features.

Gabrielle quickly grabbed her staff.  A few steps brought her out of the cave and within striking range of the warrior woman.  Thus far, the bard made no threatening advances.

"Who are you?"  The headstrong bard demanded as she held her staff out in front of her.  "And what have you done with Xena?"

"I think you know who I am Gabrielle of Poteidea."  The radiant woman smiled confidently as she lifted her golden helm from her head to reveal her face.  "I am the goddess Athena."

Gabrielle found herself slack jawed at the revelation.  Quickly, the bard regained her composure.  "How do I know you’re the goddess Athena?"  She asked skeptically.

The goddess tilted her face towards the inquisitive bard, slightly arching her right eyebrow with amusement.  Gabrielle immediately caught sight of the luminescent glow surrounding the intruder’s body.  Simultaneously, her feet gently lifted from the ground as her body floated over to within a few feet of Athena.  An embarrassed look spread over the bard’s face for having doubted the goddess’ authenticity.

"Sorry, I had to make sure."  Gabrielle added somewhat sheepishly.  "Usually we never know who’s going to drop in on us or whether or not they’re friend or foe.  Sometimes it’s just a bunch of thugs, or it’s just Joxer doing his normal annoying routine.  Well, before he changed anyway."  Suddenly, she stopped herself, realizing that she had begun to ramble to a goddess no less!

Athena found the bard amusing, in a mortal sort of way.  She admired her spunk and straight-forwardness, even if she did ramble a bit.  But the time for pleasantries was not at hand.  The goddess’ smiling, carefree expression gave way to a suddenly solemn look.  Her tone grew serious.  It was time to cut to the chase and get down to business.  "Gabrielle, I’ve come here to warn you of Ares’ plan for your warrior friend."

Gabrielle immediately snapped to attention at the mention of Ares’ name.  Any thought of chatter quickly slipped her mind.  She waited patiently for what Athena had to say.  "I’m listening."  She prompted.

With a grave sigh, Athena began to relate what she knew of Xena’s fate.  "Xena has been put in a very vulnerable situation without the memories of her former self.  Ares has taken it upon himself to reveal to her the past, but only those parts when she had pledged herself to him willingly and whole-heartedly.  The rest, in his eyes, are inconsequential.  None of it ever existed as far as he is concerned."

In her mind, Gabrielle went over the last day or so noting Xena’s character changes.  It all made sense; the recollection of only her warlord days, her increasingly seclusive attitude.  ’Why didn’t I see this before?’  She chastised herself mentally.

"Because you did not want to believe it possible."  Replied the goddess to Gabrielle’s unspoken words.  "She will become something she has fought so hard to be rid of.  Things will get worse before they get better...if they get better."  Athena looked meaningfully at Gabrielle, almost sad, then continued.  "Gabrielle, you helped save her soul once, only you can do it again."

Surprised, Gabrielle stared at the goddess.  This all seemed so surreal.  Could this really be happening?

"Why would you want to help us?  Two mortals who don’t even worship you in your temples."  She boldly demanded, knowing the help of a god usually came with a price.

Athena smiled.  "You may not worship me in my temples young one, but in your hearts.  And helping to defend my city and people was a debt I indeed on repaying to you two."  Athena continued after a pause.  "Pheidias chose to honor me by sculpting my statue with Xena’s face, and believe me, I am truly honored by it."

"So, what’s the plan?"  Gabrielle chirped believing Athena truly wanted to help her.

"The warrior’s horse will take you to her."  Athena stated simply as she turned away from Gabrielle, ready to make her departure.

"Wait!"  Gabrielle interrupted before the goddess disappeared.  "What am I suppose to do when I find her?"

Athena regarded Gabrielle with a smile.  "Trust in yourself Gabrielle.  Your heart will know what to do."  Athena finally disappeared in a flash of pale blue light.

Gabrielle wanted to say more, ask more, but never had the chance with the goddess taking leave so quickly, so.... god-like.  Argo snorted softly as she shook her head towards the bard.  When she looked over at the mare, Gabrielle was surprised to find the horse already saddled, packed and ready to go.  Argo cocked her head towards Gabrielle, stomping the ground restlessly.  The bard eyed the mare nervously.

"Ha, ha, ha..." She chuckled nervously.  "I have to ride the horse.  Great.  Why the horse?!  I don’t even think she likes me!  Why couldn’t it have been a handsome prince escorting me or even a bird to show me the way?  Sigh!  I’ll never understand why it always comes to this."  Argo snorted again.  Gabrielle could have sworn the horse was somehow offended.  She started towards Argo, resting her hand on the saddle horn.  "Just be gentle girl.  Don’t take offense, but I’m not crazy about having you in charge."

She placed a nervous foot in the stirrup, still not sure what to expect from the horse and heaved herself smoothly into the saddle.  Sitting atop the golden palomino without a hitch, the bard risked a smile.  In the past, it seemed as though the mare didn’t like her.  She truly hoped that wasn’t the case at the moment.  Confidently, the bard grabbed the reins.  A final glance around the camp to make sure she had all their supplies and they were off.  Argo started at a slow trot, and then unexpectedly, she broke into a full gallop.

"Whoa Argo!  Do the words ‘be gentle’ mean anything to you?  Whoa!"  The bard’s voice trailed as they disappeared down the dirt road.

*******

"Hahahahaha!"  Laughed the female warrior.  "You almost got close to me that time!"

A hard looking warrior regarded the female with a mixture of anger and determination as she sought to make a fool of him in front of his army of warriors.  She blocked, parried or leapt away from his every attack.  He attacked with a mock forward thrust, and then struck out with his fist at the last moment.  His chunky fist caught the side of her face.  The leather clad woman retaliated by knocking his sword out of harm’s way with her own sword, followed by a kick to his chin.  His muscular body flew backwards to the ground by the powerful kick.

"Is that the best you can do?!"  She scowled at him in mockery and disgust as she stood over him, his throat at the mercy of her sword point.  "I’ve seen dead men do better!  Pathetic.  You’re no warrior...you’re a nursemaid!"  Her sword slid from his throat to rest at her side as she turned to leave.

The warrior’s face contorted into a mask of rage at this last insult, all good sense leaving his mind.  With a hate-filled cry, he attacked her from behind, hoping to prove to her once and for all she couldn’t just come waltzing into his encampment and challenge him and making him look the fool in front of his men.

With his sword raised up high, he intended to cleave her head like a melon.  A smile spread across his face as he smelled victory so very near.  His blade not a few inches away from its target now, he smiled triumphantly.  Then, his descent stopped mid-swing a hairs breadth away from its goal.  His grip loosened, his sword calmly came to rest on the woman’s armored shoulders with little force behind it.  His eyes wandered down to his abdomen curiously surprised at what he felt there.  He couldn’t believe his eyes as they settled on the blade that penetrated his body.  Absently, his free hand crept towards the foreign object lodged in his stomach, attempting to dislodge it.  He barely touched it before he fell back, sliding off the blade to fall limply to the grassy ground, dead.

The raven-haired woman bent down and wiped her blade clean with the fallen warrior’s clothing.  She stood back up tall, proud and every inch the intimidating warrior.  The legion of warriors that had surrounded them during the battle all stood quietly.  Her eyes darted around her, meeting all the uncertain gazes of the leaderless soldiers.  Slowly, one by one, they raised their swords above their heads.  Her muscles tensed, her mind acutely alert.  She revealed no trace of fear as her eyes challenged anyone who dared to meet them.

They made their move.

"Xe-na!  Xe-na!  Xe-na!"  They chanted one after the other, raising their chant louder and louder till every man had joined in the crescendo that carried all the way to Mt. Olympus.

This brought a smile to her fierce face.  It invigorated her soul.  Now, nothing could stop her - Xena, Warrior Princess.

*******

"This is better than I could have hoped for."  Mused the god of war as he watched on from behind one of the encampment’s larger tents.  Xena’s tent now.  He watched her every move, from the way she had taken full control of this army within minutes to the way she commanded her troops.  She was relentless, demanding and unforgiving.  Everything he was and so much more.

‘Gods it feels good to have Xena back at long last!’   He thought pleasantly.  He glanced up into the calm blue sky of the early evening.  Not to admire it but to mock those who would watch him.  "I know you’re watching this Athena.  Accept it, this is where Xena belongs, with me.  All your planning and scheming will never get her.  She’s outta your league sis."  He laughed at her to emphasize his triumph mood.  ‘Truly, this is a good day.’  His laughter showed no sign of ending anytime soon.  He was just having way too much fun.

Beyond Ares’ sight, Athena smiled to herself as she watched her secret weapon take position.  ‘You haven’t won yet dear brother.’  She thought.  ‘I still have a few tricks left up my sleeve.’

She spun around to take her leave of Mt. Olympus in a swirl of beautifully woven cloth and armor, her weapons always at her side. "Time for the next stage to begin.  Let’s see you try and outsmart the goddess of wisdom oh brother of mine."

*******

Almost two days had passed and Gabrielle feared Argo would go on into forever.  "Great," she sighed out loud against the rush of air, "an eternity on a horse."

Suddenly, she felt Argo slow her gallop down to a canter and finally to a walk.  She carefully lifted her torso away from the palomino’s body now that the low branches were no longer a threat, to see what brought on the drop in speed.  At first, she didn’t notice anything significant.  ‘More trees, more dirt, more riding.’  She ruefully thought.  Then the area’s familiarity hit her.  She was about a day’s ride from Amphipolis.

She also noticed, now that Argo was walking, the many tracks in the dirt and numerous broken shrubs and other greenery.  "Looks like a small army came through here not long ago."  She mumbled to the wind.  Suddenly, Argo’s ears came to attention, alerting Gabrielle that something was wrong.

"What is it girl?  What do you hear?"  The bard gently urged the horse, not really expecting an answer.

Then she heard a shuffling noise on the road, around the bend behind them.  Gabrielle’s heart jumped up into her throat.  Whoever was behind her made no attempt at being quiet.  And they weren’t on horseback by the sounds of it. 

Her mind quickly raced, trying to figure out the best course of action.  He could just be a common traveler or he could be a scout left behind by the army who made the tracks on the road.  Making up her mind, she quickly hopped off of Argo’s back, grabbed her staff and led the mare off the road out of sight.  Following the horse, she crouched down in a thicket of bushes and waited to see who rounded the bend, her staff at the ready.

The sounds of a pleasantly whistled tune carried through the air, reaching her ears.  She frowned in concentration at the familiarity of the tune.  Shaking her head to dismiss the familiar tune as mere coincidence, she set her mind back to the task at hand.  ‘And besides, how many people know that tune? It’s not uncommon.’ 

She waited anxiously as the seconds crawled by.  Her heart pounded a little quicker in anticipation, knuckles turned white as her grip tightened on her staff, her eyes remained glued to the road.  Then a single person came into view. 

He wore no armor, just an open vest, leather pants, while a sword at his hip adorned his otherwise plain body.  His face was obscured by small shrubbery directly in her line of sight.  She moved as quietly as she could to get a better view of the lone man on the road.  Snap!  She froze as her foot came to rest on an old, dried up twig.  Her breath caught in her throat.  Further behind her in the thick forest, she could hear Argo restlessly fidget.

The lone traveler stopped in his tracks, his hand pulling forth his blade.  "Who’s out there?"  He yelled in Gabrielle’s direction.  She heard the voice and confirmed it once she caught sight of the man’s face.

"Iolaus!"  She leapt out of her hiding place, dropping her staff and raced towards the fair-haired man.

"Gabrielle?"  He managed before the bard pinned his arms to his side as she engulfed him in a warm, crushing embrace.

*******

"Runner coming!"  Bellowed a tall, husky warrior.

From within her tent, Xena heard the call of an incoming runner ring through the encampment as warriors repeated the arrival.  Dressed in her armor, she casually walked out of her tent with an air of superiority surrounding her.  Every man watched this feared warlord exit her tent, all anxious to hear what the runner had to report.

The lean man stopped short of running into Xena as she stood in front of her tent.  He swallowed hard attempting to wet his throat enough to speak in-between breaths.  As he opened his mouth to speak, she held up her hand to silence him.  Fear rose in his throat but he fought not to have it show on his face.  He knew what this woman was capable of; their previous commander found out the hard way.  So he simply remained quiet, waiting for Xena’s command to speak.

In a whisper only he could hear, Xena spoke.  "Not here.  In my tent."  She motioned him through the tent flaps first, quickly sliding in behind him.

He glanced around her sparsely decorated tent.  Nothing fancy.  A war table sat in the middle of the tent with neatly rolled maps upon its surface.  A single wooden chair lay in the far corner along with cooking utensils.  The other side of the tent was separated by a draping piece of canvas hiding her private sleeping quarters.  He noticed she took little time in clearing her predecessor’s belongings from the tent.  His quick eyes also alerted him to Xena’s second who stood just inside the flaps of the tent, his hand resting on the hilt of his sword.

"What news to you bring Burralus?"  Demanded the deep booming voice of Xena’s second.  Burralus swallowed hard as he worriedly looked at Xena, meeting her gaze.

Her lazy gaze remained expressionless except for a slight flicker to signal him to continue.

"An army has moved into Thrace."  He paused for a split moment, his eyes darting from Xena to her second.  "They’re moving through Thrace recruiting men."

"How many?"  She demanded.

Shaking his head, he replied.  "Two, maybe three hundred troops.  A hundred or so mounted.  I’m not sure."

"Who is leading them?"  Xena’s second demanded.

Burralus thought for a moment.  "A man called Alexander."

Xena looked at the runner, "Go.  Say nothing to my men if you wish to remain among the living."

Burralus nodded his understanding and scurried out of the tent.

Once she was sure he was gone, Xena turned to her second.  "Marek, ready the troops.  We’re moving out."

"But Xena, their army nearly outnumbers out own three to one."

Xena glared at Marek with her piercing blue eyes, freezing him where he stood.  "Are you questioning my orders?"

"N-no Xena."  He stammered.  "I was merely informing you of the odds."

"I know the odds and I know their commander.  He’ll split his army not expecting any resistance so he can cover more ground recruiting more men faster.  Later, he’ll regroup and continue his march.  We attack now before his army has a chance to regroup.  His army will still be strong, but not strong enough."  She paused a moment grabbing Marek’s full attention.  "He will not ride into my territory and take what he pleases.  He’ll soon learn what it means to ride into my land uninvited."  She spat savagely.  A faint hint of a sparkle showed in her eyes at the thought of a battle.

Marek saw the fire in the warlord’s eyes and knew the issue was closed to discussion.  He respectfully saluted his commander before taking his leave to ready the troops.

Xena paced around her tent, strategies she intended on employing in the coming battle racing through her mind.  Even with Joxer’s.... Alexander’s army separated her troops would be hard pressed.  She did not doubt the strength of her army, but its numbers fell short of a hundred men.  But she had to flex her muscles and make an example of Alexander’s forces and cinch her hold on her newfound army.

Her pacing suddenly stopped as she passed in front of a map of Thrace, her eyes falling on the dot called Amphipolis.  She absently stared down, running her index finger over the name not understanding what it was that captivated her attention so.

True, it’s where the young bard, Gabrielle was going to bring her hoping to restore her memories.  Why she chose this particular village, Xena did not know.  So why did it trouble her so knowing that an army will be marching right through Amphipolis, probably razing the valley in the process?  "What should I care if some has-been villagers lose their homes and their lands?"  The warlord Xena spoke aloud unconvinced.

"Exactly what I was asking myself."

Xena spun around to face her intruder, rage coursing through her veins.  Her icy glare quickly melted away once she recognized the handsome, leather clad man who stood before her.

"Ares..." She purred.  "...To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

The god of war stared down into his most cherished of warrior’s azure eyes.  Her beauty never ceased to amaze him.  She took a step towards him, snaking her arms around his strong neck as her fingers danced through his thick hair.  Unconsciously, he responded to her touch by gliding his own hands down her body, bringing them to rest on her shapely waist.  He drew in a breath, taking in her every scent and every curve of her body before responding to her question.

"I want you to leave Amphipolis alone.  Let it be burned to the ground.  It’s not worth your effort.  I have far greater plans for you my dear."  He stated with labored breaths, offering no explanation for his uncharacteristic statement.

Xena’s hands stopped their ministrations around Ares’ neck as she regarded him coldly.  "What do you mean ‘leave Amphipolis along’?  Since when did the god of war back down from a fight?"

Ares would like nothing more than to see Xena’s army battle Alexander’s, whom he himself had trained.  He had turned the bumbling fool Joxer into the man now known as Alexander.  However, Ares did not want Xena’s new enthusiasm for battle to ruin what he had begun with Alexander.  His objective was for the tow armies to remain separate, working in unconsolidated concert and for the moment, Alexander wasn’t the problem.  The problem was Amphipolis itself.

"I’m not backing down from anything."  He remarked with a confident smile.  "I just happen to know of bigger and better conquests than Thrace.  If you head north now..."

Xena studied him with doubtful eyes.  They swept over his face, his expressions, and his posture.  All confirmed what he was saying, but her heart was screaming out that he was hiding something important from her.  Her heart also told her she should go to Amphipolis.  However, she was never one to listen to her heart.  Few good warlords did.  But somehow, this was different. 

With a sense of defiance, she took a step away from the god.  Ares’ hands offered no resistance.  Then she made a bold statement.  "I am going to Amphipolis Ares.  These are my men, my lands and my life.  To keep it all, I have to show them exactly who is in charge here."

The gentle confident sparkle in Ares’ eyes grew dark and menacing.  His hand struck out, catching Xena square across her left cheek.  She knew the retaliation was coming and was able to roll somewhat with the punch, reducing its full effects.  However, even a grazing punch from the god of war felt like a ton of rocks connecting with her face.  The Warrior Princess was quick to draw her sword against the god.

"You dare defy me?  ME?  The god of war!"  He sneered.  "You presumptuous fool!  You only live because of me.  You only die because of me.  You are mine!"  He hissed, his own drawn sword coming down towards the warlord in a wide arc.  Xena easily blocked the blow, but didn’t expect the power behind it as it knocked her to her knees.  In one swift motion, Ares knocked Xena’s sword from her hand and picked her up by the throat with is free hand.

"I am a tolerant god Xena, but know this:  No mortal talks to me that way.  Not even you.  Do I make myself clear?"  He growled through clenched teeth.  Xena made a choking sound as her hands worked to free her neck from his crushing grip.  Whether it was an understanding or a challenge Ares was not sure.  However, if the fire that burned so strongly in her eyes was any indication to her answer he figured it was more of a challenge. 

His Warrior Princess never ceased to impress him.  A smile crept onto his face as he threw her back down to the hard ground.  As Xena lay on the ground, greedily filling her lungs with air, Ares sheathed his sword and disappeared in a quick flash of light.  His voice echoed through the air, "You are mine Xena...remember that."

Xena got up, regaining her composure.  No man or god laid claim to her and told her what to do.  Defiantly, she stormed out of her tent preparing to stop Alexander’s army.  Her mind was set and nothing was going to stop her.

Marek silently tucked his head back around the corner of Xena’s tent as she made her hasty departure.  He watched as she readied herself and war-horse for the coming battle.

‘So,’ he thought to himself, ‘the Warrior Princess is going against the wishes of the god of war.  This just might be what I was waiting for.’  He thought with a leer.  His spirit rejuvenated, Marek turned and marched off in the opposite direction preparing for a battle himself.

Chapter 4

The two friends, Iolaus and Gabrielle, talked of their various adventures as they traveled under the late morning sun.  Each took their turn relating their numerous adventures until finally, all was said.  Then, Iolaus came to the subject of why how he had come to traveling in these parts.  He had heard of Xena’s demise in Athens and came to help the bard with her set task. 

The dark cloud that passed over the bard’s face was a silent confirmation of the incident.  He regretted bringing up the subject, but he had to know everything if he was going to help Gabrielle.  Iolaus continued on explaining that he had only heard of the events leading to her death.  He did not readily know any of the details of her resurrection.  Gabrielle picked up where his knowledge of the incident ended and soon filled in all the blanks as she knew it.  Finally, Iolaus knew everything from Xena’s death to her resurrection and ultimately, her seduction of her darker passions.  The rest of the day passed by in relative silence.

The sun began its slow descent to the horizon by the time Gabrielle and Iolaus had reached the outer edges of Amphipolis.  Argo casually walked in front of the two, leading them here with a purpose.  The daylong walk to Amphipolis gave the two friends ample time to catch up to simply chat amicably with one another.  Something they haven’t had the chance to do in quite some time.

"You know Gabrielle," Iolaus stared, diverting the bard’s attention away from the ground, "I have to admit, it’s not every day I find myself following a horse’s lead."  Iolaus stated in his usual chipper tone, hoping to lighten the bard’s suddenly quiet mood.

With a smile and an almost undetectable solemn look, Gabrielle replied.  "Well, like her mistress, Argo has many skills."  She offered with a small smile.

The two friends smiled at the simple, but oh so true statement. 

As they continued on towards the heart of Amphipolis, Iolaus grew serious.  He tilted his head slightly towards the ground, seemingly searching for answers to questions he hadn’t yet begun to ask.  Then, his attention turned to Gabrielle.  "You miss her don’t you?"  It was a statement, not a question.

She turned her head from what she was looking at on the ground and gazed into Iolaus’ face.  A small, sad smile accompanied her answer.  "Ya, I do."

Returning her attention back to the ground in front of her, she absently kicked a rock that got in her way.  Not looking back at Iolaus, she continued.  "Sometimes I’m scared of what she’s doing right now.  Athena told me it was going to get worse before it gets better."  Then she looked back at Iolaus whose compassionate eyes never left her sorrow filled face.  "What if she’s returned to being a warlord and doesn’t want to come back?  What do I do then?"  She helplessly asked, a faint mist appearing in her eyes.  She quickly turned her head away from Iolaus.

"Hey," he said soothingly, forcing her to look at him, "if anyone can bring Xena back it’s you.  You have to believe in yourself Gabrielle.  I do and so do the gods.  That’s why they chose you to help Xena."

A warm smile spread across her face as she blinked away the forming tears.  "Thank you for believing in me."

"No problem.  What’re friends for?"

"Gabrielle!" cried out a familiar voice.

The two travelers snapped their heads in the direction of the calling voice, only just realizing how close they actually were to Amphipolis.  They spotted a villager walking towards them.  As she drew closer, they noticed she was an older woman dressed in a simple grayish-blue dress, which reached to the ground, water buckets in each hand.

"Cyrene!"  Gabrielle’s eyes lit up as she recognized Xena’s mother making her way towards them.  The bard’s pace doubled as Iolaus stood back and watched the two women embrace one another.  He patiently waited to be introduced as he didn’t want to disturb their reunion.

As the two women broke their embrace, Iolaus walked up to stand beside Gabrielle.  The bard turned to Iolaus and went about introducing the two strangers to one another.

"Cyrene, this is Iolaus, a good friend of Hercules and myself."  She turned to Iolaus.  "Iolaus, meet Cyrene, Xena’s mother."

Cyrene smiled at Iolaus.  "It’s a pleasure to meet a friend of the legendary Hercules.  Come, the two of you to the tavern, you must be famished."  She motioned with a nod of her head.

"Here, let me take these for you."  Iolaus offered as he quickly scooped up the two buckets from Cyrene’s hands.

She gave him a warm, appreciative smile.  "Why thank you."  Then, looking over her shoulder with a hopeful look, past Gabrielle, she asked.  "When will Xena be joining you?"  Gabrielle’s face dropped, betraying her feelings.

"Cyrene," Gabrielle began, words coming to her with great difficulty, "we have to talk."

******

Night had long since fallen over the quiet valley as Gabrielle once again recounted Xena’s death and resurrection.  No matter how many times she told the story it still struck a shattering blow to her heart.  A blow the old innkeeper’s heart also felt as it sank down to the lowest depths of Hades with each of the young bard’s pain-filled words.

Cyrene knew that her daughter would die one day.  Most likely before the innkeeper herself, considering the danger Xena threw herself into each and every day on her quest for redemption.  However, by the end of Gabrielle’s story, her face had grown so pale that Gabrielle and Iolaus both looked at her with great concern.  Hearing that her daughter had escaped the underworld only to be lured back into her former life as a warlord was almost too much for the older woman to bear.  She took a few deep breaths and reassured her two guests that she was fine.  Both Gabrielle and Iolaus protested and insisted she should get some rest but Cyrene would hear none of it.

"Right now, I have more important things to do than be fussed over by you two."  She argued.

This said Cyrene got up from the table they were sitting at just as a troop of soldiers walked into the successful tavern.  Before either of her guests could protest further, she gave them a quick hug and whispered "don’t worry about me, I’ll be fine.  You just worry about bringing back my little one."  She drew back from them affording each of them a warm smile before disappearing behind the bar.  Then, as if nothing were wrong, she began serving drinks and helped prepare meals for the hungry soldiers.

Gabrielle watched Cyrene go about her activities; so determined, so dedicated.  She couldn’t help a small grin.  Iolaus caught the slight grin as his curiosity got the best of him.  "What’s with the grin?"  He almost had to shout to be heard above the ruckus that had quickly filled the tavern.

The bard turned her head to look at Iolaus unaware that anyone had caught the grin.  "I can’t believe how Xena and her mother are so much alike..."

"...Very independent."  Iolaus finished for her a smile of his own growing at his sudden understanding.

But the levity was short lived as the two companions grew increasingly alarmed at the number of soldiers that had appeared in the tavern.  Gabrielle knew Amphipolis had no militia of its own and Iolaus had figured out as much for himself.  "So, where were all these soldiers coming from?"  He asked, receiving only a shrug of the shoulders from the concerned bard.

Gabrielle thought about the question for a moment pondering that same question.  If the tracks she had seen on the road earlier truly were the markings of an army passing through, why were they only just arriving in Amphipolis?  They clearly had at least a days ride up on her.  The bard leaned over to her companion voicing her concerns.

"What?!"  Iolaus bent his ear closer to her mouth to hear what she was trying to say.  The noise level in the tavern had gotten so loud and rowdy that he couldn’t hear a thing above a shout even this close.

Just in case the wrong ears over heard their conversation, Gabrielle grabbed Iolaus by the arm and led him towards the entrance of the tavern.  On their way out, bits and pieces of other conversations floated to meet their ears.

"...Slaughtered!  Taken completely by surprise by..."

"...Didn’t stand a chance against the likes of ..."

Gabrielle slowed her pace coming almost to a complete stop to hear more.  She caught other similar phrases, but most were drowned out by the others making it difficult to discern anything useful.  And then she heard it.

"...Xena’s army..."

The young bard stopped dead in her tracks.  Her head swung around to a table against the southern wall where she had heard the words spoken.  Iolaus heard it too and followed her gaze.  Had she heard right?  She took a step closer to the table in question.

"...Xena lead her army right through the third division.  They didn’t even know what hit them!"  Cried out one of the four soldiers who sat at the table.

Gabrielle couldn’t stand it; she had to know where Xena was.  She found her way to the oak table against the wall.  Her intended path held more obstacles than she realized as the fair sized tavern had filled to capacity with rugged soldiers.  Undaunted, she began to fight her way to the table that held some answers she was searching for.  Without her staff, which was left with Cyrene as with all other weapons upon entering the establishment, fighting off roaming hands were a little more difficult.  An insistent slap here and a chair ‘accidentally’ getting kicked out from under certain soldiers kept her busy while she ignored crude comments directed her way. 

Behind her, Iolaus shouted something about how useless it is to talk to this crowd, but his warnings were drowned out by the cacophony that filled the tavern.  Exasperated, he did his best to keep up with the tenacious bard, but still managed to fall behind as he encountered sturdy frames that blocked his way.

The veteran soldier who had been relaying the story of Xena’s attack suddenly stopped his tale to hungrily gaze into demanding green eyes.  A smile grew on his rugged face and the faces of the other three soldiers seated at the table as their eyes swept over her finely chiseled body.  The short blonde haired man fighting his way towards them was widely ignored.

"Well, well.  What do we have here boys?"  The soldier remarked with a sly undertone and toothy grin.

"Looks like a nice piece of innocent to me."  Added another soldier as he elbowed the veteran in the ribs, showing the same grin on his own scruffy face.

Ignoring the implied remarks and slapping away yet more roaming hands, she gave them a very good replica of Xena’s patented ‘look’.  "I’m not here for your entertainment."  She retorted as annoyance began to creep onto her face.  "I want to know in what direction Xena was headed."

"Xena?!"  The scruffy man squawked, his eyes never leaving her sleep body.  "Wouldn’t ya rather I show ya the ‘lysian fields instead sweet thang?"  He suggested with a lewd smile as he licked his lips hopefully.

"Been there, done that, told the story."  She countered.  Gabrielle could barely contain her disgust at the men seated in front of her now.  Despite their nauseating advances, they were the only ones that could point her in Xena’s direction.  Sure she could always find out from travelers or other more pleasant sources, but right now she couldn’t afford to lose any valuable time.  Her mind set, she put aside her revulsion and put on her best bardic face.

Slowly, cautiously, she sat herself down on top of the soldier’s table smiling sweetly towards the man who had been relating the story of Xena’s attack of the previous day.  A hand wandered onto her thigh, which quickly earned itself a swift swat.  "I’ll tell you what..." she purred, "...you tell me where Xena is headed and I’ll tell you what her weakness is."  Before getting the desired response however, one of the soldiers cut in.

"I’ll show you her weakness!"  The soldier announced as he stood up from the table, fumbling with his belt buckle.  The action earned the soldier cheers and shouts of encouragement.  With surprising speed, the soldier worked his way around the table and grabbed at the young desirable bard from the table, thrusting his body up against hers.  Impulsively, Gabrielle attempted to break the soldier’s grasp, unsuccessfully.

Even though the night was early yet, Gabrielle could smell strong ale emanating from this soldier.  Behind her, his companions urged their buddy on.  One even held her firmly from behind to keep her still.  Trying to remain calm, she remembered what Xena always told her:  "Act, don’t react."

She watched in disgust as the soldier in front of her brought his lips close to hers.  Her stomach rolled in protest at the repugnant smell that assaulted her senses.

"Gabrielle!"  Iolaus shouted over the ruckus of the tavern.

Hope sprang to life as she heard something connecting with the soldier behind her.  She could feel his body tense for a second before he released his hold on her as he fell away limply.  Not skipping a beat, her knee came up quickly connecting with her other assailant.  She watched as his eyes went wide with surprise and pain as he slowly sank to the ground in front of her clutching at his groin.

Before she could thank Iolaus for his timely intervention, her eye caught the last two soldiers throwing their chairs away from the table, slamming them against the wall.

"Only two of you against a little fella like me?"  Iolaus remarked, "Even enough."

The smiles on the soldiers face spread from ear to ear as their eyes focused on something just past Iolaus.  A sinking sensation filled his gut.

"Iolaus, duck!"  Gabrielle cried out as she grabbed a jug of ale from the table.

He dropped himself just as the jug flew over his head, smashing noisily against a scarred soldier behind him.  The soldier staggered, one hand holding his broken and bleeding nose as he spat every known curse at the bard.

Iolaus jumped back to his feet, spinning around to face the bleeding man.  "Now, that’s no way to speak to a lady!"  He scolded as he sent a left uppercut towards the soldier, catching him under the chin.  The powerful punch sent the big man reeling backwards, unconscious.  Riding the momentum of his punch, Iolaus quickly spun around to stand side by side with the bard, smiling.  "One down, a tavern to go."

To Gabrielle’s dismay, Iolaus wasn’t far off the count as she observed most of the soldiers from the surrounding tables picking themselves up from their tables excited by the possibility of a fight.

Out of the corner of her eye, Gabrielle caught a glimpse of Cyrene from behind her counter.  She could clearly see the nervousness reflected in the innkeepers eyes as her body bent down behind the counter.  <’She’d probably be safer behind the counter anyway.’>  The bard thought until she noticed Cyrene reappearing holding an amazon staff in her hand.

"Gabrielle, catch!"  Yelled the innkeeper as she threw the warrior-bard her weapon of choice.

Gabrielle watched the staff sail effortlessly over the heads of her many attackers.  Quietly she mouthed a silent ‘thank you’ to the thoughtful woman as she adeptly caught her weapon and maneuvered it around to attack.  Her staff slammed hard into a soldier’s chest that had been a heartbeat away from delivering a blow that would have undoubtedly made her see stars.

Gabrielle’s head snapped over to where Iolaus had last been only to find him surrounded and completely cut off from her.  Apparently the soldiers had thought he was more of a threat than she was.  They would soon learn the error of their ways.  With a low sweeping motion of her body and staff as one, she successfully knocked one soldier’s feet out from under him sending him flat on his back with a resounding thud.

She twirled her staff back up to an offensive posture arcing it towards yet another soldier.  The hardwood staff connected solidly with the back of another soldier’s head, dropping him instantly.  Bringing her staff back close to her body, readying it for another attack, she suddenly felt a sharp, painful jab to her ribs stopping her attack.  She twisted around to face this new attacker only to be thrown backwards off balance.

Iolaus caught sight of Gabrielle’s frantic grasp to keep her balance.  Out of the corner of his eye and in-between punches, he noted the bard’s flailing arms and staff, which suddenly gave him an idea.  He carefully slipped over next to Gabrielle and expertly directed one of her random swings into one of his many attackers.  The poor soldier gasped for breath as the butt end of the staff caught him completely off guard in the thorax.  More wild staff swings and several more dodges, Gabrielle had unintentionally taken out several soldiers with Iolaus’ direction.  Iolaus stood up with a momentary triumphant smile on his face only to be taken down by a still off balanced bard as a burly soldier slammed into her.  The two friends found themselves falling uncontrollably to the hard wood floor.

Gabrielle looked up from where she had landed in Iolaus’ lap, the two of them sitting quite helplessly on the floor.  Surrounding them were over a dozen angry and bloodied soldiers closing in for the finishing touches.

"Now would be a good time for Xena to show up."  Iolaus said hopefully to Gabrielle.

"Hercules couldn’t hurt either."  The bard added.

Then, with as much force as she could muster, Gabrielle’s feet struck out at the nearest legs hoping to topple some of the soldiers out of their way.  Iolaus picked up on the bard’s train of thought and lashed out with his fists hoping to gain them some form of advantage.  A couple of soldiers fell opening up a hole so the two prone fighters could gather some semblance of a defensive posture.

Several of the soldiers began to move in on the duo only to be halted by their comrades on the outside of the attack circle.  A hush began to spread among the soldiers in the tavern as heads began to turn to see behind them.

"Guess they had enough."  Iolaus smirked as he scanned the room still ready for a fight.

From what they could see, many of the soldiers had begun to shrink away unexpectedly.  As the huge number of bodies began to thin out, both Gabrielle and Iolaus could see why the tide had turned.

Standing in the doorway of the tavern with what appeared to be several lieutenants, was a fully armored general standing with a very commanding posture.  His stance was firm, his fingers danced on the hilt of his sheathed sword.  Hard eyes scanned the scene before him in disgust.

 "Leave is over!"  He shouted angrily.  "Get back to your posts you bunch of lazy dogs!"

 "Joxer?!"  Iolaus said slack jawed with incredulously wide eyes.

Chapter 5

Gabrielle leaned into Iolaus with a smirk of her own.  "Nope.  Alexander."  She corrected as relief slipped into her voice.  "Remember when I mentioned Joxer went through a transformation as well?"  Hearing no comment from Iolaus, she turned to find him staring at her, confusion etched across his face.  "I’ll explain later."  She promised, giving him one of those knowing smiles.

The duo watched as Alexander motioned to his lieutenants to escort his soldiers back to camp.  "I think community work would do our soldiers some good."  They heard him saying.  "I think the pig farmers could stand to have their pig pens cleaned out from top to bottom."  He added with a hidden smirk.

His lieutenants nodded their heads at the disgusting job ahead of the soldiers as they smiled with a ‘they asked for it’ grin as they disappeared into the night.

Alexander made his way towards Cyrene who still stood behind the bar.  Upon reaching the bar, he reached under his armor plate and produced a small leather pouch.  He threw the pouch and its clinking contents onto the bar in front of the aging innkeeper.  "For damages imposed by my men.  Please accept my humble apologies."

Quickly Cyrene sized up the man who stood in front of her and then looked over her tavern.  Broken chairs, tables and jugs of spilled ale littered the usually tidy tavern.  Before turning back to face this gracious general, her eyes caught sight of a chair sticking out of one of the far walls by its four legs.  Cyrene was never one to accept charity, however, this time the damage sustained to her tavern was going to be expensive.  She fixed her gaze on the gracious warrior standing at her bar with appreciation.  With a heart felt smile, she accepted the offered pouch of money and then added sternly.  "But only if you give your word as a warrior that you will let me repay you by feeding you and your lieutenants to make up the difference."

Alexander began to protest but immediately knew it was useless against this woman.  With the Darkmeer residing within him, Alexander felt her stubbornness and her overwhelming gratitude even though she tried to keep her emotions from flooding through.  He knew she wasn’t going to take ‘no’ for an answer.

Then a sudden, surprising picture popped into his mind as he regarded this woman.  He was genuinely astonished when a mental picture of Xena popped into his mind.  Her mannerisms and the control she had over her outward emotions were uncanny.  He could feel her gentle soul and the light emanating from there.  He was relieved to find he could feel more than just the dark emotions of late.  One needs to see the light once in a while, else they’d wither away and die.

He gave the gentle innkeeper a sincere smile, then turned and made his way towards the bard and warrior.  "Gabby!"  He exclaimed enthusiastically as he engulfed her in a warm embrace.  Pulling away, he turned towards Iolaus with a smile as they each grabbed one another’s forearms in a warriors greeting. 

"I should’ve known I’d find you in the middle of a brawl."  He grinned jokingly towards Gabrielle.  "Trouble does seem to have a way of finding you."

"Ain’t that the truth!"  Iolaus added with a smirk of his own.

Gabrielle’s innocent face began turning a light shade of red knowing that the two men weren’t too far off the mark.  Then jabbing Iolaus in the ribs accusingly, she added with a playful smile.  "Like you’re a stranger to it huh?"

The trio joked for a few moments longer as Iolaus got reacquainted with the man once known to him as Joxer.  Despite the light banter, Alexander felt the urgency in his two friends.  His tone suddenly grew serious.  "I know you love to talk but I sense you’re not here for idle chit chat."

"You’re right, I’m not."  She stated suddenly somber.  "I think you know why I’m here Alexander."

"Xena, yes I know."  He said with a sad look in his eyes.  "What do you plan on doing?"

"I know Xena’s on her way here.  I want a chance to talk to her.  I know I can talk some sense into her before your armies clash.  I want to avoid bloodshed if that’s at all possible."

"Gabrielle that’s crazy!"  Iolaus barked with surprise upon discovering what she had in mind.

The bard spun on Iolaus locking her unwavering eyes with his.  "Iolaus, I have to do this!  It’s the only way!"  She argued as her anger began to surface.

"No way!  She’d cut you to ribbons before you could utter one syllable!"  He tried reasoning to her rational side.  "I know this Xena Gabrielle and she’s not the friendly Xena you call your friend.  This is a frenzied warlord out for blood and conquest.  She doesn’t care about you or us!"

"You don’t know that!"  Gabrielle shot back with more anger than she intended.  "You haven’t been with her these last few years, I have!  I was there when she died Iolaus and I was there to help bring her back.  I’ll be damned if I’m going to let you or anybody else try to stop me from helping her!"  Her face suddenly softened at the hurt and sad look in the two men’s eyes.  And then she added in little more than a whisper with pleading eyes.  "I know I can help her Iolaus."

Alexander stood quietly listening to the heated exchange between his two friends.  An exchange he would have started with the bard himself if Iolaus hadn’t.  he felt their emotions raging.  Outwardly, one would have immediately saw the anger and nothing more.  But beneath it, he could feel their desperation and sadness.  Gabrielle’s mind and heart was set on this course of action and nothing short of godly intervention was going to stop her.

Loudly clearing his throat to interrupt the raging argument, he cut in once he had their attention.  "Hopefully our two armies won’t clash."  He paused momentarily upon feeling his friend’s attentiveness.  "I’ve already sent out a messenger to her camp explaining our intentions of just passing through to recruit a few men for my campaign eastward.  I pose no threat to her."

"Do you really think she’ll go for it?"  Iolaus asked hesitantly with more than a touch of apprehension.

Avoiding a direct answer, he replied.  "I sincerely hope so."  And then in a smaller, more vulnerable voice he added.  "I’ve already hurt her and Gabrielle enough for one life time."  A silent tear formed in his eye as he remembered killing Xena in Athens while seeing and feeling the pain and hurt and anger he had caused the bard.

Gabrielle barely heard his last sorrow-filled comment which made her feel a constricting feeling in her chest.  Upon looking back, whatever she had felt must have been ten times worse for Alexander with the Darkmarr inside of him as it amplified the feelings and emotions of all those around him.  Placing a feather light touch on his forearm, her words came out in a sad, reassuring voice.  "Alexander," she paused, "Joxer, it’s all right."

He looked up into those emerald eyes that had captured his heart and helped return his soul to the living.  The compassion and understanding poured from her eyes even after his power had already sensed it.  For some reason, actually seeing the emotions stirring through the bard’s eyes made them all the more real to him just as the love he held for her was real.  Though the bard’s feelings for him were not the same, he took solace in knowing that he would always have her friendship no matter what.  He opened his mouth to express his gratitude when he suddenly stopped.  A look of horror encompassed his face.

"What is it?"  demanded the concerned bard as she grabbed him by the arms to try and steady his swaying body.

The question fell on deaf ears.  Sensations of fear and panic paralyzed him.  So strong and unexpected were the emotions that he was caught completely off guard and fell under their spell.  The pain of death he was feeling made his body reacted directly to the emotions as he fell heavily into Gabrielle, completely unable to control himself at the moment.  A film of perspiration glistened heavily off of his body as his eyes stared past Gabrielle’s frightened face into what seemed like oblivion.

Gabrielle slid down to the floor with Alexander as she was unable to carry the weight he suddenly thrust upon her.  Iolaus quickly rushed to Gabrielle’s side when he saw Alexander collapsing into her arms.  Taken off guard, he awkwardly grabbed at one of Alexander’s arms trying his best to alleviate some of Gabrielle’s burden.

Slowly, gently, Alexander was carefully lowered to the ground with the wide eyed bard still frantically holding onto him.  With the back of her hand, Gabrielle started wiping away the droplets of perspiration which glistened heavily on his skin.

Torturously, Alexander regained control of the overwhelming emotions.  Gabrielle watched as the look of horror was slowly blinked away from his eyes as sadness and deep concern took its place.

"Alexander, we’re here for you.  What’s wrong?"  The bard whispered in soothing tones as she brushed back his sweaty hair.

He looked up into her eyes letting the gentle look of compassion and concern in her eyes replace the pain and fear he felt.  Slowly, he felt himself falling into her relaxing ministrations, longing for so long for her touch.  His eyes began to close.

"NO!"  he yelled suddenly as his eyes flared open.  He quelled the bard’s ministrations as he jumped to his feet.

Reaching out to him, Gabrielle called out.  "Alexander, stop, you’re not well.  You need rest."

"No time!" he said hurriedly, "my men need me!"

Just as Alexander spoke these words, the sound of galloping horses reached their ears.  Clashing steel and the far away screams of the wounded and dying soon followed.

"How did he..."  Iolaus trailed off as he and Gabrielle watched in surprise as the tavern door burst open as a bloody Athenian soldier stumbled through, his breathes coming in rasps of pain.  "Sir, come quickly!"  He managed before falling into the door frame revealing a gaping wound to his abdomen.

Alexander quickly rushed over to his lieutenant, lending him the support of his sturdy body.  "What’s happened Kendrick?  Who did this to you?"

Slipping down the length of Alexander’s body, smearing dark blood on his general’s polished armor, he managed to whisper one word.  "Xena..."

Alexander slid down to the floor with Kendrick as he watched his friend’s eyes glaze over with the touch of death.  He felt the life force leaving his body just as he physically felt him stiffen with a final spasm in his arms.  Finally, Alexander looked over to Gabrielle and Iolaus he stood unmoving as the body of his lieutenant and friend went limp in his arms.  The bard’s eyes had gone wide with horror as she heard the whispered name of Kendrick’s attacker.

All eyes turned to the bar when the loud crash of tankards fell to the hardwood floor and the whispered word ‘no’ met their ears.

"Cyrene!"  Gabrielle cried out as she dashed to the innkeeper’s side.

Cyrene looked up from the mess she had made on the floor to the young bard that now stood in front of her.  "I-I don’t know what came over me."  She stammered with a look of perplex that marred her gentle face as she starred down at he mess on the floor at her feet.  "I’ve never dropped a tray in all my years."  She muttered distractedly.

"It’s okay...it’s okay."  Gabrielle assured the older woman as she draped a gentle arm around Cyrene’s shoulders leading her away from the mess.  "I’ll get that later.  You just go and find someplace safe till we can figure out what’s going on."

The innkeeper nodded.  "Be careful Gabrielle.  Don’t let the darkness destroy you."  Cyrene whispered before shuffling into the kitchen and out the back door.

Then looking back at her companions, the bard grunted with a firm resolve.  "Come on," she commanded, "we have a job to do."

******

"ATTACK!"

The fiery war call a powerful warlord filled the air just outside of Alexander’s army’s encampment.  The darkness that fell over the valley blinded them to the coming attack but they didn’t need to see what was coming.

Hooves plowed through the ground making their way towards the unsuspecting soldiers as more battle cries rang through the once still night air.  The encampment, which rested just outside of Amphipolis, was ill-prepared to meet the ferocity and surprise of their attackers. 

Defending soldiers jumped to their feet from out of their sleeping rolls, while their lieutenants scrambled from their huts in extreme haste.  Buckles on armor had gone undone, boots went unlaced all to gain precious time to meet the onrush of attackers.  In their rush to meet the attackers, many soldiers stumbled over strewn sleeping rolls as others ran through small campfires to meet their adversary, roaring an intimidating battle cry of their own.

Coming into the light of the numerous campfires, Alexander’s army now could put a face to their enemy as the leader of the attacking army came into view.  The flowing dark hair of the female warrior matched the darkness of the night and of the steed below her.  The look of unbridled frenzy etched upon her face as she rode her stallion through the encampment made more than one soldier’s blood run cold.  The fierceness of her attacks sent men to meet Hades with each stroke of her blade.  Her lust for blood seemed endless.

The two armies, fully engaged in battle, fought savagely with little relent except to die.  What seemed to be hours passing were but mere moments, and the moments simply did not exist.  The battle passed by in a blur of motion until the seemingly untouchable warlord was suddenly accessible as a spear dub deep into her steed’s chest.  Without missing a beat, the warlord flew up and over the horses head and the heads of the surrounding soldiers in a controlled front flip ululating her feared war cry. 

The instant her feet touched the ground, her body swung around instinctively to meet the coming attacks.

"Come and get me!"  She yelled with a feral smile as death danced in her steel blue eyes.

Four soldiers surrounded the warlord more than willing to do just that.  The first attack came as a forward thrust aimed at her chest with nearly simultaneous attacks by the other three, one swinging low to her right, another slashing at her upper torso while the final attacker tried to run her through from behind.  Each blade came so close to its mark that it was frightening, however at the last moment the warlord’s blade blocked the first attack as she delivered a powerful sidekick to another soldier.  Moving her blade quicker than the eye could follow, she swung it across her body and slit open a soldier’s throat.  Without losing her momentum, she switched her grip and jammed the point of the sword behind her catching her rear attacker just below the ribs.

The two soldiers to survive their first melee with the vicious warlord pulled back enough to stay alive as they barely kept her at bay long enough for them to call over reinforcements.  Soon Xena was squaring off against ten fully trained and fully armed soldiers holding more than her own against their attacks.

Though she was engaged in fierce battle, Xena remained acutely aware of all the happenings around her; the cries of the dying and the clashing of swords.  She drew remarkable strength from the sounds of battle as they enticed her and excited the dark side of her.  But then a new sound drifted to her acute hearing which froze her heart. 

Cries and pleas of mothers and their children in the nearby village floated on the winds.  From the corner of her eye she caught sight of raging flames tearing through buildings, and eating up storage houses, which set the night sky ablaze with angry flames.  Just at this particular, inconvenient instant, a memory chose this moment to surface. 

The innocent face of a young, blonde man standing by her side when she was much younger found its way into her mind’s eye.  Hazy at first, the unbidden memory played through her mind with increasing vividness that it soon made it difficult to distinguish it from reality.  But so entranced by the memory was she that she couldn’t force it away even if she wanted to, which was especially dangerous when engaged in mortal combat.  One innocent little slip could very well be her last.  Her bloody sword slashed and parried without error as part of herself walked the path of events of a memory long past. 

The image of a marauding army who all wore masks over their eyes, came crashing towards her.  Taking in the attire of those around her, Xena knew she was working with an army of untrained villagers.  A quick glance at her own attire revealed that she wore not the clothes of a warrior, but rather the clothes of a young peasant girl who was more than ready to lead these villagers into battle.  Though the young, curly haired man at her side was several years her senior, the trust he held in his eyes for her was unwavering and true.  She felt surprisingly comforted by his pale blue eyes and his presence.

As the attack commenced, the vague familiarity of the village went unnoticed as the anger she felt towards her enemies burned fiercely in her belly as she lead the charge towards the masked men.  Even though the villagers had little skills when it came to battle, their love for their homes and families along with Xena’s natural leadership skills, gave them the strength to fight heroically.  Many lost their lives to the more skilled marauders but the villagers’ will was strong and they pushed ahead as they gained the advantage. 

When they could smell victory within their grasp, a tragedy befell them.  The curly haired man who remained by her side loyally throughout the entire battle was torn away from her as an enemy arrow found its mark in his chest.  Xena crumpled to the ground with him as she realized the arrow he took was meant for her heart.   The battle raged on around them, but she couldn’t leave his side.  The connection she felt to this man was too strong for words to describe, but why she didn’t know. 

Suddenly, her mind was painfully brought back to her present situation when her automatic responses to the attacks faltered and let cold, hard steel tear through her defenses.  The sharp edge tore through the flesh of her left shoulder, scraping the underlying bone, which only seemed to infuriate her more as the rage she felt at the death of the passing memory overflowed.  She couldn’t allow those helpless villagers be slaughtered while she still drew breath.  And she sure as Hades wasn’t going to let these soldiers stop her.

Without so much as a though, her blade began spinning almost of its own accord so quickly that it appeared to have vanished.  She maneuvered the blade in a wide circle, pushing the soldiers back away from her, leaving her a venue of escape.  With a wild yell, she somersaulted over their heads, out of the reach of their swords and leapt onto the nearest live horse.  Several soldiers stood to block her way, but were quickly convinced otherwise when Xena’s booted heel connected with their faces.  Ignoring the battle surrounding her, she drove her boots into the horse’s sides spurring it into motion.

*******

"Gabrielle, behind you!"

Without turning around, Gabrielle knelt down and jabbed the butt-end of her staff into the ribs of yet another unsuspecting warrior.

"Where did all these guys come from?!"  the bad yelled to no one in particular as she blocked another sword attack, countering it with one of her own.

Her friends floated in and out of view as her attention was torn between them, her attackers and a weary eye on the look out for Xena.  To her relief, Xena was nowhere to be seen.  ‘Maybe Xena isn’t even here.’  She thought hopefully even as the darkness of the situation clouded over.  With this amount of men pouring out of the darkness, and probably countless others just outside the village more than likely meant Xena and her army were both here.

If it hadn’t been for a good number of Alexander’s soldiers being in the village at the time of the attack, the three friends would have been sorely outnumbered and possibly dead by now.  The men of Amphipolis had also joined the fight to save their town from these warrior scum, increased the friends chances of survival.

The Athenian soldiers and the three friends were holding their own against their attackers when suddenly they heard an all too familiar war cry. 

"Yiyiyiyiyiyi!"

Gabrielle’s heart froze at the sound that once brought her comfort, relief and a sense of security.  Now, she could only guess at what horrors that sound would bring.  Still too engaged with her attacker, she couldn’t afford to steal a look behind her for Xena.  Caught up in her own battles, she could hear Xena yelling at her foes offering them one chance to surrender before she carved them into little ribbons.  Her heart raced at hearing Xena’s generous offers and holding true to those that did yield.  ‘Could there still be a chance?’

Anxiety and fear twisted inside of her as she wondered when the inevitable meeting would take place.  It was inevitable.  Sooner or later they were going to meet.

The warrior bard forcefully dispatched her latest attacker and turned in time to see Alexander and Xena turn to engage one another.  Their blades never wavered and were poised for the attack.

"No!"  Gabrielle cried out in desperation only several feet away from the two warriors.  No matter what she was told, she only saw her Xena and couldn’t believe she would battle their friend.  "Xena, what’re you doing?  He’s your friend!  We’re your friends!" 

Xena ignored the annoying blonde as she let out a shrill battle cry as she swooped in for the attack.  The warlord’s blade met Alexander’s ready blade as they exchanged several attacks, neither getting in a successful hit.  Suddenly Gabrielle rushed in to stop her two friends heedless of her own safety.

"STOP!"  Yelled the desperate bard as she took up the perilous position between the two combatants using her war staff to bat away the two swords.

A jarring bolt ran through the bard’s arms as Xena’s sword came to a splintering halt against the hardwood of the bard’s staff.  The warlord’s eyes narrowed dangerously at the young woman who dared block her way.  Xena’s sword raised up once again towards the bard but faltered.

For one hesitant moment, recognition flashed through Xena’s eyes and Gabrielle saw a shred of hope.  Then, within the blink of an eye, it disappeared just as quickly.  However, instead of continuing through with her intended attack on the bard with her sword, Xena lowered her sword and lashed out instead with her free hand.  Her left hand caught the bard’s shoulder knocking her to the ground out of harm’s way.

Suffering from a skinned knee, Gabrielle quickly scurried to regain her fighting stance.  Alexander and Xena had resumed their battle.  If she didn’t know better, Gabrielle would say that they fought considerably less enthusiastically than before.  She saw this as a sign of hope and used it to her advantage and used a tactic that she hoped would help bring back Xena’s memories before someone got hurt.

"Xena, this is Amphipolis!  Do you realize you’re attacking your own village?  The village you risked your life and soul to save from Cortese so many years ago?!"  She hoped this would stir something in the warlord.  Xena’s sword halted its attack against Alexander as images of old memories raced through her mind. 

Seeing and feeling that something was happening to the warrior princess, Alexander stopped all his attacks on the warlord but remained at the ready just in case.  He almost smiled as he felt the almost imperceptible flicker of light inside the mighty warrior begin to burn brighter at the bard’s words.  He truly hoped Gabrielle could help Xena.

"My village...?"  The warlord whispered to herself, responding to Gabrielle’s ploy.  Again, more images of village men gathering together under her leadership to fend off the men in masks passed in front of her eyes.  As before, the ever trusting curly, blonde haired man stood by her side unwavering.  But then a light went off inside her head as her mind suddenly recognized who this man was; he was her brother!  A hesitant smile spread across her face as her eyes lit up.  His presence now was stronger than before.

"Lyceus..."  She called for him softly as she turned around expecting to find him by her side, anxious to see him once again.  Her small smile dropped into a look of confusion as she turned and saw that Lyceus wasn’t there.  Questioning eyes turned towards the bard demanding an answer.

"I’m sorry Xena, but he’s not here."  Gabrielle paused for a moment trying to decide on how best to break the news to Xena.  Then taking a deep breath, she knew directness was the only way.  "He died in the battle against Cortese, remember?"

"No..."  she said in a low voice.  "NO!  You’re lying!  You’re just trying to confuse me!"  Xena made a threatening move towards Gabrielle but stopped dead in her tracks as a terrified plea of mercy from a woman as it rang through the air tearing at the warlord’s heart.

Xena, Gabrielle and Alexander turned to see who had screamed.  At first all they could see were the broad shoulders and back of Xena’s second in command, Marek.  A glimpse of an unarmed villager crouching down in front of Marek at the mercy of his sword appalled Xena.

"Marek!  What do you think you’re doing?!"  Xena growled as her face contorted into a mask of anger from seeing the cowardly act.

Marek didn’t even bother to turn at the sound of his commander’s voice.  Xena’s only response from the man was the grating sound of his laughter.  In direct defiance of her orders, Xena watched Marek’s body twist as he drove his blade into his unfortunate victim.  She couldn’t understand what brought on this obvious act of disobediance.  All she knew was the building rush of anger at being defied.

Gabrielle witnessed all Xena had seen, however, from her vantage point she also was privy to who the villager was.  With tears in her eyes, the bard of Poteidea watched an older woman with peppered hair slowing crumpling to the ground at Marek’s feet.

"Cyrene!"  Cried the bard hysterically as she broke into a desperate run towards the fallen woman.

Xena stood her ground momentarily surprised by the bard’s response.  Though she could not see who the villager was, that name was painfully familiar.  She no longer worried about Alexander or the raging fires around her or even the battle as the name hit home with a heart wrenching feeling and the body of the fallen woman came into view. 

"NO!"  Came her pain stricken cry.  "YOU BASTARD!"  No more words were wasted as Xena launched herself full tilt towards the man who had just murdered her mother.

Iolaus heard the commotion off to his side and quickly delivered the finishing stroke to his assailant.  He started in the direction Gabrielle had headed off into when the sudden terrified screams of villagers cut through the air.  He looked around to find the source of the cries only to realize they came from a rapidly burning building.  He took one glance towards Gabrielle and found she was engaged with more of Xena’s men.  Catching sight of Alexander finishing up a solitary soldier, Iolaus gave him a holler.  "Alexander," Iolaus called out to catch his friend’s attention.  "I need some help!"

Alexander heard Iolaus’ cry for help and knew immediately of the people trapped in the burning building.  Before running off to help, Alexander took a final glance towards Gabrielle and then Xena.  He had the utmost confidence in Gabrielle’s fighting abilities, but it was Xena he was worried about.  Would she attack the bard?  He reached out with the Darkmeer to touch Xena’s inner thoughts and feelings and was somewhat relieved. 

He sensed the hatred that burned brightly for Marek coupled with jumbles of other darker emotions and passions.  But somewhere amidst all the confusion, he sensed a touch of light.  As faint as the light may have appeared, he was confident that Xena would bring no harm to the bard she once called her friend.  Something big was about to happen.  Whether it would prove to be fatal or not, only the bard or the gods could help the warrior princess fully regain her forgotten heart.  Knowing there was little else he could do concerning their unique situation, he turned towards Iolaus and the burning building with the trapped villagers.  At least there he could do something.

Gabrielle engaged in battle with three of Marek’s henchmen as her emotions ran freely at seeing for certain Cyrene laying on the dirt road, blood spilling pooling around her inert body.  With tears of sorrow and anger threatening to blind her, she narrowly missed the fourth man sneaking up behind her. 

With surprising speed, she spun around and caught him in the head with a powerful blow from her staff, which sent him to the ground unconscious.  Not willing to make the same mistake twice, she willed her tears away and channeled all of her sorrow and anger into her attacks.  Drawing on her newfound strength, she whirled about with dizzying speed and dealt with the remaining three men. 

One warrior however, managed to escape the full ferocity of the attacking bard and was able to pick himself up from the ground and re-engage her in combat.  Again, she dispatched him with ease and this time he was sure to remain on the ground.  In the haze of her rage however, she let slip by one very large, very tough goon who managed to grab a hold of her staff and tried to overpower her. 

Though he outweighed her and his bulging muscles made him far stronger than the small bard, Gabrielle was not one to give in so easily.  She fought with all her might and used tactics that had saved her many times in the past.  This time however, they failed her as the muscle man’s grip stayed true on her staff.  With his superior strength and surprising speed his hands jumped from their position on the staff to cover her hands where they were on the wooden surface holding them steadfast. 

With a touch of panic creeping in, Gabrielle twisted and fought with all her might to free her hands from their fleshy prison to no avail.  She was about to brace her body but lost her chance as he twisted the staff suddenly and swung her around like a rag doll and slamming her without mercy against the solid road.  It barely registered in her mind that the behemoth of a man had let go of her hands as she lay on the ground fighting to fill her lungs with air after the powerful impact left her breathless. 

Then the beginnings of a cackle caught her attention, which forced her eyes upward.  There towering above her with a wicked smile was the large man with his bloody blade poised high above his head ready to deliver the finishing blow.

"Yiyiyiyiyiyi!"

Gabrielle’s attacker paused in his planned attack as his head began to turn towards the maker of the unique war cry.  Before he could even see who it was, let alone bring his sword down to form a semblance of a defense, Xena’s sword ran its course through the man’s back and out his massive chest.  Gabrielle’s feelings of relief at Xena’s timely intervention were fleeting as she suddenly felt herself roughly being pulled to her feet by her hair causing a yelp of protest to escape the bard’s lips.

Marek had been watching Xena closing the distance between them at an inhuman rate showing nothing but hate and rage.  He could see his own death reflected in those icy blue eyes.  Miraculously, just as Xena was about to close the final stretch between them, one of his men had the bad at his mercy diverting Xena’s attention for the moment.  Now, he used the bard as his safety net.

Xena eyed Marek menacingly as he held Gabrielle in front of him with a knife poised threateningly close to her throat.  "Stay where you are Xena or the wench gets it."

To emphasize his point, he tightened the blade against Gabrielle’s exposed neck causing the bard to wince in pain as a trickle of blood ran down the side of her neck.  "You don’t deserve the right to lead this army."  He spat with disgust.  "You waltzed right into our camp expecting us to follow you blindly after you killed Syrius? HA!  Syrius was a fool as are you for believing you could defy my lord and master Ares!  I heard him tell you to leave this miserable village alone.  THERE’S NOTHING HERE XENA!"  He yelled indicating with one arm their surroundings.  Then his yell turned into a cocky sneer.  "These men are no longer loyal to you bitch!  I’m their leader now!"

Xena froze where she was with little expression save that of her hatred for the man standing before her.  "You can have them."  She growled as she remained motionless.  Her eyes watched Marek’s every move, calculating and gauging his intentions for Gabrielle.  But her eyes kept wandering to those of the bard’s of their own volition.  With each meeting of their eyes, Xena read fear and saw the sorrow.  But somewhere, she saw hope. 

For this single moment, time seemed to stand still.  Peering so deeply into the bard’s green eyes, Xena felt a tugging at her heart at her heart’s strings.  Images of Gabrielle in similar dire predicaments came rushing back to her carrying all the emotional turmoil at the thought of losing the one constant source of light in her life.  Happier times of playing around and of personal accomplishments floated past as well and disappeared into other life images.  It was as if she was seeing the young bard’s life flash before her own eyes.  Xena was surprised to discover how closely hers and the bard’s lives truly were intertwined.  She could no sooner let Gabrielle die as she could tear out her own heart.

Suddenly, Xena was brought back to reality when a low sinister laugh cut through the air.  "You lose Xena!"  Marek snarled wickedly.

Xena watched with horror as his body shifted to draw the blade across the bard’s unprotected neck.  Then, something snapped deep down inside of her and took over.  No longer did rational thoughts cross her mind.  No longer did her body listen to her brain.  It now responded only to the animal deep within her that cried out for Marek’s death.  Quicker than a thought, a dagger was in her hand and she was pouncing towards Gabrielle and Marek.

Gabrielle’s heart quickened as she felt the coldness of the blade pressing harder against her flesh as she anxiously watched Xena launch herself towards them.  She caught a glimpse of Xena’s eyes and found nothing of Xena, only the look of a wild animal.  Thoughts of her dream came back to haunt her and she found herself truly scared.

She felt one of Xena’s hands stop the blade’s path across her neck as her dagger wielding hand shot past her ear.  Before she had time to roll out of the way, she heard the dagger sink into soft flesh as warm blood began to flow freely down her neck and back.  Then suddenly, a strong hand pushed her from harm’s way as Xena’s body flew over her. 

Landing roughly on her hands and knees, the sounds of what Gabrielle thought to be snarls drifted from behind her.  She heard Marek’s curses and grunts as he tried his best to fend off the insane woman without success.  Before Gabrielle had the chance to turn around, the quick snapping sound of breaking bones ended the struggle and then nothing but silence.

Hesitantly Gabrielle turned around, scared of what she might find.  There, standing over the torn body of her former second in command was Xena smeared in the man’s blood.  Her dagger no longer in her hands as it lay in the dirt.

Warriors who had taken up with Marek suddenly stopped upon seeing the horrific sight of the warrior princess standing over Marek’s lifeless corpse covered in his blood.  A hush settled over the warriors.  Then, almost simultaneously, they abandoned the battle and ran to save their own hides for fear of retribution from the warrior princess.

"Xena."  A soft voice risked speaking. 

No answer.

Pushing herself up slowly, Gabrielle reached a frightened hand out to the warrior.  Before her hand reached its destination, she saw the warrior’s body begin to tremble.

"Xena..." she repeated with some of the fear melting away.

Surprisingly, her hand was able to come to rest on the armored shoulder.  Gaining more confidence, Gabrielle slowly proceeded to turn Xena about.  Finally face-to-face, Gabrielle’s heart broke as she saw the emptiness in Xena’s eyes.  She watched as her friend’s unseeing eyes looked down to her hands staring at the blood that now stained them.  Nothing could be read from the stoic warrior’s face.  Absently, the warrior walked around the bard heading towards the villager Marek had murdered; the villager who had been Xena’s mother.

With an overwhelming sense of grief, Xena dropped heavily down upon her knees.  Her hands trembled as they reached out to the motionless body as her nerveless hands turned the body over to rest face up.  And then a surprised gasp of disbelief came from the warrior as her hand jumped back from the body as though she had touched burning embers.

"Xena, what’s..." the bar trailed off as she saw what had startled the warrior.  The body Xena had turned over was not the body of Xena’s mother, but rather the body of a middle-aged man.  "Wha...who...?" Gabrielle fumbled with her words as she stared dumbfounded at the unknown body.  "I saw...well, I thought I saw...I know I saw Cyrene."  Her eyes met Xena’s.  "So did you right?  We both couldn’t be wrong...could we?"

Trying to blink away her confusion, Xena left the dead body on the ground as she picked herself up.  When she turned towards Gabrielle, the bard’s suspicion’s had been confirmed.  How cold they both have imagined or thought they saw Cyrene die by Marek’s hands?  Unless...’the gods’  she thought suspiciously.

"Gabrielle?" 

The bard turned at the mention of her name, which was called out by a sweet voice tinged with fright.  Looking over her shoulder, she saw the hesitant look of a peppered haired woman carefully making her way towards her.  The older woman’s fragile pace nearly stopped as she caught sight of the warrior.  "Xena..."  she breathed hopefully.

"Mother..." whispered the warrior with disbelief, a wisp of life creeping back into her dead eyes.  At first, she strode towards the woman with uncertainty, growing more confident with each step.  "Oh mother!"  She let out as she engulfed the older woman in strong arms forged by years of battle.  "Oh mother..." she said more softly into her mother’s hair as a single tear made its way down her cheek.

"My little one," Cyrene said choked full of emotion.  "Oh my little one you’re back."

She cried into her daughter’s thick mane as she held on, never intending to let go of her again.

Iolaus and Alexander came running out of the building with the last of the villagers that had been caught in the building in tow.  They scanned the bloodied road for signs of Gabrielle and other surviving soldiers and townsmen.  Iolaus was surprised to see the battle had ended.  Alexander only gave a knowing look as they stopped in their tracks as Xena stood bruised and bloody in the arms of her mother.  They watched in silence as the warrior princess’ knees seemed to weaken and were no longer able to carry her weight.  Gabrielle slid her head under the warrior’s arm to help Cyrene support her daughter.  A burden Alexander knew, Cyrene didn’t mind.

Quietly, the strong warrior’s body began to tremble uncontrollably as she held onto her mother and bard for fear of losing the two people she cherished more than life itself.  No words were exchanged; none had to be.  Each knew what the other felt in their hearts.

Alexander felt the walls of the warrior’s heart shatter under the onslaught of unrelenting memories.  She needed a release and Alexander was relieved to see that it now came through tears and not bloodshed.  Quietly, Alexander placed his hand on Iolaus’ shoulder motioning to the injured men who littered the now peaceful streets.  Understanding Alexander’s intentions of giving the women some much needed privacy and rest, he joined Alexander in aiding the injured.

Epilogue

Ares watched everything from atop Mt. Olympus.  All his carefully laid plans destroyed in the blink of an eye.  He had worked so hard and had formulated his plans so perfectly  to actually be able to see the day his beloved Xena would once again lead an army in all her former glory only to lose it all in the same stroke was earth shattering.  Just thinking about her fighting for him, even if it only lasted for a short while, sent charges through his body.  Only if it wasn’t for that fool Marek’s interference, she would still be his. 

Because of that pathetic mortal and his grandeur thoughts, his prized possession slipped right through his fingertips.  For that insolence, he made sure Marek’s eternity would be spent in the deepest, most horrific hole in Tartarus.  If he was very quiet, Ares could actually hear Marek’s tortured screams drift up and tickle his ears.  This brought a satisfied smile to his face each and every time. 

"I never really liked him anyway."  Ares muttered to no one in particular. 

However, he knew Marek wasn’t the only one to blame.  He was just the only one he could make suffer at the moment.  No.  There was one other who orchestrated and always sought to foil his plans.

"Hello brother"  Athena’s soft voice hummed, which grated on his nerves.  "Such a lovely day isn’t it?"

"You really think you’ve own don’t you dear sister?"  the god of war stated matter-of-factly.  "You may have won this battle Athena, but eventually I will win the war."  He added smugly.  "You saw that spark near the end.  The old Xena is still mine and sooner or later I will have the whole package."

"Not as long as she is under my protection Ares."  The goddess of wisdom warned her half-brother and then added.  "So don’t even think about it."  With that, she was gone in a flash of crystal light.

Ares found himself alone in the great marble hall of Mt. Olympus.  Despite his anger, he couldn’t help but grin to himself.  The coming days would prove to be interesting.  How could he refuse to play such a tempting challenge?  A smile spread across his face, which quickly turned into a mischievous laugh.

Yes, the coming days will be interesting.  Let the games begin.

THE END

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