Disclaimers: I don't own Xena or Hercules.
Summary: Turned down for the last time, Ares lashes out at Xena sending one of his monstrous creations that ends up taking half her humanity. A story request from Bellavision who provided the ideas behind it.
Note: This is a sequel to my other story Chosen's Legacy. You might want to read it first, or some parts of this won't make sense. Here is a short recap of Chosen's Legacy if you don't feel like reading it: Being ruthlessly stalked for many days by Discord and Strife by order of Ares(Ares wants them to abduct Eve. He wants to train her to be Xena's successor). Xena and Gabrielle secure blood from a hind to help protect themselves. Returning from retrieving the blood, Gabrielle is mortally wounded. Hercules and Iolaus happened to be in the area when Xena and Gabrielle were attacked, so they help Xena to a temple. Despite a healing of her wounds from Aphrodite, Gabrielle remains unconscious due to a deal Ares made with Hades. Xena breaks the deal through bloodshed, which results in Hades punishing Ares by giving Gabrielle an ability that is enough to discourage Ares from trying to confront them again. Both the duos decide to travel together for a while after the ordeal.
Ares eyed his creation. Technically things hadn't gone wrong. He had a monstrous hulking creature, the height of an elephant. Every breath it took sounded like a snarl. It's body was moist and scaly. Nothing about it seemed noble. Its face was similar to an alligator but it was more smashed and crowded in its snout. The teeth crowded each other into a spiny deathly chaos. He was trying to make something to invoke fear into the hearts of men. A secret weapon of sorts. The only thing that had gone wrong was the monster had an undesired ability. The monster destroyed most of its opponents, large and small, but when it came upon a creature of honor it treated it with mercy. A mercy that most mortals wouldn't consider a mercy, and that was also a danger to all Gods.
"Galaith, I've got some work for you." Ares called forth his creation.
The monster obeyed and dragged his chains to his creator. The war god reached into his vest and pulled an object from its recesses.
"Destroy this being." Ares instructed scornfully.
Galaith breathed in, concentrating on the scent emitted from the item. A growl escaping from his chest, he nodded. Ares eliminated the binds on the creature with a wave of his hand, as the creature took off in a focused run toward the being that belonged to the scent. The landings of the creatures' footfalls began shaking Olympus' foundations. Ares chuckled at his act. At one time he had a soft spot in his heart for Xena, but he was tired of the rejection. He could handle that she had turned against him and traveled with the irritating blond, but recently she had crossed the line. She had fallen for his despised half brother Hercules. He could see it in the way she looked at him. First, Hercules was his father's favorite, and now he took Xena's affections.
"He's not going to win this time." Ares grumbled in a low voice. He gripped the item tightly in his hands as if he could squeeze blood out of it.
Iolaus and Hercules knocked on the door of the room that Xena and Gabrielle occupied at the inn. They had stopped at Amphipolis to visit Xena's mother and to get some needed down time. The double duo, since leaving Aphrodite's temple in Cyrenia had joined forces. They were virtually an unstoppable force for good.
"This double date thing was a great idea." Hercules said quietly to Iolaus as they heard the footsteps of the women coming to the door.
The door opened revealing Xena and Gabrielle in clothing they had never seen on them before.
"Wow." Iolaus said admiring both women. Hercules soon followed with a whistle in appreciation. Xena wore a blue tunic, one she had purchased a day before for the double date. She hadn't been on one in forever and decided to live it up a little. Gabrielle wore a white chiton, tightly bound to reveal her feminine shape. Both women were a beautiful sight to see. Their beauty transcended the usual because behind the beauty was substantial nobility and strength.
"Thanks." Xena responded. She knew she looked good, but she was unsure how the look would go, since it wasn't often that she wasn't wearing her armor. She took in Hercules and Iolaus in their normal garb and suddenly felt a bit overdressed. She turned to close the door, but Gabrielle caught her hand.
"Xena, you look great, we look great, let's just enjoy this." She whispered to her partner.
Xena turned back to the male duo and stepped out of the room.
"We thought it might be nice to have a nice riverside camp fire. You know, sit in nature and admire the stars?" Hercules explained, sharing a small smile. He gestured his hands in the direction they were heading.
"After you." He offered. Xena smiled at the offer. Iolaus turned to Gabrielle and offered his elbow for Gabrielle to lock with hers.
They reached the river and the setup that Iolaus and Hercules had prepared. The river had a light whisper as it flowed across the rocks. The rustle of leaves in the wind and crickets filled the air. A large fur occupied a spot in the bank of the river. It was clear of rocks and debris and sat alongside a crackling fire. Iolaus directed the women toward the fur.
"Here, have a seat. Let me get the plates and port out." Hercules stated as he began setting a hearty meal before the women and some for he and Iolaus. Both women took a seat beside each other, quite impressed by the effort the duo had put into preparing. They raised their brows in appreciation of the feast.
They dug into their meals enjoying the company of each other. Discussing funny stories of the travels they had been on and even the more serious ones.
"So I heard you punched Ares in the face for me?" Gabrielle questioned Iolaus with a shy look.
"Um yeah. Xena had him in choke hold though." Iolaus replied, chuckling.
"Thank you." She said, grateful for his concern and effort, as she planted a small kiss on his cheek. He turned red at the contact.
"Yes, if you both hadn't come along, I don't know what I would've done." Xena added, reminiscent of the fear she had, surrounded by the gods without many options.
"Don't mention it. You both would have been there for us in a similar situation." Hercules responded. Xena nodded her agreement, but couldn't help but feel grateful regardless.
Xena now owed another life to Hercules. Her heart was softened to the demigod for all the help he had provided to help make the changes in herself. She shyly took his face in her hand and graced Hercules with a soft kiss and smile. Hercules' heart soared at the contact.
"So this traveling together thing. I think I'd like to make it a habit." Hercules interjected to the group on the fur.
Iolaus looked at Gabrielle and Xena looked at Hercules. They shared a quiet agreement in the company of each other with those looks.
Xena turned to Gabrielle to see her reaction and saw the acceptance. She turned back to the demigod.
"Only if you guys cook." Xena stated in a straight face, but soon gave way to light laughter.
As the group joined in laughter, they were unaware of a monster that was seeking them. Ready to take on this seemingly invincible force of good, to tear the heart out of, and destroy its prey.
To be continued in Chapter 2
**Author's Note: Thanks to The Mighty Lu Bu for pointing out that a recap of the prequel would help this piece.**