All disclaimers apply I dont own Xena and I make no claims on Universal This story contains adult themes and violence.
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The Gods of the Pantheon had been summoned by Zeus which was only ever done in times of trouble and they had gathered in the great hall and were talking in hushed tones to one another and because of the notable absentees from the gathering they already knew the reason. Hera Demeter and Persephone, Posidon, Apollo and Athena stood and whispered while Ares, Hades, Celesta, and Haphestus stood apart from them and their respective demigods milling around the hall in a fluster of agitation talking to one another in a low murmer about the summons and the impending debate . Zeus was not just angry he was furious and in the mood to throw a lightening bolt just for the sake of it as they all waited anticipating the worst." This is an affront to the rule of the gods and must be dealt with severely even mortals now think they can interfere in our affairs and it will not be tolarated." Zeus` hair sparked and a rumble of thunder seemed to roll around the hall. " Why,you interfere with mortals all the time so whats the difference. Dad?" Ares asked pointedly, he was not altogether impressed by the situation his father had by all accounts started. Zeus had refused to allow Helios to marry an Amazon he had fallen in love with and had offered her to another man against her will and Aphrodite and Artemis had gone against Zeus and the three had left Olympus and had gone to the Amazons who were now setting up defences against him. Aries was enjoying pushing things a bit and everyone turned to Hera aware of The king of the god`s many infedelities with mortals and looked to her for a reaction. Zeus didnt however and bore down on the god of war." I suggest, we get them back." the king of the gods pithily said and Ares burst out laughing." What, we go in and kill all the Amazons and drag em back, yeah I can go with that." Zeus leaned forward." Lord, if Helios or Artemis is killed who will take the sun across the sky or the moon?" Demeter asked worriedly and Zeus stared at her with and gave her a withering look." The rebels if they return will be spared but the Amazons deserve to die for their obvious disloyalty." Ares laughed again." I can think of two mortals that`ll have something to say about that. How are you going to deal with your son, and a certain Warrior Princess, I dont think Xena will take too kindly to you killing off the entire Amazon nation?" Zeus roared." Yes we know you have been far too generous with Xena of late and she and the Amazons have forgotten what they owe to the gods and their place. Threaten her little Amazon girlfriend Ares and teach Xena a lesson to respect the gods, I will deal with Heracles." The god of war shook his head." That`s been tried before and it ended badly for the oposition, it`s not a good idea. She beat the crap out of them." Zeus lost it in a firery tirade." Tell Xena she obeys and stays out of this or her little friend dies along with the rest of the Amazons." xxxxxxxxxxx
She was haveing a wonderfull dream until He came into it. She was under a waterfall feeling the icy water hit her naked flesh watching the rivlets running down her body enjoying the water enjoying the peace and quiet with only the natural sounds of the she saw the flying sparks on the bank and he just appeared and watched her. He stared at her naked body obviously enjoying what he was seeing and Xena made no attempt to hide from his lustful gaze it was intoxicating her." What is so important that you invade my dreams Ares." she said flatly and he smiled and walked into the water, but none of it touched him,it fell around him but he didnt get wet and he stopped in front of her and smirked." Haveing fun?" Xena didnt bother to answer that." Maybe I can spice it up for you huh?" and he snapped his fingers and the water seemed to set her body alight, where it touched her caressing and stinging at the same time and her body began to respond with desire. Suddenly he was there touching, raiseing the fire and Xena almost swooned in response then realiseing she broke away and walked out of the waterfall and quickly dressed in her leathers muttering furiously. " Why do you have to spoil everything Ares." she wasnt asking she already knew the answer to that and he smirked." I didnt think I was, c`mon you liked it didnt you." Ares said as he followed her out and the waterfall dissapeared and they were at the campsite with Gabrielle still asleep in her bedroll." What do you want." it wasnt a question, it was a demand and Ares sighed and looked disapointed." Believe me I didnt want to call you, I told them you wouldnt be interested but they insisted." Xena started to get angry." Start at the begining who insisted?" Ares sighed." Zeus, Hera and the rest of the Pantheon, some of the Pantheon." he corrected and Xena raised a hand." Your right I`m not interested in your petty little arguments." Ares rolled his eyes." Hold on you aint heard the best bit yet, we want you to stay out of it and if you refuse it`s going to get real nasty if you know what I mean, your little friend over there is going to be toast if you decide to get involved." he stopped to let the words sink in and Xena growled and flew at him." That`s it get out of here I dont like threats Ares." His hands went up and he parried the blows she shot at him." It`s not me I`m only the messenger here." Xena grinned." That must be a climb down for you being treated like Hermes." Ares glowered at her to him Hermes was definately a second rater." There`s war on Olympus and some of the gods are rebelling against Zeus all we ask is you dont take sides thats all." Xena looked puzzled." Why not? who are the gods fighting?" Ares shrugged." It`s the Amazons if you must know Zeus is going to teach them a little lesson all he asks is you to stay out of it and your precious little Gabrielle will not be harmed." Xena thorght. It means the Amazons will be totally distroyed." Why are you going after the Amazons? what have they done to you ? " Ares coughed a laugh." They think because Artemis is their patron they can do as they like then so much the worse if Zeus blasts them but Helios and my sisters Aphrodite and Artemis have left Olympus and joined them because that stupid sun god has fallen for one of them when Zeus had other plans for her. Now there is no balance no sun, no moon and that means the end of the world if they dont come back and do their jobs. Think Xena the end of the world. So leave Zeus to deal with it and dont get in the way Xena. Right so how`s that for an incentive." Then suddenly Ares vanished in a shower of sparks and Xena was left standing by the fire listening to Gabrielle snoreing.
Xena shuddered, the Amazons didnt go in for pointless wars and the gods except Artemis were not up to it either, there had to be more than this. Ares told her to stay out but he was hinting for her to do the oposite. Xena bent and looked at the young woman asleep tucked up under the covers. The very thorght of loseing Gabrielle sent a cold chill through Xena. Gabrielle was an Amazon and so was at risk in this if Zeus was going after them. She was her life, her love, but she knew Gabrielle wouldnt let her abandon the Amazons to Zeus`s anger even if it did put Gabrielle in the fireing line because the Amazons were also their friends and she knew what Gabrielle would say to that. Xena more than anything felt scared about this, it wasnt just death a god could threaten you with, they could condem you to an eternity of torture and pain and Xena feared for Gabrielle. Xena shook her." Please Gabrielle wake up, we have to go." Gabrielle blinked and squinted up at her.
"What is it?" " We have to go Gabrielle." " What now?" " Yes now." " Oh and I was just haveing a lovely dream." Good for you so was I Xena thorght peed off and then she explained what Ares told her, when she finished Gabrielle shook her head and sat up." This is Ares your talking about, you cant believe a thing he says I mean what better way to start a war than by sending you in on the pretex of stopping one." Xena looked away." And what if it`s true and it is like he says. Would you as an Amazon Queen risk your friends? It`s not just the Amazons who are at risk here It`s all of us, Helios and Artemis control the sun and the moon and the world will die without them and with Aphrodite there is nothing to balance against hate and that means we are all caught in a perpetual war." Xena said as she began stuffing their things into one of the saddlebags. Gabrielle stared at her in horror." Perpetual war. Your right we cant let that happen." Gabrielle jumped out from the covers and began to pack away her things hurriedly. Damn Ares what was he up to Xena thorght putting her friend in the path of one Zeus`s lightening bolts that`s what and then she saddled Argo and doused the campfire and with the last flameing brand to see by she led them through the forest.
About three candle marks later by Xena`s reconing they began to realise the seriousness of their problem. Eventually by the light of the torch Xena led them out of the forest and it was no better for them to see . The sun should have risen long ago Xena thorght." By the gods Xena this is time is it midnight?" Gabrielle moaned." Nearer midday than midnight." Xena said as she checked her navigation and hoped they were still walking east." Helios isnt doing his job and we are in permanant night," Gabrielle shuddered." But thats awful nothing will grow if we dont have the sun." Xena nodded." Thats not all Artemis is the moon goddess and we dont have that either there`s no telling what trouble that will cause." Xena said pulled on Argo`s reins and kept going. After a while they stopped by a small stream and let Argo drink while they rested and filled their water skins. Then they heard from the line of trees to their left a thin weedy voice singing." I`m Joxer the mighty and I`m not afraid of the dark owww." as Xena heard him trip and crash painfully she thorght for a moment to leave him to it and then she crossed the stream and went into the trees and pulled him out into the open by his nose." Owww that hurts let go will yer oh hi Xena, hi Gabbi nice night isnt it." Gabrielle stoppered the skin and hung it from the saddle." It isnt night." she said and Xena cut in." Dont bother he wont get it, come on." They turned and started walking as Joxer began to whine." What wont I ge." Xena called back." Ok stay if you want." Joxer began to run after them." Which Amazons are we going to?" Gabrielle asked." The Greek ones they are nearer I dont think our gods have much to do with the others." Gabrielle smiled." Oh good we`ll see Ephany and Anoxilea and Lysippe." Hearing the word Amazon made Joxer prick up his ears and he listened a bit closer. " I`m sure if they will be happy to see you as well." Xena said and Joxer said." Amazons?!" "Dont even go there Joxer," Xena warned him with a growl and Joxer jumped back to put plenty of space between himself and the warrior. He was burning to know more but he was afraid of what the woman would do if he pushed it and he looked up at the dark sky above there were faint outlines of clouds scudding across the sky and in between he could see stars it was all very odd. Xena said it was daytime, but it dark night to him. Ofcourse what was expected to happen happened and Joxer tripped and slammed into Xena`s back. He fell sideways with a howl matchimg Xena`s as she spun and gave him a shove and he followed a little less closely after that and they travelled on for some time in silence. A while later they came upon the road and stopped for a break.
Xena stuck the torch in the ground and went off to find wood to make more torches for future use. Gabrielle and Joxer sat down under the pale light and watched the torch burn down. Gabrielle thorght she saw something moveing in the dark shadows, then more shadows and she nudged Joxer. About six men came close and and drew swords." A pretty pair." the first thug said." Give us your money and we might let you live." he growled." Hey I am Joxer the Mighty and we are with Xena so get lost will ya." Joxer rose and puffed out his chest and Gabrielle groaned as the man said." No. Get them." Gabrielle rose and hit the first two and knocked them down Joxer ducked and just managed to avoid the rusty blades as Gabrielle clobbered a third man to come within staff range and then a long dark shadow sailed over their heads and Xena stood between her companions and the ruffians. First thug centred his stance and put his sword to the ready position but his mates turned tail and dissapeared into the dark again. He let out a foul curse as he realised he was totally alone and abandoned and then he ran for it too. Xena sighed and she turned to her friends." You ok?" Gabrielle nodded," No sweat." Joxer whiped his glistening brow and pretended he wasnt as scared as he was." I just wish for once the idiots would just take the hint." Gabrielle said and Xena laughed." Idiots wouldnt think that far, you expect too much." Xena said and picked up their gear and they moved on." Mind you they were smarter than most, they ran." Xena muttered a little sad that she hadnt the chance to crack a few heads.
They were not far from the Amazon village now and Xena thorght they would have guards and in this light they could easily be confused for enemy and be shot at before they could say who they were." I will go and scout ahead and tell them it`s us before we get a face full of arrows." she said and ran off in the direction of the village and moments later she returned. " Ok Gabrielle they want to make sure it`s you." she said and they walked onto a trackway to a cordon blocking it." Queen Gabrielle welcome." A bird masked figure called and Gabrielle ran to the woman under the torches but as Xena and Joxer came close the few Amazons Xena saw lowered their pikes and aimed their bows and she knew there would be others hidden with bows trained on them ready to fire if ordered to do so." What are you doing ? it`s Xena you know her." Gabrielle said and the woman raised her mask and Gabrielle recognised her friend Anoxilea." I know but I have my orders by the Regent no one gets in except Amazons and deffinately no men." she said giveing Joxer a mean look. Xena flashed a cold stare at her." You`ll find that difficult to obey`cos I`m coming in." Gabrielle went to Xena and touched her arm." Please Xena no." then she turned to the Amazon." I`m the Queen and I say who comes in and Xena and Joxer are my friends and welcome here." she said firmly. Anoixlea head bowed and she signalled the others to put up their weapon." I will take you in."
Anoixlea escorted them to the village and Gabrielle was saluted when the warriors saw her and they entered the large hut where Ephany and a few others stood, each one greeted Gabrielle warmly." What is going on? What does Helios think he is playing at not raiseing the sun?" Xena said and Ephany raised a hand." I can explain, Helios fell in love with Lysippe and she with him but Zeus wanted her for Tiamides and now he wont accept that she wont have anything to do with his choice for her." Xena growled." Great Aphrodite put a spell on them and." There was a sudden explosion of lights and the rebel gods appeared and the god Helios shouted angrily." No, she didnt We made our own choice Xena we love each other." Xena nodded." So now for that you wont take the sun across the sky, dont you realise the trouble you are causeing?" Helios frowned," Is that what the`re saying? its not true if I go to my charriot Zeus will get me and force Lysippe to accept his man and I cant leave her to face that, she`s a good warrior Xena but not that good." Xena nodded she understood now." So what are you two doing here?" she looked to the goddesses." We argued with Zeus over this and came in support." Artemis said and Xena thorght that`s why the Amazons got caught up in this she was their patron. She didnt like the way this was going and she looked to Gabrielle but she knew what the ard would want them to do." Ok we will stay and help." ahe said as Gabrielle hugged the dieties " Dont worry it will be ok. Xena will sort this out." she said confidently as Xena turned to Ephany." We have to think up a plan of action for when Zeus hits us." Ephany stopped her." Xena I cant take your orders I would, but your not an Amazon and some of us might not want to follow you either." Xena nodded, that old chesnut again but then Gabrielle turned on the Regent." This is silly, we need good tactics Ephany no matter where it comes from, and remember Xena is my champion and I want her advice." she said so forcefully and wagged a finger at the woman that she backed up a pace in surprise. Ephany bowed her head." Yes my Queen." Xena couldnt help but smile at the Amazon, the changes in Gabrielle surprised her too sometimes and the two warriors exchanged glances and Ephany saluted Xena." What are your orders?" she said and Xena said." Come outside."
They walked out into the still darkness lit by torches and Xena looked about her." We use the darkness and make it harder for them to see douse the lights and cover ourselves and we change the look of the village to confuse them,There will be plenty uf light anyway when the lightening bolts begin to fly so lets make ourselves harder to aim at." Ephany nodded. " Yeah that might work they will have to get closer and give us a chance." Xena stared at her. " Can you kill a god? no this will only delay them at best, but I didnt want to say that in there." and she indicated to the hut." We must find something else but I cant think what at the moment." she said and she suddenly felt a surge of attraction for Ephany. She liked the pragmatic Amazon but never before in that way, she was a friend but a fantasy appeared of her licking the Amazon`s inner thigh and Xena felt a bolt of shear lust run through her.
Ephany nodded seemingly not to notice." I`ll get that started and I`ll bring in the scouts." " Leave a couple out there they may see something and warn us and collect as much food and water as you can this may take a while." Xena said and then she felt her senses prickle and something awoke a feeling deep inside her. She waited til Ephany left her and then swung round and her fist slammed the air and hit something. Ares appeared in fiery sparks holding his nose." You again, you should know better then to feel me up like that." she said angrily. " Ow that smarts you know that thrashing last year should have taught you to respect your betters." Blue eyes blazed a cold fire at him." You saw that?" Ares put his arm around her back and quickly drew her closer." Oh yeah I like a bit of S and M now and again but that was going a bit too far dont you think but it sure was, entertaining." Xena felt the telltale lump riseing in his pants and her knee came up to meet it but this time Ares avoided the blow and shook his finger." You know the more you fight me the more I like it." then he dissapeared in a flash before Xena could lash out at him. He may like it but he cant take it she thorght with a grin.
Ares touch had got to her. Not now, she said to herself Ares had seen it all and she shuddered at the thorght at what he had witnessed. Gabrielle would be mortified to know she had been watched but Xena felt a thrill at the god of war seeing them makeing love? he had hinted as much, then Xena felt her passion rise and she swore furiously at her own weakness. Aries always managed to turn her on with his kinky sexual taste and Xena was a little shamed by it. She stared up at the sky still horribly dark and ominus and she could just make out the clouds as it grew darker. The Amazons were dousing the torches as ordered and she got the cloaks from the saddlebag and then she got control of herself again and went back to the hut. Gabrielle was talking with the gods and Xena drew the goddess of the hunt aside." Artemis are you hideing the moon or are you prevented too?" she asked and the goddess nodded." I thorght it would help." Xena smiled and said." Without the moon could be dangerous but with it could equally be so." and she turned to the Amazons." Who is this Tiamides and how did he get involved in this?" Anoxilea grinned sheepishly." He`s a cobbler and makes our boots and the only man allowed in the village permanantly." and she smiled at Joxer who was fiddling with his dagger and almost cut himself. Xena growled "Why?" she asked." The finest kid leather stuffed with our own horse hair and their heavenly, and much better than the wood or bone that can splinter so easily." Iphito grimaced, indicateing she had some experiance of that and Xena suddenly saw in the pretty young woman`s manner and what she was refering to. Tiamides made their dildos for them no wonder he was the only man allowed in the thorght." So Zeus was trying to get a real man in to do what? Iphito said." Impregnate Lysippe and as many of us as he could talk into bedding as well. We believe we can have lovers bare children if we want or stay virgin like Artemis if we wish, or you know, but it`s our choice, not Zeus." she said. Zeus wouldnt like that Xena thorght. The king of the gods thorght himself the controller of humans and the independant Amazons went against everything he wanted. It didnt euprise her that he wanted to change that and distroy their core beliefs to choose their own paths. The god wasnt alone in wanting women to be subserviant to men and there were some who would be ready to take advantage of it. She turned watching Gabrielle and felt a thrill go through her. What was wrong with her, why couldnt she look at her without wanting to, dont think of it, damn too late and she tried not to show her sudden rise of heat as she looked at Gabrielle.
Ephany walked back in." It`s done and I`ve arranged huts for you and Gabrielle and Joxer." the Regent said." Thanks." Gabrielle said."I would like to clean up, can we go there now?" Ephany looked to Xena and said." Sure. Have fun." Xena smiled back but she felt uneasy as they went to the hut assigned to them. What an odd thing for Ephany to say she thorght but when they got to the hut Xena suddenly had a vision of Gabrielle tearing off her clothes and makeing love to her. It was a few seconds of shear dirty sex and it was very raunchy. and not at all the Gabrielle she knew. Then she was back to reality and Gabrielle was stripping down to wash and Xena felt herself getting hot." I need some air."she said trying to sound normal and left the hut.
What is going on? Why am I feeling like this? What had Ares done to her, she was going out of control and she got another vision as if to prove it and she groaned as she leant against a wall and wished for relief as she felt her senses rise in a hot wave of lust. I have got to talk to somebody about this she thorght.