Life or Death
"Say it Ares, if you love me than say it!" Xena demanded angrily. She couldn't believe he of all people would think she was that stupid when she was pregnant. She would admit she was vulnerable but she was anything, but stupid. Ares stared at her and remained silent.
"I thought so." Xena walked off pulling Solan after her.
"I love you Xena," Ares whispered. Gabrielle who was just passing by heard him as he turned and walked away.
"Oh my gods," Gabrielle whispered before hurrying after Xena.
Meanwhile Xena and Solan were near their destination. Solan stopped walking and Xena stopped too wondering what was wrong with him now.
"What is it?" Xena asked.
"I think he was telling the truth," Solan stated. Xena sighed.
"Maybe, but even if he was, I don't love him, my heart belongs to someone else."
"Who?" Solan asked.
"That's not important now so come on before Hades wakes up." Solan nodded. They entered the room where the portal stood open. They ducked down behind a rock to avoid being seen by the guards standing watch over it. Gabrielle took off the helment and appeared beside Xena after whispering into Solan's ear what to do with the raisins. She left it up to him to decide. She knew that she would catch heat from Xena if he ate them, but it would be well worth it.
"Xena are you alright?" Gabrielle asked seeing a look of pain cross her face and a hand go to her stomach. Solan saw too, but said nothing.
"I'm fine," Xena whispered as Hades appeared along with more proxcidicai.
"Give it up Xena, you're running out of time!" Hades shouted." I know you're here." Xena put her head down on the rock as another contraction hit.
"Gabrielle give me the helmet," Xena stated keeping the pain from her voice just barely. Gabrielle gave it to her and she turned towards Solan.
"Solan you see that gap in the wall?" Xena asked. Solan asked.
"When I give you the word, I want you to put on the helmet and run towards it." Solan started to tell her that he had eaten the raisins, but she shushed."Don't argue with me I'm your mother I know what's best for you." He nodded.
"Ok, come on Gabrielle." She stood up and went to face yet another battle.