Chapter 11: Malevolent Genius

Xena, Gabrielle, and Virgil sat at the edge of the woods and surveyed the city of Athens, looking for a way around The Widowmaker's forces. In the time that it had taken Virgil to find Xena and Gabrielle, the warlord had learned of the route that Virgil had used to escape Athens. Four guards were stationed at the narrow gap in the city's walls. Xena knew that any good strategist would block off access to Athens via Pireaus so she didn't bother to circumnavigate the long walls that led down to the port. Instead, she told her friends they would bide their time until an opportunity presented itself. They'd waited overnight already and now the sun was starting to set on a second day. Xena could sense the agitation rolling off of Virgil. He was getting antsy, his mother and siblings were hostages to that mad man. Gabrielle must have felt it, as well, because she rubbed his forearm affectionately.

"I can't wait out here another night," Virgil whispered between gritted teeth.

"You may not have to," The left corner of Xena's mouth lifted in a half-smile. "Look."

"What?" Virgil scanned the city walls.

"No, over there," Xena pointed to where a faint light could be seen through the wilderness.

"Shhh," she motioned for them to follow her, but quietly.

The trio crept up on the figure carrying a small torch. It was hard to be sure given the distance that separated them, but Xena was fairly certain that the man fleeing Athens was Anicetus. But where had he come from? Xena looked at the path from which he'd come. It was nearly impossible to make it out in the dusk. Hell, Xena thought, even in the daytime it would be hard to see. It must have been used infrequently.

"Should we stop him?" Virgil asked.

"No, let him go, I have an idea." Xena answered.

Xena followed the path as best she could without lighting a torch. She didn't want to give their position away. Anicetus was a complete idiot for having carried one, not that that surprised her in the least. It irked her that she'd ever let him command her. After they'd walked about fifty meters, Xena noticed a large rock outcropping. She held up her hand, indicating that Virgil and Gabrielle should wait while she walked toward the rock wall with nearly silent footsteps to investigate. When she felt the air coming from inside the cave, she knew that this had been Anicetus' escape route. And, if her estimation of the city's perimeter was correct, it led right through the BDSM underground club. She crooked her finger and beckoned her mates to follow her. Once inside the cavern, Xena grabbed a torch from her bag and her tinderbox. The flame illuminated the tiny rock room. Xena scanned the area and quickly found the stone door that she guessed would be there. It was marked with the same Triskelion symbol as the door she'd used when she first entered the club.

"Pretty," Gabrielle ran her fingers admiringly over the artwork.

Xena shook her head. This was that last place she wanted to take Gabrielle but she needed to get inside the city. Exhaling a deep breath, Xena pushed open the stone door and entered.

She was surprised that more people hadn't chosen to take refuge in the underground lair. But then again, she realized that those who knew about the club didn't necessarily know there was an alternate exit. And those who did, probably used it to escape town altogether, as Anicetus had done. The place was deserted. The vibrant sex club that Xena had walked through as Ares' sub, appeared lifeless, except for her and her companions.

"Omega block. Beware all who enter! No safe word allowed." Gabrielle read the sign above the block's entrance. Xena winced and picked up the pace. She didn't want Gabrielle to start with the questions.

"What is this place?" Virgil asked. 'Great, two inquisitors!' Xena thought.

"A sex club," Gabrielle answered. "But Xena has more experience with that than I do, so if you need specifics, you'll have to ask her." The poet's face flushed red and he looked away quickly when Xena cut her eyes his way. Luckily, Virgil didn't press for more info.

When they reached Zeta block, Xena heard footsteps coming down the corridor. Out of caution, she pulled Gabrielle and Virgil into the block and down the side hallway. They turned the corner and she peeked around the side, hoping that the other party hadn't heard them. A man with his family rushed down the main hallway without a glance down Zeta block. He was clearly in a hurry to get his family to safety. Xena waited a few minutes to make sure the coast was clear and then ushered Virgil and Gabrielle back up the hallway. When they passed Z-13, a montage of images flashed through her mind: the crushed rose petals on the floor, her and Ares signing their contracts, the two of them pleasuring each other, his beautiful cock, and her taunting him into rough fucking her. Her need for him grew just from looking at the fucking door. She was transfixed, mesmerized.

"Xena, you coming?" Gabrielle asked.

"No, what? Oh, yes, let's go," Xena managed to tear her eyes away from the door and forced her feet to move.

Fortune smiled on the group. They were able to make their way through the rest of the club and down the entry corridor without encountering another soul. When they reached the door, Xena pushed it open cautiously. She was thankful for the cover of nigh,t as they crept out onto the street and into a darkened alleyway. They perused the streets for guards but found this area of town poorly patrolled. Xena led them along a shortcut, through alleyways and over rooftops to Meg's tavern. Thankfully, Meg's bar had also been left unmolested. When they entered the warm inn, Meg threw her arms around Virgil and thanked Xena and Gabrielle for coming to her rescue, again.

AXAXAXAXAXAXAX

After four days of working closely with Ambrose, the leader of the Athenian forces, Xena was satisfied with the progress that they were making. She'd utilized the escape route to send out units to attack the Widowmaker from the rear. The secret exit out of Athens also allowed her to send word to both the Athenian navy and to Athens' allies. Messengers had brought back word that the navy was en route and that forces from Euboea were on the way. Xena was taking a much deserved breather at Meg's tavern when Ambrose's lieutenant, Arkadios found her.

"What are you doing here?" Xena asked upon his arrival. She thought he was supposed to be with the last group of soldiers that had headed out to pummel the Widowmaker's rear.

"Ambrose asked me to check in with you, He said to tell you that he'd almost broken the lines on that end and wanted to know where you thought we should focus next?"

"Tell him to just keep pushing forward. An assault on both ends should send this warlord packing soon enough. Oh, and tell him that a couple of the Euboean city-states are sending reinforcements and that the navy is set to land by sunrise."

"Will do," the lieutenant saluted Xena and excused himself from the bar. There was something about the self-satisfied smirk that illuminated his face that Xena didn't care for. She watched him leave and then decided to follow him. Xena cracked open the door and peeked outside. She noticed that he didn't head downhill toward the BDSM club that they'd been using to go to and from the city. instead, he took the road that led uphill toward the Acropolis. She wondered what he was up to. So, she decided to follow. Xena grabbed her sword and chakram from behind the bar. But, just as she was heading out the door, she felt a wave of warm wetness trickle out of her center. Dammit, he'd have to wait. Xena bolted up to the room she shared with Gabrielle and rifled through her packs for an absorbent menstrual cloth and a fresh pair of underwear. She cleaned herself quickly and hurried out the door in hopes of being able to find Arkadios' trail in the overcrowded city.

As she climbed the hill toward the Acropolis, Xena thought about how thankful she was to have started her menses. She'd been looking for an excuse to back out of tonight's meeting with Ares. It wasn't that she didn't long for him. Heavens, the longing never went away, But she knew, she had to put a stop to their meetings. Their little affair had to end sometime. Today was as good a day as any. Besides, she couldn't really justify leaving her friends to fight off the Widowmaker while she took a break to roll in the hay with the God of War.

When Xena was about a quarter way up the hill, she saw Arkadios coming back down. There wasn't really a good place to duck out of sight, so she waved at him and continued her ascent as if she hadn't been following him. The look of guilt on his face told her all she needed to know. He was up to something, but what? He'd thought he'd been busted but when she acted as if she were completely oblivious to his deceit he nodded to her sheepishly and went on his way. Xena looked up the hill. There was no way, he'd made it all the way to the top and back down already. She hadn't taken that long cleaning up. No, he'd stopped somewhere along the way. Xena surveyed the area, looking for anyone he might have met with. She guessed he was probably working with the Widowmaker but she didn't see anyone that looked suspicious. She glanced back over her shoulder. Xena wanted to make sure he was well out of sight before she turned around. Arkadios could still be seen at the base of the hill, so Xena trudged on up the hill. She passed Areopagus, Ares' hill, and walked a little further before taking another look down at Arkadios. Finally, he was out of sight. Xena climbed a little higher just to be sure, then started her descent. On her way down, she was drawn to Areopagus. She walked up the marble steps and out onto the knob that jutted proudly from the Earth's crust. The white rocks stood in stark contrast to the dark green cedars surrounding it. She could feel Ares' presence in this place that bore his name. It was as if the rocks were imbued with his essence. It was invigorating. Xena breathed him in. It embarrassed her when she realized that she was trailing her own fingers down her neck and across her cleavage. She shook her head and focused on the vista before her. She admired the Parthenon above and turned to take in the sprawl of the growing city below. She dared to walk toward the edge. She didn't know why she always tempted fate. Maybe she was looking for the quick thrill that the danger of the steep fall from the cliff mingled with the presence of his essence was sure to arouse in her. She knew she couldn't have tonight with Ares, but she would let herself have this one moment.

AXAXAXAXAXAXAX

Ares watched her for a while. She was the most amazing mortal he'd ever beheld. Hell, there wasn't even a goddess that could hold his attention the way that she could. And here she was, walking up the hill that bore his name. Walking right toward him. He'd sent Arkadios on his way as soon as he'd felt her presence climbing the hill. It wouldn't do for Xena to catch him with the lieutenant. It wouldn't take her long to put two and two together. Ares was so tempted to show himself to her. To hold her as she basked in his presence. He could tell that she felt him somehow. She was magical. Almost mythical. And she thought it was this sacred place that was mystical. Silly girl. Nothing was more mesmerizing that she was. He looked on as she caressed her bosom and then wrapped her arms around herself. He wondered how far toward the edge she was going to walk. Not that he'd ever let her fall to her death but it was unnerving to just stand there while she crept closer to the rim. Danger really did excite her. He needed to ask her if they were still on for tonight. He figured she was going to make some kind of excuse, given the argument they'd had earlier in the week. Ares knew, however, if he appeared to her right now, that she'd make the connection between him and Arkadios. The god also knew if he left the scene right now that she'd feel his absence and realize that it hadn't been anything sacred in the area that she'd been feeling. Instead, she'd been reeling off of his actual presence. No, he had to wait until she left before excusing himself from this place. Suddenly, he heard her whispering. "How am I going to tell you that it's over? Look what you do to me. I think I am in love with you and it's going to kill us both." For the life of him, he couldn't believe that she had uttered the words. His heart burst with the force of two phalanxes colliding. He wanted to show himself. He was torn. If she found out about his involvement with the current situation in Athens she'd be through with him of that he was certain. He couldn't risk that. Especially now that she had admitted her feelings to herself. So even though his soul begged him to go to her, to take her into his arms, to whisper his devotion in her ear, Ares continued to stay hidden in the aether and waited for her to leave.

He didn't have to wait long. After a few minutes ,Xena turned, wiped a few tears from her eyes and headed back down the hill. Just before she reached the marbled steps she turned and looked right at him. It sent fear, joy, pleasure, and anguish through his core simultaneously. No, Xena could never know about his hand in all of this. The Widowmaker had to be destroyed before he could reveal that Ares had sent him to attack Athens.

Why couldn't Xena have left well enough alone anyway? She'd left Athens! Had been gone two weeks before he'd given the order to attack. He was certain she was too preoccupied with his forces in Boeotia to have worried with what was going on in Athens. Arkadios had taken him by complete surprise when he told him that not only had Xena secreted her way back into the city but that she had the Widowmaker up against the ropes. His plan had been working out beautifully and now here she was, as always, undoing his progress. Well, he'd get her out of the way tonight! While he kept Xena busy, his plan would work itself out and things would be completely resolved by the time the Athenian navy made landfall at sunrise. He grinned at what a malevolent genius he was and transported himself to Meg's tavern.

AXAXAXAXAXAX

Xena felt him before she pushed opened her bedroom door to find him lounging cockily in her bed. "Get up and get out," she snarled.

"Now, now, now, is that anyway for a submissive to talk to her Master?" He taunted.

She slammed the door behind her. "You shut that shit up! We don't ever. .. "

He held his hands up. "I'm sorry, you're right. I spoke out of turn. Will you forgive me?"

She eyed him warily, cocked her eyebrow and pursed her lips. "What do you want?"

"Well seeing as how you are in Athens, I wondered if we were continuing our little game in the underground or if you wanted me to take you back to our little paradise?"

"Neither." Xena answered grabbing his feet and pushing them forcefully off her bed.

"Ouch, that hurt." he sat up and she sat down beside him on the bed.

"Spare me."

"So not the underground and not our island, so what did you have in mind?" He asked even though he knew what she was going to say.

"Ares, it's not happening tonight. In case you didn't notice, I've kinda got my hands full, here."

"What that little warlord business? Looks like you've got that under control to me. You have him outflanked don't you?"

She knew he was right. It was just a matter of waiting him out until reinforcements arrived to seal the deal, which would be happening sometime near daybreak. She could technically take the time and spend with him. They both knew she was only using it as an excuse.

"Well, even if that's true, there are other reasons."

"Like?" He wasn't gonna let her off that easy. If she was going to cancel on him, he was going to get the real reason from her. Her confession of love. He knew the reason she couldn't continue was because her feelings for him were too strong. Everytime they got together the real blurred into the fantasy and it was becoming too hard for her separate the two.

"I got my period, if you must know. It would put a damper on our fun, don't ya think?"

He leaned in to whisper into her ear. "Xena, I am the God of War, a little blood never bothered me. It's gonna take more than that to scare me off of that sweet pussy." She shivered at the feeling of his breath tickling her ear and neck. If he touched her she was going to come undone. "Besides, I've heard women say that a good orgasm helps with the cramping," He kissed her neck. She knew she should push him away. But his lips felt so good on her. Ares put his hand on her knee and slowly made his way up her thigh. He couldn't believe that she hadn't pushed him off yet, so he continued his exploration. When he reached her upper thigh, instead of going for her snatch, he placed his hand on her hip and slid it over her upper pelvic region. When his hand was flat over her lower abdomen he let a gentle radiant warmth spread out across her ovaries and uterus. She moaned in comfortable pleasure. "You like that? Does that feel good?" He whispered again.

"Yes," she answered honestly. His hands always felt like Heaven on her but there was something about this sweet gesture on his part that was making her stomach do backflips.

"Please don't cancel on me, tonight. We've been having a good time, haven't we? Do you really want it to end?"

"No," she whispered and turned so that her mouth was next to his. She brought her hand up and traced his beard with her finger before pulling him in for a kiss. He couldn't believe this was happening. She was kissing him. A real kiss, not part of the game. Just the two of them, here in the inn, in her bed, kissing each other.

It felt so good to kiss him. To kiss him for real. Xena was so tempted to lay him down and make love to him. She needed him, wanted him. She pushed him back on the bed. He didn't fight her, he simply laid back and let her take the lead. When she had him laid down. She kissed along his jaw and down his neck, taking in the smell of him, the taste of him. Xena heard footsteps coming up the hallway. She jumped off of him and shook her head trying to force her body to come to its senses. "Okay, you have to go. I will see you tonight. Come and get me. I will be waiting in the stables after dinner. We can go back to the island. I quite enjoyed it. You have a few more toys, that we didn't get to play with."

"Oh, I have some surprises for you that you haven't even seen yet, my Warrior Princess. Until tonight, my dearest Xena." He smiled and disappeared into the aether.

Within seconds, Gabrielle came walking into the room. She took in Xena's flushed appearance and looked around the room. She noticed the crumpled sheets. "Uh-huh." She snarked.

"What?" Xena asked innocently.

"Where'd Ares run off to?"

"I don't know what you're talking about." Xena lied. "Look, I don't have time to waste on your paranoid nonsense. I have to check in with Heron at the front gates."

"Whatever," Gabrielle called to Xena's retreating back.

AXAXAXAXAXAXAX

When Ares left Xena, he materialized in the Widowmaker's war tent. The warlord was going over plans. "Embarrassing, getting beat by a girl, isn't it?" Ares chuckled.

"My Lord," The Widowmaker went down on one knee and held his fist to his chest in salute.

"Rise, rise. What happened to the progress you were making?"

"My Lord, things were going as planned but then that cunt managed to get into the city and marshall the forces against us. I haven't figured out how she's getting into the city yet."

"Well, I can help you there, but if I let you in on her little secret you must help me."

"I live to serve only you, Lord Ares."

"Good, cause here's what I want you to do. I want you to forget about the men attacking your rear. Xena is using an underground entrance to get in and out of Athens. I am sure she will have guards protecting at both the entrance and exit to that path. I want you to slaughter the guards and lead a full scale attack on the city, tonight. Wait an hour after nightfall. Do you hear me? I want you to use the cover of full darkness. Keep enough men on the line out there to keep Ambrose and his men engaged but take the rest of your forces and enter the city. You will find my man, Arkadios, on the other side waiting for you. He will be wearing this insignia, meet up with him and he will show you where to attack"

"Yes, my Lord."

"You will receive a just reward for your efforts."

Ares stroked his mustache and disappeared into thin air. When he re-emerged from the aether, he found that his troops from Boeotia had made significant progress on their march towards Athens.

His lead general was riding at the head of the army and pulled his forces to a halt when Ares appeared on the road ahead of them.

"My Lord," the general called.

"How soon can you be in Athens?" Ares asked.

"By nightfall, Lord Ares."

"Good, I want you to head there, now. Wait for three hours after nightfall. Send a battalion to the Widowmaker's rear line, ally yourself with an Athenian general named Ambrose. Make sure he knows that you are my army and that you are there on my direct orders because I value the city of Athens and its people. Also send a squad through the underground, I will give you a map to that entrance. Kill on contact any of the Widowmaker's forces that you find, including the Widowmaker himself. You are to leave Athenian citizens unharmed. No looting, raping, or pillaging. However, you are to locate and murder an Athenian lieutenant by the name of Arkadios, this is his insignia," Ares showed them the symbol. "Everything understood?"

"Yes, sir." the general answered.

"Good, now go an make me proud."

Ares vanished and transported himself to his throne room in the Halls of War. He sat upon his dais satisfied that he'd worked everything around to his advantage. By morning, Athens would be his. They would be proclaiming the God of War as their patron god. Athena, after all had abandoned them in their time of need. With his army coming to the rescue, they were certain to proclaim their loyalty to him. And, if Xena saw him as a hero for sending his troops in to save the day, all the better.

Ares stood from his throne, now that that business was all taken care of, he needed to go prepare for his evening with Xena. She was about to break. If Blondie hadn't interrupted them this afternoon, Xena would've made love to hm without being in the game. She was caving. He just had to keep pushing the right buttons. He prided himself again on what a malevolent genius he was.