TO TAKE ALL THAT I AM AND MAKE IT YOUR OWN

Huitzilopochtli breathed in deeply as he looked down on his city. He could see the last of the people and the plunder being brought across the bridge by his living army. He had teleported them back here along the prisoners of war and the captured innocents. He did not want any of the other gods getting his way or trying to capture his plunder, so bringing everyone back here was the only course of action suitable. He could already see the clouds of hummingbird warriors in hummingbird form coming towards the city in their thousands. He didn't need to teleport them there was little point when they could just fly back to city on their own. The silver and gold tunnels were opening above as they started to return to his heaven.

Not all would return this time he'd told Coaxoch that he wanted at least four units to remain. He needed them to keep stability as all the captured were slowly made part of his people. That would take a while and from what he'd seen, bringing in the captured had never been an easy task. It was always full of difficulty. Fights were common place and hatred was always rife from rival priests, warriors and sometime innocents, until their cards were placed on the table. After which they started to change their tune, when they realized that loyalty was the far better opinion. The thought of being sacrificed always got their attention, most were terrified of death.

His hummingbird warriors were very good at stopping any fighting, amongst other things. He turned slightly he also needed these hummingbird warriors to make the Blood Jaguar feel at ease, after her resurrection. When new warriors were born in to his keep they always found it difficult, their very soul breaching their eyes disorientated them at first as did leaning how to switch between forms. She wasn't the only to be resurrected, five others would be rewarded for there acts of self sacrifice on this day. Unlike them though this would the last time she'd see the hummingbird heaven. She would be down here for eternity and always by his side. If anything she would be a symbol for his people, she was also a great warrior, who had much to teach others.

He had so many ideas for her that it filled him with pleasure just thinking about them. He turned slightly he had no idea what had happened between Chantico and Tezcatlipoca but he'd seen most of battle and the truth was she needed no help. One of his scouts who had been left behind would probably tell him more at a later time. He turned slightly what mattered at this moment was the Blood Jaguar he smiled as he pulled up the godly chains in his hand. He could see the lesser Greek war god looking at him from the top of the stairs. Four hummingbird warriors were close by him watching his every move, he slowly moved closer feeling the smile on his face widen. "Tell me is the prison inside, the same as the prison with in you?"

Ares sneered slightly. "What do you want?" Huitzilopochtli raised the godly chains watching as they flew through the barrier clamping on the god of wars arms locking instantly, before he could react. "I wish to show you that your belief in my inability is wrong." He let go of the chains watching as the hummingbird warriors grabbed them pulling them taught. Ares felt the force as the hummingbird warriors walked forward forcing him through the barrier which didn't throw him back. He blinked eyeing the sunlight which was high in the sky, it was the first time he'd seen it since he'd been in this Aztec god's city. Huitzilopochtli turned as he walked forward moving down the main keeps steps. "Do not even consider struggling lesser god, my godly chains will tighten more if you do so."

Ares felt the pain as the shackles suddenly tightened around his arms as he was brought forward. He snarled as he was forced down the steps of the temple. He looked up seeing the silver and gold tunnels in the sky high above lighting up the dull grey clouds. Some were starting to close while others remained open as thousands of hummingbirds off all colours swarmed back in to them. One of them was floating high above the main square with his huge symbol of stone in the centre which he could see from a distance. He could see people packed in to the main street. Warriors, priests and peasants as well as nobles and children all were dressed in lavish colours. He felt the pain as he was forced off the steps as the hummingbird warriors pulled on his chains following their god.

Huitzilopochtli breathed in he could hear people cheering all around him as he walked up the main street towards the main square. Their screams of wonder and contentment echoed all around him like beautiful music, he raised his hands hearing the cheering getting louder. They loved him this was their way of showing it on a grand scale. He loved to hear them cheer and scream when he won a victory for them it was what gave his life meaning. He did not come home to their hated or their loathing. He came home as their hero god who fought along side his armies in battle. He turned eyeing the lesser war god. "Tell me lesser god has any city ever given you love such as this?"

Ares snarled aloud saying nothing he felt the pain as they came to a stop in the main square. Hundreds of people were gathered around them all packed in to every space possible. Huitzilopochtli smiled as he raised his hands, he watched as Coaxoch and Ahexotl came over to him followed by two of the commanders. All took their places behind him as everyone went quite. Huitzilopochtli took a slow breath. "My people, my people who worship me I have such news for you all." He narrowed his gaze they were hanging on his every word. "Tezcatlipoca has been defeated!" He closed his eyes listening to thunder of cheering as it echoed through out the square like a beautiful harmony.

He opened his eyes slowly waiting for the silence which followed it he smiled as he stepped on to the enormous sunstone carving which no one was standing on. "I bring you something great!" He eased out his hand watching as the symbol in the centre of the sunstone began to grind as it separated. Each stone piece twisting backwards as it pushed itself inside the round inner ring. He could see the pool of blood under it which started to boil and simmer instantly. He smiled hearing the silence all around him this was a creation pool where flesh blood and bone could make bodies to hold hummingbird souls. In this pool skeleton warrior's souls could be freed and there bodies could once more be bound in living blood and flesh.

All gods here had these bloody pools for their creations. Even if they were not used for making warriors they could be used to resurrect fallen innocents. It was all dependent on the god's choice. He looked up slightly feeling him self smile as the silver and gold tunnel above opened wider as her soul got ready to ascend in to his city. He could see everyone looking up just in time to watch as a blazing green comet flew out of the tunnel lighting up the fly with green light. It suddenly veered off with immense force circling the sky above its green soul light showering behind it as the tunnel it had come from began to close its purpose finally completed.

The comet didn't stop there, it dipped and curved flying over buildings and twisting around, her soul was so unlike any other. Normal souls didn't play in death they didn't shower light as they danced through the morning sky ether. He watched as it suddenly jerked sideways flying right though a buildings window only to come out the window on the other side before twisting in mid air as it carried on playing in flight. He moved his hand watching as it came towards him he could see the hummingbird moving in side the comet he smiled beckoning it to him. Ares watched as the green light came closer, he looked up sharply feeling the soul's pulse. It was Gabrielle there wasn't any doubt about it, he'd felt her soul a thousand times and it was unmistakable.

There was something wrong with it though, every fibber of his being was telling him so. He couldn't feel Xena's soul through it, it was as if it had been stripped of all connection to her on every level which was shocking. He snarled as he eyed the sun god in disgust. "You've stripped Gabrielle's soul from Xena's haven't you!?" Huitzilopochtli laughed as he eyed him. "As I said before were you have failed I will succeed, for you are a lesser." He turned slightly. "She gave her life to give me my war, and now she will be given a new body where she will serve at my side." He stepped back seeing the comet as it came even closer, a cruel thought suddenly sprung to mind. "Do not fear lesser war god, the Warrior Princess's death was quick but not honourable unlike the Blood Jaguar's."

He narrowed his gaze it was a lie but what did it matter? He smiled inwardly seeing the pain in the lesser god's eyes as it broke the surface in an instant. If the lesser god wished to throw brutally at the woman he loved then it was only fair that he should make him believe that the Warrior he loved was gone forever and lost to him. There was no greater suffering than to want what was beyond your reach he knew that all too well and how much it hurt. Deep down he hoped that it wasn't a lie and the Warrior Princess's wounds had killed her. He had always had nothing but hated and jealously for her, even in death the Blood Jaguar had still loved her over him.

He turned just in time to see the comet hit the bloody pool sending waves and ripples outwards. His gaze drifted slowly back to his people it wasn't often that they got to see Hummingbird warriors being resurrected. He smiled as the small slender skeleton slowly rose from the depths revealing itself only up the lower rib cage. The green soul light wrapped around as it, blasting its green light out through the empty eye sockets. He breathed in watching as blood started work its way over the bones turning in to tendons nerves and muscle, as well as forming internal organs. Which it started to cover with thick red muscle and soft cream coloured skin. Long blonde hair grew down well over the shoulders as the skin covered the face slowly revealing the beautiful features as the long fridge fell over the eyes.

The fully formed body started to move of its own devices, easing itself out of the bloody pool and in to a standing potion. The green light streams flowed outwards blocking the naked body from view of all. He grinned in contentment as the soul's light blasted outward all at once causing new clothing to form in the blink of an eye. A collar of gold, mixed with oranges, reds and yellow came in to view. The red bodice which was covered her upper half had beautiful patterns of reds and yellows and oranges moving outwards in patterns. The skirt had the same markings and was red with an opening on both sides so her legs could move. He could see yellow and red sandals on her feet.

She had feathered coils of mixed reds, oranges and yellows on her arms and her legs. The last thing to take its place was her red Eagle warrior's mask with its gold plated peak and red, yellow and orange feathers. It was a perfect copy of her original which had burned in the lava flames. He narrowed his gaze seeing the two long clawed weapons appear in final blast of green light. They were wrapped tightly in leather holders on her sandals to stop their blades touching her skin and held in place by red leather straps. The Tonatiuh pendent was still around her neck, just as he thought it would be. Her old body may have destroyed it when she'd crossed over but all that had happened was that it had crossed over with her and had now reappeared on her new body.

He turned eyeing the lesser war god who looked utterly shocked. He sneered slightly as he should be, his power could not do this. On top of that he had just succeeded were he'd always failed. He turned back watching as her eyes slowly opened showing nothing but an empty white colour. That would change the instant her soul moved through her body. He smiled as the green colour spread outwards from the black pupil filling the iris with its magnificent colour. Her souls light suddenly burst through her eyes taking on its glowing smoke form as it drifted outwards. Every muscle in her body tensed violently causing her to fall to her knees as her soul came alive again inside her new body.

He could hear the shocked silence all around him no one would have ever expected it to be the Blood Jaguar. Yet here he had her, a symbol for all to see of his power. He had brought them the very person who had bled the lands with her claws and broke the order of the gods with her sorrows did that not make him the god of god's? He raised his hands again enjoying the looks of surprise. "I give you all you the one who made it possible! She gave her life so that the great heavenly hummingbird army could ascend and destroy the Jaguar god's city!" He smiled inwardly hearing the cheering as it started getting louder and louder by the second.

He ignored it watching as the Blood Jaguar coughed as her heart started to beat again and air moved through her lungs. She slowly eased herself to her feet as cheering around her finally died down. Ares eyed Gabrielle for a long moment this pompous idiot didn't truly believe that he could just resurrect her and get her completely disconnected soul to play lapdog did he?! He sneered slightly trying to ignore the hurt and the hate which was brewing up deep down inside. "She won't kneel to you! She only ever kneeled to Xena you mean nothing to her!" Huitzilopochtli smiled as eyed him. "As I have said before I find your lack of belief most irritating lesser god." The Blood Jaguar slowly lowered her head her soft voice breaking the silence. "How may I serve you, My Lord?"

Huitzilopochtli felt his smile widen as he watched the shock spread across the lesser gods face. "As you can see where you have always failed, I have succeeded, for you are truly a lesser god." He ignored his cold stare as he moved forward coming to a stop in front of the blonde woman. "You do not serve you are here because you are to be served by all." He watched as she looked up the confusion showing in blazing eyes, her soft voice hit the air again. "Why do I not serve? Was I not resurrected to serve in a manner or form?" Huitzilopochtli smiled as he leaned forward easing his hand up running it through her long hair. "No you are very special." He saw her look up again the confusion still showing. "I don't understand your words My Lord…could you at least tell me who I am, I don't remember." Huitzilopochtli leaned forward meeting her gaze. "Your warrior name is Blood Jaguar but your true name is Gabrielle. You are very special, because you belong to me." He watched her eyes moved as she studied him for a long moment. "Belong to you, in what sense My Lord?" Huitzilopochtli smiled as he moved up his finger up running it gently down her cheek. "You are my lover."

8

Xena turned as she adjusted her leathers while putting the Chakram back on its hook. She'd been left alone Xochipilli and the others who had said nothing at all after her outburst they'd just left the room. She'd decided to get out of bed to calm herself down, but it wasn't helping. Her heart was hurting so much and she couldn't stop the burning anger which was raging in her stomach. She could see her lover's eyes staring back at her so full of love so accepting of her fate, she wanted to cry again, she wanted to scream! She couldn't go through this all over again, she just wasn't strong enough! She eyed the long table with its food which had been laid out she had no appetite for any of it she felt her fists as they both hit it causing everything to rattle.

Why had they saved her?! She had wanted to die, not be healed! She didn't think as her scream of anger hit the air, as she grabbed hold of the table's sides throwing it upwards. She watched as the food and drink flew through the air as it came crashing down sideways on the floor its wood splintering with the force. She snarled aloud as she walked up to it smashing her boot in to its side watching as its wood shattered sending splinters outwards. She couldn't control her anger or her burning rage anymore as she carried on smashing her foot in to the already broken table. Everything hurt so much and it felt like her heart had been torn from her chest, all she could feel was despair!

"Stop this Xena, it isn't helping you."

She turned sharply only to meet Itzli's shocked gaze he was standing close by watching her. She snarled as she turned back smashing the table even harder. "Go to Tartarus!" Itzli took a step closer to woman whose grief and pain was as clear as day. "I know you hate us but we can help you, we care about you." Xena roared in anger as she smashed the table even harder. "Help me! I didn't want your help you bastard! I wanted to die! I would have been happier knowing that I could be with her instead of being here!" Itzli swallowed taking another step closer he could see the almost borderline madness in her light blue eyes.

It was a painful mirror of Gabrielle's eyes all that time ago, when she had been suffering. He watched as the tall woman kicked the table again screaming in anger causing it to finally smash length ways. She was so damn strong and at this point she was also as dangerous as Gabrielle had been during her down fall if not more. He took another slow step forward, in this moment she had come completely un-hinged, she probably wasn't thinking straight ether. He raised his hand as he took hold of Gabrielle's bag. Maybe he could reason with her like he had with Gabrielle when she had been enraged. "I'm sorry…I was told by Gabrielle to save you…I wanted you to live."

He pulled up the bag watching as she turned to look at him a vicious sneer forming on her lips. "You are a great warrior and she needs you now." Xena narrowed her gaze. "Gabrielle is dead! That bitch killed her!" Itzli breathed in he was frozen to the spot now and he didn't dare move. He breathed in deeply the noise would bring the love god back in here. He tensed as he gathered his courage easing the skull free from the bag dropping it as he held it up carefully. "Your lover ascended to the hummingbird heaven, which means her soul will return to earth when the sun god resurrects her." Xena raised her eyebrow not really hearing his words, she felt every muscle in body freeze as she eyed the bleached white skull in his hand.

She felt her teeth grind together as she eyed it over seeing a gold tooth in the back of the lower jaw which was gleaming in the low light. "Whose skull is that?" Itzli breathed in deeply he could see the psychotic look spreading across her face, he slowly took a step back. "It was the only piece left, I brought it back here." Xena laughed slightly but it was a cold laugh even to her ears. "Your not seriously telling me that, that skull is Gabrielle's, are you!?" Itzli looked at the skull again. "Yes this is her skull." Xena eyed the gold tooth again. "You lying bastard she doesn't have any gold teeth!" Itzli could see her fist slowly tensing she was going to explode again, he could feel it. "Akemi knocked out one of her chewing teeth during their first battle…Xochipilli replaced it…then she…."

He could feel his hands shaking he had always considered himself brave he had looked in Gabrielle's insane gaze so many times. Yet in this moment he now realized that Xena was not Gabrielle. Her gaze was different and he had made a terrible mistake. Unlike Gabrielle whose eyes would look away when she saw reason, Xena's weren't going to. She was so incensed and enraged that she was in the mood to kill and break anything that was close enough at this moment. Xena looked up sharply eyeing the skull her voice came out in a low hiss. "That is Gabrielle's skull?" Itzli swallowed as he nodded not being able to get the words out he watched as the shock filled her eyes.

Xena felt her gaze narrow, she couldn't stop herself as she felt her feet slam in to the ground she was going to kill him! How dare the sick little bastard defile her dead lover's body! What kind of sick demented bastard was he? Skulls were not trophies they were a part of a person's body and should be buried in the ground!" Had he cut it from her body after her death? Had he taken her head off just so he could burn it then bleach it!? Itzli watched as the skull of was ripped from his hand in a violent motion. He pulled back only to feel the agony as her fist impacted with his face he felt the floor as he slammed in to it full force on his back.

He coughed feeling the blood as it trickled down his chin, he looked up just in time to see her place the skull on the ground as she got down on one knee in front of him. Her fingers jabbed up slamming in to both sides of his neck. He felt everything through out his body go rigid, as the pain instantly set in and breathing became harder. Xena eyed him as her hand formed a fist. "How dare you defile Gabrielle's body, you sick little bastard!" Itzli looked up just in time to meet her ice blue eyes as she grabbed his decorated collar. "Please! This isn't what it looks like!" Xena snarled aloud eyeing him. "Oh really well you've got thirty seconds left of you life to tell me what it looks like!"

Itzli breathed in as the panic set in she'd pinched him! This was the pinch he'd seen Gabrielle do, he breathed in feeling the intense pain as he tried to calm himself down. "When hummingbird warriors ascend…there soul destroys their body…leaving only the skull behind!" Xena blinked as she looked up slightly as an image flashed through her mind. She grabbed him violently. "Those green flames, that was Gabrielle's soul before she ascended!?" Itzli nodded he felt the pain as it started to travel up his lower spine. "Yes! Her skull was the only thing left behind I brought it back with me!" He looked up feeling how hard it was getting to breath. "She can be resurrected with it! It's the window in to her soul!"

Xena felt her gaze dart she didn't think as she jabbed her hands in to his throat watching as he fell forward coughing. "What do you mean resurrect her!?" Itzli breathed in painfully as he looked up. "We have a myth in these lands called the ethereal myth. It says that if you have someone's skull you can rebind their soul to it, once you have it, you can bring back them back to life!"

Xena slowly looked up she could feel her breathing quickening "How!?" Itzli looked up slowly as he pulled out both his hands. "I don't know I only know of the myth! Please don't hurt me anymore I meant you no wrong, I just want to help bring her back to you." Xena took a deep breath as she felt herself sink slowly to her knees. She looked at him only to feel the tears as they started all over again she breathed in trying to control them. She wanted to hate herself she had just harmed the very person who had saved her life in a moment of uncontrollable rage. He was trying to help her even now and all she could do was hurt him! God's this was such a mess! She breathed in deeply as she tried to gain some self control. "I'm sorry…." Itzli breathed in slowly as he looked at her. "I don't blame you, I know what you going through I watched your lover go through it." He looked up seeing the pain in her eyes as she wiped away the tears as they started to run down her face. "You are a brave warrior you deserve to have her back. She belongs to you and only you…."

End of part 52

Silvermoonlight