Ambrosia

Ambrosia

By Gabs

DISCLAIMER: None of them belong to me; all the Xena characters belong to Universal or someone; everything from Diablo is owned by Blizzard Entertainment or something like that. So don't sue me, or I'll throw Skittles at you. I will, I swear! I've got plenty!

"You owe me that much!" Ares stated angrily. "I know that Ares, and I would like to help you, but I cant very well leave these people. They're in the middle of a war. And as much as I owe you, I owe them more," Xena replied, staying calm. "Yeah, sure," Ares muttered bitterly. "Besides, how would I know where to find the Ambrosia anyway?" Xena asked sensibly.

Ares sighed.

"I don't know… all I know is that I am supposed to be the God of War! I can't live as a mortal!" he was growing frustrated. "You've done it twice before," Xena pointed out. Ares glared at her. "Those were both very brief," he growled. "I'm sorry, but I can't just walk away from this. If you can hold out until all this is over, we can leave in about a month. Then we can…" Ares cut her off. "I cant' wait for a month!" He stomped his right foot and crossed his arms. Xena had to look away: she didn't want to laugh at him. Noticing then that Ares was looking over her shoulder, Xena turned to see Gabrielle and Hercules approaching.

Ares rolled his eyes; Hercules and Xena were sharing that special look again. They really got to be sickening sometimes. Finally, Hercules turned to Ares and gave him a slight nod. 'Gabrielle told me what you need. I think I may have an idea."

After a quick glance at Gabrielle, Ares nodded. "Let's all sit down so I can explain," Hercules suggested. Xena, Gabrielle and Ares followed him to the shade of some nearby trees. Hercules took a moment to think about where to begin.

"About a week away from here is a little town called Tristram. It was once at the heart of the region it's in, but when evil befell the King, most of the townspeople left or were killed. The local temple was completely desecrated and turned into grounds for evil. It is now overrun by various demons and leads down- straight into the lowest depths of hell. However, amidst all the horrors that now reside in the levels of the temple, there are also countless treasures, from enchanted weapons to magical books to charmed rings and amulets. And, if my guesses are correct, Hera herself once braved the corruption of hell's lower levels to hide Ambrosia there." After they all took a few moments to digest the information, Ares spoke. "How can I get to the Ambrosia?" he asked.

"For the past year, Tristram has drawn hundreds upon hundreds of adventurers seeking to eliminate the evils- from sorcerers to warriors, Amazons to elite rogues- and most end up leaving or dying in minutes. Some people still living in the town can be of help, four in particular: a witch who specializes in spells that can give mortals Godlike powers; a blacksmith who knows all there is to know about any weapon; a healer who seems able to cure anything; and the town elder, who reputedly can identify any kind of enchantment every ring, amulet and weapon carries. If you were to go to Tristram, one of them would help you. And I'm sure you would run into one of those adventurers, there seeking fame and fortune, and would be willing to work with you."

Ares looked thoughtful. "I'm going," he finally decided. "Alone?" Xena asked. "If I have to," he replied. "Ares, please just wait a little longer so we can go with you," Xena pleaded. He shook his head. "I can't wait any longer. This mortal thing just isn't working for me." He was heading back to get his stuff when a voice stopped him. "I'm going too." Everyone turned and stared at Gabrielle. "You're kidding, right?" Xena looked worried. "No, I'm not. You know the trip itself is too dangerous for just one person, no matter how good a fighter they are. You and Hercules can handle things here." *Besides, I'm sure you could use a bit of alone time*

Hercules and Xena exchanged worried glances. "Are you both sure?" Hercules asked. Ares and Gabrielle each nodded. "This is crazy," Xena sighed, knowing she couldn't stop her friend once she put her mind to something. "Like you said, you owe these people. We'll be back before you know it," Ares said. He and Gabrielle took five minutes to get what they needed for the trip, then rejoined Xena and Hercules. Gabrielle hugged them both. "I'll see you soon," she whispered confidently to Xena. Ares watched their goodbye, then looked at Hercules. "Thank you," he said sincerely. Hercules nodded. "Take care of her," he said. "I will," Ares replied. He and Gabrielle mounted their horses and headed for Tristram. "They'll be fine," Hercules whispered to Xena, wrapping his arms around her. "I sure hope so," Xena replied in the same tone. Together, they watched Gabrielle and Ares ride away, then headed for the main part of town.

TO BE CONTINUED