Title: Whispers -Chapter Three

Time Line: Post Fin

Rating: PG-13

Arthur: Kitten a.k.a. Cat

Summary: The events after A Friend In Need II, from my point of view.

Disclaimer: I do not own any of the characters from Xena Warrior Princess or Hercules the Legendary Journeys. I do however own the story line.

Gabrielle fought her way up the stairs. The ship rocked violently knocking her back down the stairs. She landed with a thump on the floor below. Looking back up the stairs a look of determination crossed her faced as she pushed her self up again. She again attempted the stairs, this time she was far more successful. Emerging from below her eyes were met with the worst storm she had ever seen. She watched as the Captain fought to gain control of the ship against the crashing waves. She followed his eyes to the growing black clouds encroaching the ship. They were the blackest storm clouds that she had ever seen. Then she noticed something strange about the clouds, they seemed to have eyes. Red eyes focusing in on her. The last words she heard were that of the Captain "LOOK OUT LITTLE ONE" she felt a sharp pain and her world went black.

Gabrielle was unsure how long she lay on the deck of the ship, but she awoke to the face of her friend. Worry was etched across Xena's face as she looked down upon the fallen bard "Gabrielle you have to wake up" she pleaded.

Gabrielle sat up holding her head and again looked about the ship. The dark clouds were closer than before, the Captain still fighting for control, but she seemed to be unaffected by the winds and water "What is going on Xena?"

Xena looked back at the clouds "Apparently there are a few that do not want you to succeed in bringing me back" she again brought her vision back to the bard "You are not really awake Gabrielle. You are were I stay waiting for you" her blue eyes were filled with tears "I am sorry Gabrielle, but I must go back or they will kill you."

Gabrielle stood up dragging Xena with her "I don't fucking think so" she said in a low almost animal voice "I lost you once to that creature" pointing to the red eyes in the clouds that were almost upon the ship "and it won't happen again." Closing her eyes she forced herself to come to. Open her eyes she watched Xena fade from sight as she became aware of a throbbing pain at the base of her head. She was once again sitting on the deck holding her head. Forcing herself to stand and meet the demon before her she screamed "GO BACK TO YOUR OWN HELL AKEMI YOU WON'T STOP ME." At these words the clouds halted there advance.

The red eyes focused on her as a crackling voice came froth "You are a fool little bard, she is mine and I will not let you go home" the voice now broke into a laugh that startled Gabrielle, it was the most evil laugh she had ever heard "What can a little mortal like yourself do, nothing." The clouds began their advance upon the ship.

Gabrielle knew that the bitch would destroy the ship, taking herself and the crew to the bottom of the ocean and she had been so close "Not if I can help it" she hissed almost surprised at the tone that came from her. Closing her eyes she thought of the only being that could help her and prayed to what ever power would listen that he would help her, if not for herself maybe for Xena "ARES" she screamed into the night against the hollowing winds and spraying waters that rocked the ship to and fro.

In Greece only a day from the ship………………………………........

Ares was in the company of the one being he never thought he would be. He looked across the room of his temple and met the angry blue eyes before him. What if this didn't work what if I failed, all would be lost again. Clearing his throat and closing his eyes to gather himself, he stood there for a moment. Finally he opened his eyes "I know you despised our family, but you are one of us and we are in need of your help."

The being that stood across the room met the War God's stare trying to determine if he was sincere. He seemed almost lost. Finally he answered Ares "What exactly is the problem that you have to come to me brother for help." Hercules straightened up adjusting his shirt as he met Ares's stare.

Ares felt a little relieved, maybe not all was lost as he had originally thought "I need you to join us on Olympus" he paused taking in the fact that Hercules showed no emotion at the request "There is an evil coming here that makes Dahok look like an imp" he paused gathering his thoughts "I realize that you and I have had our differences, but things have changed and I want to lay to rest the past brother and I find for the first time in my existence find family, my family may be all that saves the known world and of course myself."

As Ares finished his little speech, Hercules digested his words. True he had never trusted Ares, but he had changed after the events with Xena and Eve. Could he hope that Ares had finally grown a heart and changed his ways. "If I do this Ares" he paused thinking about what he was about to say and the immensity of it "What will happen?" All depended on the next few seconds. Ares's response would decide his fate.

Ares met his younger brother's gaze and knew the meaning of his question. If he screwed this up all would be lost, but this time there would be no going back, no more golden apples, no more life as he knew it "Hercules" he began as he walked to Hercules "I guess this means you will have to take Father's place" he paused as he stopped and met the glare "I would not fight you for the title, for I know in my heart now that I would not make a Good King of the Gods" he paused again as he realized what he was giving up, his dream "I may have changed now, but the thought of that power would most likely leave me more corrupted than I ever was."

Hercules believed him, perchance for the first time ever "Ares" he began "I believe you, and for the sake of humanity I accept." Hercules could not believe he had uttered those words, and images of a similar situation flashed in his head, accept this was not Zeus asking him to do this, no he had killed his father and this was what little remained of his family before him and no matter Ares faults he knew that the God of War had changed from the events of the past few years. Hercules extended his hand and grasped his brother's in a shake "The deal is done, finish what was started so long ago."

Ares took Hercules outstretched hand and for the first time in a long time he felt this was for the best "Close your eyes brother."

Hercules closed his eyes letting the fates decide for him for the first time in his existence. He felt the rush of power as Ares unlocked the godhood Zeus had long ago suppressed. Opening his eyes he met his brothers dark stare and was aware of the power he now held. Suddenly Ares eyes grew wide in fear as he broke the contact and stepped back. Hercules watched as Ares's hands went to his head and his eyes closed. Without a word spoken he opened his eyes and again took Hercules's hand. Another rush of power hit him as he heard what Ares heard. His mouth dropped in disbelief "Was that Gabrielle?"

Ares found his voice "Yes and I think I had better find out what is wrong, she would never call me unless" he stopped as the meaning of this plea hit him.

Hercules finished for him "something has happened to Xena." Hercules met his brother's stare now knowing the extent of the feeling Ares had held for Xena and was surprised to see that they matched his own.

It was Ares that broke the moment "Well come on brother let's find out what our little warrior has gotten herself into this time." They both disappeared leaving the temple and a pair of eyes following their departure.

Hiding behind a column Aphrodite could not believe what had just happened. She felt her own powers strengthening as Hercules joined them. A smile lit her face at the thought of not fading into oblivion filled her. Perchance there was hope for them yet. The love she had felt from them for Xena was overpowering, how would the poor mortal decide between two brothers, much less two gods. Dite's thoughts went to what Ares had said. She had felt a great loss in the world a few weeks ago, but she was not sure of it's meaning. She now closed her eyes praying that Xena had not met a disastrous fate on her latest adventure, but she would not know the truth until Xena and the bard returned to her domain. Aphrodite disappeared following her brothers' trail.

Back on the ship………………………………..

Gabrielle was forced now to her knees facing the being before her. She knew that no spirit of Akemi could cause the storm, she was being helped.

Akemi stood before Gabrielle staring down upon her kneeling form "You are the silly child, the one who thought she could take what belonged to me" an evil smile filled the demon's face "You see bard I am not just a spirit, I have been blessed with the help of a God of your land" She smiled again at the look on the bard now "Yes little bard one of your own Gods is helping me bring her back to Japa, for he does not want her spirit around to interrupt his own plans" she paused as she pulled a dagger from her waist band "Your death will ensure that I receive a body again, even if it is a plain one as yours."

Gabrielle was frozen as she heard the words, but refused to accept their meaning. How could that bastard help this creature destroy Xena. She knew that her own life had no meaning to him, but Xena's, didn't he proclaim to love the warrior before they left. Her voice was barely over a whisper "Ares" as she saw the dagger Akemi pulled from her waist 'he planned all of this didn't he" she questioned.

Akemi stopped the decent of the dagger as she looked down at the bard. Her mind raced as she tried to recall this Ares the bard spoke of. She then remembered a tale Xena had told her of this Ares. She knew that Xena had feelings for the God, but she also knew Xena wouldn't chose an obvious evil over the chance to help good. "Ares" she began as she hoped to destroy the bard, her heart first then her spirit and she would take her mortal body and finish out the deal she had made. Before she could finish she was however interrupted by the appearance of two powerful beings. Turning to see who it was she was attacked by the bard.

Gabrielle felt the appearance of the God's before she saw them, another gift from having Xena's spirit within her. She saw Akemi was distracted by this and took advantage of the moment. Leaping to her feet she kicked the dagger from her hand. When Akemi turned to face Gabrielle again she was met by a punch to the face. Gabrielle stood back in shock as the demon did not even flinch from the hit.

Akemi felt the dagger fly from her hand and turned to face the cause. The bard hit her in the face. She was well aware that the punch should of sent her flying, but then she realized she must be closer to her benefactor than she had thought, for the punch had little affect on her. She relished the look of surprise on the bard's face at lack of reaction "What's wrong little bard" she paused smiling evilly "you are not Xena." She pulled back and slapped the bard with all her might. She was shocked at the strength she now had as she watched the bard fly like a rag doll across the deck. She waited for the bard to stand, but was pleased to see that the bard did not get up. She then turned her attention to the two Gods before her. Taking them in she was impressed to say the least. They were both handsome and powerful, they would certainly be of use to her "Well aren't I a lucky little girl today, to be in the presence of such handsome specimens" as a smile grew upon her face.

Ares looked to Hercules and then back to the girl before him. His vision than looked to the bard who had been knocked out by the blow. Finding his voice he realized something was missing "Where is Xena?" He could feel her presence, but she was not really there, it was all too confusing. Then it dawned on him why the connection to her was so weak, she was dead.

Hercules watched the change in his brother. He also felt the fading of Xena. He then looked to the bard crumpled on the deck. He know looked to the demon who he felt was the evil that Ares was talking about earlier "What have you done?" he questioned Akemi.

Ares stepped forward "You are Akemi aren't you?" he questioned.

Akemi stepped forward raising her hand to his face looking into his eyes "Yes and you are Ares the Greek God of War, Mars the Roman God of War" she paused leaving Ares and approaching Hercules " You I don't know, my benefactor did not tell me of another, only him" she said as she pointed to Ares. A smile crossed her face as she again turned to Ares "You lose" as she again pulled forth yet another dagger and stabbed Ares in the stomach.

Shock filled his face as he looked down to his blood seeping from his stomach "How" he said as he brought his eyes back to the small woman before him "I am a God."

"But I am much worse" she answered as she turned to Hercules with her dagger.

Hercules was not entrapped by the trance that Ares had seemed to be under. He easily side stepped her and knocked the dagger from her hand. He never liked to hit a woman, but rationalized that this was no woman before him as he struck her with all his might. He was shocked at the strength he now had as he watched the small woman fly across the deck and crash into a group of barrels at the far end. He turned his attention to Ares as he watched his brother fall to the deck staring in disbelief of his own blood "Come on Ares I have to get you out of here" he said as he lifted his brother up.

Ares was shocked to say the least at Hercules helping him and even more shocked at what he was about to say "You can't save us both Herc" he paused looking at the collapsed Bard "Save her first" he again looked up to Hercules and saw understanding in his eyes.

Before Herc could answer the dark deck was illuminated by a pink glow as Aphrodite appeared. She first took in the creature struggling to stand up across the deck, the fallen bard that she loved so dearly and her fallen brother in the arms of Hercules. The last was one she thought she would never see. She found her voice as she realized perchance they should get out of here "You take him Herc and I will get Gabby." She watched as Herc disappeared with the injured Ares. She went to Gabrielle and disappeared in a display of pink shards just as Akemi tried to strike out at her.

Akemi looked to the dark sky's around her "NOOOOOOO" she screamed as she felt herself fading from sight.

The Captain came out of his hiding spot as did his crew. He had witnessed the entire events and now watched as the storm pushed over them heading for the Greek Shores not far away "Hurry little one for time is short" he said to the wind as he again turned to his crew "Well what are you waiting for we must continue on to Greece." Satisfied that the crew were back to their jobs he ventured to the bard's quarters below deck.

He entered the little cabin to see she had not left much in the room. He would return all to her when he found her and was slightly relieved not to find the urn that contained the earthly remains of the Warrior "Very good little one you took my unsaid warning and kept her close" he said to the air around him as he packed up her meager belongings. He knew he would be in Greece before long and would have to search her out. He was glad he caught the names of the beings that had come to the little one's rescue, he would now have a place to begin his search. He left her cabin and returned to his duties.