The sunlight shined brightly on her body and a gentle breeze blew in from
an open window caressing her skin, awakening her sleeping form. Xena
slightly stirred beneath black silk sheets and a snug black quilt. As a
natural instinct against the cold air, she pulled the covers up tighter
around her body as she shivered. Her attempt at warming herself failed and
she couldn't fall back asleep. Her eyes slowly fluttered open revealing
her surroundings. She was in a large luxurious room. It was littered with
lavish decorations and accessories. Xena shut her eyes tightly and re-
opened them only to discover she was still in the same place. It finally
hit her and she quickly sat up in the large bed. She looked around once
more and suddenly felt very chilly. Her head shot down to look at herself
and she saw that she was completely naked. She hurriedly gathered up the
sheets and covered her bare chest with it. She sighed deeply. In shock of
where she was. There were to large windows to the right of her with
beautiful black and red curtains draped elegantly around them. The floor
was wooden with a few exotic rugs lying on it. There was a small table and
a wardrobe in the corner. By every wall was a painting or a statue of some
famous event in history. A history only known to this universe. The art
depicted scenes of battles that Xena had won, people she had conquered.
Xena raised her eyebrow questioningly. This was definitely bizarre She looked down beside her. There was another pillow and twisted up sheets. It was clear she wasn't the only one who had been sleeping in the bed. She had a pretty good guess of who had been with her too. And for some odd reason she hoped it was he and not some strange person in this universe she didn't know. She shook the thought off and crawled out of the huge cozy bed. She took the beautiful black sheet and wrapped it loosely around her slender form. Again she glanced around the room confirming that she was alone. She then walked over to the large open window that was partially opened and gently closed it, blocking off the cold air that flowed in. As she did this the view outside captured her eye. What she saw was hundreds of other rooms, hallways, gardens and fountains from what must have been her third story high bedroom. It was like a miniature castle only more like a large luxurious fort. She could see soldiers. Her soldiers training for battle, servants tending to the outside cleaning, and others just about their daily duties. She couldn't believe it! Back in her warlord days this is what she had always dreamed about. This is what Ares had always promised her. That was before she didn't want it anymore...and she still didn't. It didn't interest her in having it anymore. Xena couldn't stop staring in wonder at the view though.
Soon a loud knock came at the door. Xena snapped her head quickly towards it and pulled the sheet closer around her.
"Who is it?" Xena asked.
"It's Tara, my queen" Replied a young feminine voice. Xena furrowed her brows and silently mouthed the word 'Tara'. She recognized the name and even the voice a little. Then she questioningly mouthed the words "My Queen". She never did like people calling her that.
Xena briskly walked towards the large, decorative, wooden door. She grabbed the brass handle and pulled the door open. On the other side of the door was a young short girl. She had medium length black hair and dark brown eyes. Xena immediately recognized the girl, "Tara!?" She said with shock in her voice.
The girl looked at her strangely. "Yeeesss?"
Xena shook it off. She had a feeling this wasn't the last shock she was going to receive today.
"umm...Uh...What do you want?" Xena asked.
"I came to tell you that breakfast is ready."
Xena nodded. "Ok, thank you....um where is...," Xena's voice trailed off as she glanced down at her self than quickly behind her towards the bed. Tara looked around Xena to the crumpled up sheets. "You mean Ares?"
"Yes." Xena said quickly.
Tara nodded "He's waiting for you down stairs."
Xena nodded and Tara gave her another strange look. "Are you felling alright my queen?"
"Yeah. Yeah I'm fine," Xena smiled falsely.
Tara nodded and bowed her head then turned to leave. Xena closed her eyes and released a deep sigh. She didn't know what she was doing here, how could she have let Ares talk her into this?
Xena closed the door and walked back to the center of the room. She needed clothes. She approached the wardrobe hoping to find something decent to where down to breakfast. She opened the finely polished wood doors of the wardrobe. Inside was full of clothes. Clothes made of expensive materials and fine elegant designs, all dresses. Xena frowned. She started to scan through them. There weren't a wide variety of colors. Not that she was a very colorful person, but everything was black, dark blue, and red. Luckily all colors she liked. Xena pulled out a few dresses before finally deciding on a dark blue dress of fine silk material. She unwrapped the sheet from herself and threw it back onto the bed. She then carefully put on the dress and adjusted in spots that needed it. The dress was long with slits up the sides and had only one sleeve making the neckline diagonal. It fit her body perfectly.
Xena looked herself over in a body length mirror and furrowed her brows in thought. "It's not my style, but it does look good."
Xena grudgingly opened the door and left the room. The hall was long and darkly decorated. Large doors lined the walls of the hall and at the end was a large stairway.
Xena didn't know her way around, but the breakfast table would most likely be down stairs, at least that's where she would put it and hopefully the Xena of this universe wasn't too different.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The hallway opened up into a large light filled room. In the center of the room was a long table seating at least 12 people. As Xena got closer she could now make out the faces of the people sitting at the table. Who she saw almost made her stop dead in her tracks. Sitting there were friends and foes from her universe. All of them superior fighters. She recognized her old student Glyphira and Darnell, Warlord friend turned enemy Draco, Pompey, Velasca, Theodorus, Petracles. What were they doing here? What has Ares got planned for her now. It's just like him to trick her. And there he was seated comfortably at the head of the table.
Xena walked briskly towards him and as soon as she got within arms reach she gripped the back of his neck tightly. He flinched and hunched in pain. Xena brought her lips down close to his ear so only he could hear her.
"Explain to me why I just woke up naked, put on a dress, and came down to eat breakfast with a bunch of my warlord buddies," Xena whispered harshly.
Ares turned his head as far as he could towards her and whispered back "Because you agreed to come with me."
Before Xena could protest he took her hand and guided her down to the seat beside him. "Xena, so nice of you to join us," He said this time loud enough for the people near them to hear. Xena pulled her hand away from his. "Ares, Why are they-"
"So Xena" She was cut off by the deceivingly friendly voice that belonged to the Roman Pompey. She looked over to him. And he continued. "Ares was telling us that the coast villagers all escaped." Xena stared at him blankly "umm" was all she could utter. She had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.
"We were just discussing what you plan to do," Said the woman next to Pompey. It was Glyphira. Xena now looked at her and searched for words. Just when she thought she would have to say that she didn't know, Ares jumped in for her.
"We have a fleet of ships waiting for us at the coast. We are leaving today to meet there and we are going after Britannia."
Glayphira looked to Xena and Xena nodded in agreement. Pompey smiled.
"Ambitious."
Xena mockingly smiled back than sharply looked to Ares with the same smile. "Ares can I speak with you?"
Ares, in fear of outraging the warrior princess, stood in agreement and left the table with her. Pompey then turned to Glyphira and they shared a 'He's in trouble' look.
Xena and Ares walked a good distance from the long table. Xena stopped suddenly and turned to him with rage. "A simple warning might have been nice! You just dropped me off and threw me into all this!"
"I'm sorry! It's not easy to manipulate time!" He said irritated with a bit of sarcasm.
Xena rolled her eyes and relaxed just a little. "Whatever, just explain all-"She grabbed her dress and then pointed to the table and the room. "This to me" she finished. Ares held out his hand trying to calm her down and get her to lower your voice.
"The room you woke up in is our room," He explained quickly and as expected Xena frowned at the idea. He continued. "You're a queen, you wear dresses, unless you're going into battle, and by the way that looks great on you."
"Thanks," She dully responded "And Pompey and the gang?"
"They are all of your highest ranking soldiers, your elite force. You send them off to all your provinces on business for you and so on. And-"
He was interrupted by an older soldier. He looked to be a guard rather than a combat warrior.
"Lord Ares, My Queen." The man stopped and waited till he had their attention.
"The rebel leader is here and whishes to speak with you," he said respectfully. The man must have been in her army since the beginning. He was very professional and didn't appear to be afraid of them. But what was he talking about? Xena was going to have to get someplace for Ares to tell her all the details before she slipped up and said something wrong.
"Rebel leader? Oh yes, tell him I'll be with him shortly." A simple general answer would do.
Ares leaned in close to her ear "Stop being so nice, be more commanding," He whispered. Xena rolled her eyes.
"Lord Ares, We need you in the supply room." The soldier said
Ares turned to him and simply nodded. The man then saluted and walked off down the hall. Ares waited till he was out of earshot than turned to xena.
"I have to go that way. I'll join you after I deal with this. The meeting room is down that hall, third door on the right."
"Just hurry" Xena growled and walked down the hall briskly. Ares looked after her before turning and going his separate way.
*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*
Xena walked down the long dark hall. She didn't pay attention to the scenery this time. Now she was just focused on meeting this man and getting out. She was just about there when suddenly a long strong arm shot out at her pulling her into a corner in the wall. Soon, two large arms enveloped her and his warm lips met hers in a crashing kiss. It lasted until Xena pulled back in disgust realizing who it was.
"Draco! What do you think your doing!!?"
He still held her in his arms tightly and he looked at her with utter confusion "What!?"
"Get off me!" Xena said while struggling free from his grip. He backed away a bit and looked at her angrily. "What's gotten into you?" He asked.
Xena wanted to argue more. All this was too weird, but she didn't have much choice but to play along. She didn't want to mess anything up.
"Nothing, sorry."
Draco nodded with a 'that's better' look. "Well then, let's do this before Ares comes back," he said slyly and slowly moved towards her. Xena put her hands up in protest holding him away from her. "Draco...Not now," She simply said and walked away. He still stood there confused and she looked a bit disgusted and was quite confused herself.
Xena walked on further down the hallway and soon approached the third door on her right. The doorway was huge and designed like most everything in the building; dark and large.
She took hold of the handle and pulled with force to open the door wide. In contrast to the hallway, the meeting room was bright and elegant. There were many windows around the room letting in the sunlight and the décor was light earth tone colors.
In the meeting room were two guards at the door Xena had entered and two more by another door by which a thin woman stood with her back to Xena. She was wearing a dark green sleeveless shirt with dark brown loose fitting cotton pants tied at the waist. She wore tied up brown boots and her hair was long, strawberry blonde and tied into one long braid. Xena assumed this woman was as the guard put it 'the rebel leader'. She figured she could make small talk until Ares got there and he could do the major talking since she didn't know what was going on. She didn't want to mess up any plans for the Xena of this universe.
Xena walked to the middle of the room and faced the woman whose back was turned to her.
"You wanted to speak with me?" Xena asked confidently yet politely. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to act. Maybe she could be a little bit more commanding like Ares said. She was queen after all.
The blonde woman quickly turned around towards Xena. Her braid whipped around her shoulders. Xena gazed upon the woman's face for the first time and she just froze in place. Her heart stopped and she stared at the rebel leader.
It was Gabrielle!
Xena was shocked and couldn't utter a word. Gabrielle quickly walked up and got in Xena's face.
"I did,...Xena, I want you to pull back your army," Gabrielle commanded. Xena didn't even hear what she said though. The only thing she was focused on was the girl in front of her who was her best friend in her world and her enemy in this one.
Xena would have stood there in a trance forever if it hadn't been for Ares interruption. He briskly walked in through the door and came up behind Xena to stand by her side.
"Not a chance Gabrielle," He stated firmly. Xena snapped her head around and looked over her shoulder to Ares. He glared harshly at Gabrielle and Gabrielle returned the gaze.
After starring daggers at him, Gabrielle re-directed her attention back to Xena.
"You already have control of the whole Mediterranean. Leave Britannia in peace," Over the years Gabrielle had learned she couldn't argue with Ares on anything, she had better chances with Xena, however not much better.
Xena was still somewhat in shock and again couldn't speak. And Ares jumped in again for her.
"Why don't you just leave Xena alone?" He yelled.
Before Gabrielle could say something back Xena put her hand up in a strong gesture and silenced them both.
"I have to take Britannia now or else I can't go after the eastern nations. I wont' go into battle with a potential enemy at my back."
Gabrielle was silent and frowned. She looked exactly like the Gabrielle that Xena knew but the personality was nothing alike. Instead of a friendly relaxed face, this young woman was hard and angry. She spoke like a commander. She was trying to negotiate.
"What about a peace treaty?" She offered firmly yet hopefully.
"Not possible! I don't trust Bodecia," Ares growled. Xena curiously looked over her shoulder at him. At the mention of Bodecia her eyes lit up in surprise and she quietly gasp. Not quiet enough though because Gabrielle noticed her reaction and offered Xena a strange look.
"What's wrong with you?"
Xena swallowed hard and tried to act normal, whatever normal was supposed to be here.
"What are you talking about?" Xena questioned.
Gabrielle shrugged "You seem different," Her shoulders went back and she hardened her expression and continued "I hope it doesn't effect your plans for Britannia...I know I will." Gabrielle threatened.
Ares rolled his eyes and sighed with irritation. "Guards! Get her out of here!"
At Ares command the two guards who had been standing at the door walked briskly towards Gabrielle and grabbed her arms tightly. Gabrielle growled and struggled to get free of their grip. They held her tightly though and dragged her out the door while she shouted threats at Xena.
"Bodecia won't let you take her land. We won't let you, not with out a fight!"
Then she was out the door and the guards were back to their posts. Ares let out a soft sigh in relief that the irritating blonde was gone. However before he got the chance to say something to Xena she pushed past him and was out the door and into the hallway.
Ares turned after her and watched her leave. He quickly got worried. She was pissed.
"Xena! Wait!" He shouted after her. When he got no response he ran out the door after her. She was already down the hall and starting to go up the stairs.
"Xena!...Xena!" He yelled at her as he followed her up the stairs. All the best warriors at the breakfast table looked at the scene with amusement.
Pompey Smiled "I wonder what he did this time."
Glyphira offered him an evil grin. "He's a man, it was probably something terrible."
He rolled his eyes at her.
*~**~*~*~*~*~*
Xena was now all the way up the stairs on the third floor with Ares not far behind. Her strides were quick, fast, and angry as she approached her bedroom door. As she opened it Ares came up behind her but wasn't quick enough to stop Xena from going through the door and shutting it right in his face. He stood there for a second letting his nerves settle from the door almost hitting him. He was too angry though to stay there long and he opened the door and walked in. Xena was standing with her back to him, but when he came in she turned to him sharply with anger.
"Take me back!" She commanded. He walked closer to her trying to remain calm.
"Xena, let me explain!"
"No, Now!"
"Xena!" He shouted desperately to get her attention and to let him have a chance.
"I am not fighting against gab-"
Ares finally frustrated to the point of bursting grabbed her shoulders and held her tightly.
"Xena would you just let me talk?" He stared at her pleadingly and she stopped talking but angrily twisted out of his grip and waited for him to speak.
He relaxed just a bit. "Sit down" he sighed. Xena didn't budge though. She crossed her arms and glared at him. Challenging him to give a good explanation.
Ares didn't argue anymore. He knew it was pointless. He sighed deeply and turned around and paced. Xena's threatening glare made him uncomfortable in this situation. When she gave that look to others it excited him, but when it was aimed at him it was a different story. Walking around while he talked and avoiding eye contact lessened the pressure on him.
"After the village leader declared you guilty, you didn't ask me to bring those men back to life. Instead, the men of the village took you and tied you up behind a horse. I was by you, trying to convince you to fight back. I'm not sure what I said that trigged you, but you got loose and killed a few of them. You and Gabrielle escaped."
"How long is this story?" Xena interrupted. Her expression was no longer angry. Now it was board, and a little irritated. It was just a cover though. She was actually very curious about what he had to say. About what could have been.
"Well I have six more years to explain to you."
Xena sat down on the bed. She should have done that earlier but she never listened to Ares. He rolled his eyes and continued.
"You and Gabrielle had a bit of a falling out. You tried to tell her that by siding with me and taking my army, you would be bringing peace and order to the world. You argued and argued with her. When it came time for you to join with your army Gabrielle refused to come with you and she vowed to stop you."
"My guess is she failed?" Xena asked. After six years it doesn't look like she has done a good job at preventing Xena from taking over.
"Big time," Ares responded. Xena actually cracked a smile for the first time and Ares calmed down a little now that she wasn't angry. She was the only mortal who could get to him like that. He could give a damn about how anyone else felt but when it came to Xena everything she thought and did mattered to him.
"The first year you spent conquering Greek cities. Athens, Corinth, Sparta. Within a year you were in control of all Greece. During this time Gabrielle would gather soldiers from cities you defeated and she created an army of her own. You went up against the Amazons which Gabrielle had allied with. You defeated them though and took their land. Some of the surviving amazons went to Gabrielle's side, some to yours and others into slavery."
Xena glanced down quickly in shame. She felt a pang of guilt. It may have been a Xena of another universe who had done that to the Amazons, but in Xena's opinion, it was her who did it, or what could have been her.
Ares noticed her reaction but tried not to let her know he did. He'll finish the story, just not with much detail.
"Greece wasn't enough though so we went after Egypt. It took about a year to defeat them. By then we possessed a powerful Army. The Romans saw us as a threat and we were soon at war with them. It took us two years to take them over. But now, we rule over the whole Mediterranean Sea and we just took over Gaul."
Ares paused in his story to let it soak into Xena. She twisted her lips in thought and slowly looked up at him.
"You said we took over Rome. Is Caesar dead?" She tried not to sound too hopeful of his death. But if there was anyone she wished death on it would be Caesar.
Ares smiled. He kind of hoped that she would ask that question.
"No, you cut out his tongue and sold him into slavery."
Xena took back what she thought earlier. She did wish death on many people, but only humiliation and suffering on Caesar.
Xena's lips turned up in an evil grin. "Not bad."
Ares wasn't sure if that was just directed at Caesar or to the whole story.
"So you'll stay?" He asked hopefully. She hadn't really given him much of a chance yet. All he wanted was to spend time with her.
He looked to Xena and she shook her head violently.
"No! I still want to go back. I told you I'm not fighting Gabrielle" Xena said firmly. Usually when she says something like that, the words sound final, but there was something in her voice just then that just wasn't convincing. Maybe she did want to stay. She just hoped Ares wouldn't notice.
"I haven't gotten to that part yet" Ares explained quickly before he lost his chance to keep talking. But as he expected, Xena jumped at him.
"Ares, I-"
Ares raised his hands silencing her.
"Xena! I wasn't finished."
She shut her mouth and pursed her lips tightly. She was restraining her self from hitting him square in the jaw.
"Gabrielle never really attacks us. She did it once a long time ago and has never tried it again. All she does is try to persuade you not to conquer certain nations and she secretly tries to rescue people, like she did with the Northern Gauls...You don't have to worry about fighting her."
Maybe he was right. Was she just trying to find an excuse to get away from him? It wasn't really that bad. The building was beautiful, she was a Queen, and maybe she and Ares could actually have decent time together. She figured she was just over reacting. Can't let Ares know that though. Got to make him beg.
"I don't know Ares..."
"Only three days."
He slapped on the pathetic puppy face and Xena couldn't help but to smile.
"Fine, I'll stay."
He smiled and made his hand into a fist and jerked it down "Great!"
Xena tried to be serious but her words came out in a playful tone. "Anything else I should know about?"
Ares stopped smiling. He prayed to the Gods that there wasn't anything else. "I don't think so..."
"Good," Xena answered calmly. They were both silent for a moment. Suddenly Xena remembered what had happened before her encounter with Gabrielle. What had happened with Draco. A small smile spread across her face. He should enjoy this one.
"There is something you should know though."
He stood facing her. A little worried. He could never know exactly what Xena was going to say.
When Xena actually began to speak out loud her smile faded. For some strange reason she actually felt a little guilty.
"I-well, Xena has been having an affair with Draco," There, she said it. Why should she feel guilty anyways? That was silly of her.
Ares eyes widened in shock "What?!"
Now Xena was actually starting to enjoy this. It was his turn to be angry and hurt.
"yeah, Draco approached me in the hall. Apparently we have been fooling around behind your back"
Ares looked away. "That little harlot!" He growled angrily.
"What do you care? She's not cheating on you; she's cheating on the other Ares"
Good point. He calmed down a bit. He looked at her and she appeared amused. It dawned on him then that she was doing this on purpose, she was trying to make him upset. He'd just play along then.
"Well, it just goes to show that if we had been together, you would have been disloyal," He smiled.
Her lips twisted in thought. He caught on to her game. She couldn't let him have the last word though. Every thing she did around him was to prove to him, well actually more to herself, that she was quick enough, strong enough, and smart enough without him. And by making sure she always had the last word was a small way to make sure of that.
"Yeah, I would have thought that you'd be the unfaithful one." She thought out loud. She tried to say it with the most seriousness while still keeping a smart tone.
He frowned at her. He even seemed a little hurt. Xena never did think very highly of him. From what she has seen, heard, and experienced for self would make anyone think he would be unfaithful and callous, but with Xena it was different. As he proved not too long ago. He would give up anything for her. She didn't seem to understand though, or just chose not to.
Ares tried to hide the hurt and frustration on is face and playfully rolled his eyes. He snapped his fingers with a spark of blue light and magically a beautiful, elaborate battle dress appeared in his hands. It was a simple long dark blue tunic with a red and gold trim. To go over it was a beautiful copper breastplate with intricate designs carved into it.
"Here put this on" He said in a casual tone and handed the clothing to Xena. Next, matching gauntlets appeared next to her on the bed and boots at her feet.
"We'll be leaving in a couple hours" He spoke and disappeared in a flash of brilliant blue light.
Xena raised her eyebrow questioningly. This was definitely bizarre She looked down beside her. There was another pillow and twisted up sheets. It was clear she wasn't the only one who had been sleeping in the bed. She had a pretty good guess of who had been with her too. And for some odd reason she hoped it was he and not some strange person in this universe she didn't know. She shook the thought off and crawled out of the huge cozy bed. She took the beautiful black sheet and wrapped it loosely around her slender form. Again she glanced around the room confirming that she was alone. She then walked over to the large open window that was partially opened and gently closed it, blocking off the cold air that flowed in. As she did this the view outside captured her eye. What she saw was hundreds of other rooms, hallways, gardens and fountains from what must have been her third story high bedroom. It was like a miniature castle only more like a large luxurious fort. She could see soldiers. Her soldiers training for battle, servants tending to the outside cleaning, and others just about their daily duties. She couldn't believe it! Back in her warlord days this is what she had always dreamed about. This is what Ares had always promised her. That was before she didn't want it anymore...and she still didn't. It didn't interest her in having it anymore. Xena couldn't stop staring in wonder at the view though.
Soon a loud knock came at the door. Xena snapped her head quickly towards it and pulled the sheet closer around her.
"Who is it?" Xena asked.
"It's Tara, my queen" Replied a young feminine voice. Xena furrowed her brows and silently mouthed the word 'Tara'. She recognized the name and even the voice a little. Then she questioningly mouthed the words "My Queen". She never did like people calling her that.
Xena briskly walked towards the large, decorative, wooden door. She grabbed the brass handle and pulled the door open. On the other side of the door was a young short girl. She had medium length black hair and dark brown eyes. Xena immediately recognized the girl, "Tara!?" She said with shock in her voice.
The girl looked at her strangely. "Yeeesss?"
Xena shook it off. She had a feeling this wasn't the last shock she was going to receive today.
"umm...Uh...What do you want?" Xena asked.
"I came to tell you that breakfast is ready."
Xena nodded. "Ok, thank you....um where is...," Xena's voice trailed off as she glanced down at her self than quickly behind her towards the bed. Tara looked around Xena to the crumpled up sheets. "You mean Ares?"
"Yes." Xena said quickly.
Tara nodded "He's waiting for you down stairs."
Xena nodded and Tara gave her another strange look. "Are you felling alright my queen?"
"Yeah. Yeah I'm fine," Xena smiled falsely.
Tara nodded and bowed her head then turned to leave. Xena closed her eyes and released a deep sigh. She didn't know what she was doing here, how could she have let Ares talk her into this?
Xena closed the door and walked back to the center of the room. She needed clothes. She approached the wardrobe hoping to find something decent to where down to breakfast. She opened the finely polished wood doors of the wardrobe. Inside was full of clothes. Clothes made of expensive materials and fine elegant designs, all dresses. Xena frowned. She started to scan through them. There weren't a wide variety of colors. Not that she was a very colorful person, but everything was black, dark blue, and red. Luckily all colors she liked. Xena pulled out a few dresses before finally deciding on a dark blue dress of fine silk material. She unwrapped the sheet from herself and threw it back onto the bed. She then carefully put on the dress and adjusted in spots that needed it. The dress was long with slits up the sides and had only one sleeve making the neckline diagonal. It fit her body perfectly.
Xena looked herself over in a body length mirror and furrowed her brows in thought. "It's not my style, but it does look good."
Xena grudgingly opened the door and left the room. The hall was long and darkly decorated. Large doors lined the walls of the hall and at the end was a large stairway.
Xena didn't know her way around, but the breakfast table would most likely be down stairs, at least that's where she would put it and hopefully the Xena of this universe wasn't too different.
*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*
The hallway opened up into a large light filled room. In the center of the room was a long table seating at least 12 people. As Xena got closer she could now make out the faces of the people sitting at the table. Who she saw almost made her stop dead in her tracks. Sitting there were friends and foes from her universe. All of them superior fighters. She recognized her old student Glyphira and Darnell, Warlord friend turned enemy Draco, Pompey, Velasca, Theodorus, Petracles. What were they doing here? What has Ares got planned for her now. It's just like him to trick her. And there he was seated comfortably at the head of the table.
Xena walked briskly towards him and as soon as she got within arms reach she gripped the back of his neck tightly. He flinched and hunched in pain. Xena brought her lips down close to his ear so only he could hear her.
"Explain to me why I just woke up naked, put on a dress, and came down to eat breakfast with a bunch of my warlord buddies," Xena whispered harshly.
Ares turned his head as far as he could towards her and whispered back "Because you agreed to come with me."
Before Xena could protest he took her hand and guided her down to the seat beside him. "Xena, so nice of you to join us," He said this time loud enough for the people near them to hear. Xena pulled her hand away from his. "Ares, Why are they-"
"So Xena" She was cut off by the deceivingly friendly voice that belonged to the Roman Pompey. She looked over to him. And he continued. "Ares was telling us that the coast villagers all escaped." Xena stared at him blankly "umm" was all she could utter. She had absolutely no idea what he was talking about.
"We were just discussing what you plan to do," Said the woman next to Pompey. It was Glyphira. Xena now looked at her and searched for words. Just when she thought she would have to say that she didn't know, Ares jumped in for her.
"We have a fleet of ships waiting for us at the coast. We are leaving today to meet there and we are going after Britannia."
Glayphira looked to Xena and Xena nodded in agreement. Pompey smiled.
"Ambitious."
Xena mockingly smiled back than sharply looked to Ares with the same smile. "Ares can I speak with you?"
Ares, in fear of outraging the warrior princess, stood in agreement and left the table with her. Pompey then turned to Glyphira and they shared a 'He's in trouble' look.
Xena and Ares walked a good distance from the long table. Xena stopped suddenly and turned to him with rage. "A simple warning might have been nice! You just dropped me off and threw me into all this!"
"I'm sorry! It's not easy to manipulate time!" He said irritated with a bit of sarcasm.
Xena rolled her eyes and relaxed just a little. "Whatever, just explain all-"She grabbed her dress and then pointed to the table and the room. "This to me" she finished. Ares held out his hand trying to calm her down and get her to lower your voice.
"The room you woke up in is our room," He explained quickly and as expected Xena frowned at the idea. He continued. "You're a queen, you wear dresses, unless you're going into battle, and by the way that looks great on you."
"Thanks," She dully responded "And Pompey and the gang?"
"They are all of your highest ranking soldiers, your elite force. You send them off to all your provinces on business for you and so on. And-"
He was interrupted by an older soldier. He looked to be a guard rather than a combat warrior.
"Lord Ares, My Queen." The man stopped and waited till he had their attention.
"The rebel leader is here and whishes to speak with you," he said respectfully. The man must have been in her army since the beginning. He was very professional and didn't appear to be afraid of them. But what was he talking about? Xena was going to have to get someplace for Ares to tell her all the details before she slipped up and said something wrong.
"Rebel leader? Oh yes, tell him I'll be with him shortly." A simple general answer would do.
Ares leaned in close to her ear "Stop being so nice, be more commanding," He whispered. Xena rolled her eyes.
"Lord Ares, We need you in the supply room." The soldier said
Ares turned to him and simply nodded. The man then saluted and walked off down the hall. Ares waited till he was out of earshot than turned to xena.
"I have to go that way. I'll join you after I deal with this. The meeting room is down that hall, third door on the right."
"Just hurry" Xena growled and walked down the hall briskly. Ares looked after her before turning and going his separate way.
*~*~**~*~*~**~*~*
Xena walked down the long dark hall. She didn't pay attention to the scenery this time. Now she was just focused on meeting this man and getting out. She was just about there when suddenly a long strong arm shot out at her pulling her into a corner in the wall. Soon, two large arms enveloped her and his warm lips met hers in a crashing kiss. It lasted until Xena pulled back in disgust realizing who it was.
"Draco! What do you think your doing!!?"
He still held her in his arms tightly and he looked at her with utter confusion "What!?"
"Get off me!" Xena said while struggling free from his grip. He backed away a bit and looked at her angrily. "What's gotten into you?" He asked.
Xena wanted to argue more. All this was too weird, but she didn't have much choice but to play along. She didn't want to mess anything up.
"Nothing, sorry."
Draco nodded with a 'that's better' look. "Well then, let's do this before Ares comes back," he said slyly and slowly moved towards her. Xena put her hands up in protest holding him away from her. "Draco...Not now," She simply said and walked away. He still stood there confused and she looked a bit disgusted and was quite confused herself.
Xena walked on further down the hallway and soon approached the third door on her right. The doorway was huge and designed like most everything in the building; dark and large.
She took hold of the handle and pulled with force to open the door wide. In contrast to the hallway, the meeting room was bright and elegant. There were many windows around the room letting in the sunlight and the décor was light earth tone colors.
In the meeting room were two guards at the door Xena had entered and two more by another door by which a thin woman stood with her back to Xena. She was wearing a dark green sleeveless shirt with dark brown loose fitting cotton pants tied at the waist. She wore tied up brown boots and her hair was long, strawberry blonde and tied into one long braid. Xena assumed this woman was as the guard put it 'the rebel leader'. She figured she could make small talk until Ares got there and he could do the major talking since she didn't know what was going on. She didn't want to mess up any plans for the Xena of this universe.
Xena walked to the middle of the room and faced the woman whose back was turned to her.
"You wanted to speak with me?" Xena asked confidently yet politely. She wasn't sure how she was supposed to act. Maybe she could be a little bit more commanding like Ares said. She was queen after all.
The blonde woman quickly turned around towards Xena. Her braid whipped around her shoulders. Xena gazed upon the woman's face for the first time and she just froze in place. Her heart stopped and she stared at the rebel leader.
It was Gabrielle!
Xena was shocked and couldn't utter a word. Gabrielle quickly walked up and got in Xena's face.
"I did,...Xena, I want you to pull back your army," Gabrielle commanded. Xena didn't even hear what she said though. The only thing she was focused on was the girl in front of her who was her best friend in her world and her enemy in this one.
Xena would have stood there in a trance forever if it hadn't been for Ares interruption. He briskly walked in through the door and came up behind Xena to stand by her side.
"Not a chance Gabrielle," He stated firmly. Xena snapped her head around and looked over her shoulder to Ares. He glared harshly at Gabrielle and Gabrielle returned the gaze.
After starring daggers at him, Gabrielle re-directed her attention back to Xena.
"You already have control of the whole Mediterranean. Leave Britannia in peace," Over the years Gabrielle had learned she couldn't argue with Ares on anything, she had better chances with Xena, however not much better.
Xena was still somewhat in shock and again couldn't speak. And Ares jumped in again for her.
"Why don't you just leave Xena alone?" He yelled.
Before Gabrielle could say something back Xena put her hand up in a strong gesture and silenced them both.
"I have to take Britannia now or else I can't go after the eastern nations. I wont' go into battle with a potential enemy at my back."
Gabrielle was silent and frowned. She looked exactly like the Gabrielle that Xena knew but the personality was nothing alike. Instead of a friendly relaxed face, this young woman was hard and angry. She spoke like a commander. She was trying to negotiate.
"What about a peace treaty?" She offered firmly yet hopefully.
"Not possible! I don't trust Bodecia," Ares growled. Xena curiously looked over her shoulder at him. At the mention of Bodecia her eyes lit up in surprise and she quietly gasp. Not quiet enough though because Gabrielle noticed her reaction and offered Xena a strange look.
"What's wrong with you?"
Xena swallowed hard and tried to act normal, whatever normal was supposed to be here.
"What are you talking about?" Xena questioned.
Gabrielle shrugged "You seem different," Her shoulders went back and she hardened her expression and continued "I hope it doesn't effect your plans for Britannia...I know I will." Gabrielle threatened.
Ares rolled his eyes and sighed with irritation. "Guards! Get her out of here!"
At Ares command the two guards who had been standing at the door walked briskly towards Gabrielle and grabbed her arms tightly. Gabrielle growled and struggled to get free of their grip. They held her tightly though and dragged her out the door while she shouted threats at Xena.
"Bodecia won't let you take her land. We won't let you, not with out a fight!"
Then she was out the door and the guards were back to their posts. Ares let out a soft sigh in relief that the irritating blonde was gone. However before he got the chance to say something to Xena she pushed past him and was out the door and into the hallway.
Ares turned after her and watched her leave. He quickly got worried. She was pissed.
"Xena! Wait!" He shouted after her. When he got no response he ran out the door after her. She was already down the hall and starting to go up the stairs.
"Xena!...Xena!" He yelled at her as he followed her up the stairs. All the best warriors at the breakfast table looked at the scene with amusement.
Pompey Smiled "I wonder what he did this time."
Glyphira offered him an evil grin. "He's a man, it was probably something terrible."
He rolled his eyes at her.
*~**~*~*~*~*~*
Xena was now all the way up the stairs on the third floor with Ares not far behind. Her strides were quick, fast, and angry as she approached her bedroom door. As she opened it Ares came up behind her but wasn't quick enough to stop Xena from going through the door and shutting it right in his face. He stood there for a second letting his nerves settle from the door almost hitting him. He was too angry though to stay there long and he opened the door and walked in. Xena was standing with her back to him, but when he came in she turned to him sharply with anger.
"Take me back!" She commanded. He walked closer to her trying to remain calm.
"Xena, let me explain!"
"No, Now!"
"Xena!" He shouted desperately to get her attention and to let him have a chance.
"I am not fighting against gab-"
Ares finally frustrated to the point of bursting grabbed her shoulders and held her tightly.
"Xena would you just let me talk?" He stared at her pleadingly and she stopped talking but angrily twisted out of his grip and waited for him to speak.
He relaxed just a bit. "Sit down" he sighed. Xena didn't budge though. She crossed her arms and glared at him. Challenging him to give a good explanation.
Ares didn't argue anymore. He knew it was pointless. He sighed deeply and turned around and paced. Xena's threatening glare made him uncomfortable in this situation. When she gave that look to others it excited him, but when it was aimed at him it was a different story. Walking around while he talked and avoiding eye contact lessened the pressure on him.
"After the village leader declared you guilty, you didn't ask me to bring those men back to life. Instead, the men of the village took you and tied you up behind a horse. I was by you, trying to convince you to fight back. I'm not sure what I said that trigged you, but you got loose and killed a few of them. You and Gabrielle escaped."
"How long is this story?" Xena interrupted. Her expression was no longer angry. Now it was board, and a little irritated. It was just a cover though. She was actually very curious about what he had to say. About what could have been.
"Well I have six more years to explain to you."
Xena sat down on the bed. She should have done that earlier but she never listened to Ares. He rolled his eyes and continued.
"You and Gabrielle had a bit of a falling out. You tried to tell her that by siding with me and taking my army, you would be bringing peace and order to the world. You argued and argued with her. When it came time for you to join with your army Gabrielle refused to come with you and she vowed to stop you."
"My guess is she failed?" Xena asked. After six years it doesn't look like she has done a good job at preventing Xena from taking over.
"Big time," Ares responded. Xena actually cracked a smile for the first time and Ares calmed down a little now that she wasn't angry. She was the only mortal who could get to him like that. He could give a damn about how anyone else felt but when it came to Xena everything she thought and did mattered to him.
"The first year you spent conquering Greek cities. Athens, Corinth, Sparta. Within a year you were in control of all Greece. During this time Gabrielle would gather soldiers from cities you defeated and she created an army of her own. You went up against the Amazons which Gabrielle had allied with. You defeated them though and took their land. Some of the surviving amazons went to Gabrielle's side, some to yours and others into slavery."
Xena glanced down quickly in shame. She felt a pang of guilt. It may have been a Xena of another universe who had done that to the Amazons, but in Xena's opinion, it was her who did it, or what could have been her.
Ares noticed her reaction but tried not to let her know he did. He'll finish the story, just not with much detail.
"Greece wasn't enough though so we went after Egypt. It took about a year to defeat them. By then we possessed a powerful Army. The Romans saw us as a threat and we were soon at war with them. It took us two years to take them over. But now, we rule over the whole Mediterranean Sea and we just took over Gaul."
Ares paused in his story to let it soak into Xena. She twisted her lips in thought and slowly looked up at him.
"You said we took over Rome. Is Caesar dead?" She tried not to sound too hopeful of his death. But if there was anyone she wished death on it would be Caesar.
Ares smiled. He kind of hoped that she would ask that question.
"No, you cut out his tongue and sold him into slavery."
Xena took back what she thought earlier. She did wish death on many people, but only humiliation and suffering on Caesar.
Xena's lips turned up in an evil grin. "Not bad."
Ares wasn't sure if that was just directed at Caesar or to the whole story.
"So you'll stay?" He asked hopefully. She hadn't really given him much of a chance yet. All he wanted was to spend time with her.
He looked to Xena and she shook her head violently.
"No! I still want to go back. I told you I'm not fighting Gabrielle" Xena said firmly. Usually when she says something like that, the words sound final, but there was something in her voice just then that just wasn't convincing. Maybe she did want to stay. She just hoped Ares wouldn't notice.
"I haven't gotten to that part yet" Ares explained quickly before he lost his chance to keep talking. But as he expected, Xena jumped at him.
"Ares, I-"
Ares raised his hands silencing her.
"Xena! I wasn't finished."
She shut her mouth and pursed her lips tightly. She was restraining her self from hitting him square in the jaw.
"Gabrielle never really attacks us. She did it once a long time ago and has never tried it again. All she does is try to persuade you not to conquer certain nations and she secretly tries to rescue people, like she did with the Northern Gauls...You don't have to worry about fighting her."
Maybe he was right. Was she just trying to find an excuse to get away from him? It wasn't really that bad. The building was beautiful, she was a Queen, and maybe she and Ares could actually have decent time together. She figured she was just over reacting. Can't let Ares know that though. Got to make him beg.
"I don't know Ares..."
"Only three days."
He slapped on the pathetic puppy face and Xena couldn't help but to smile.
"Fine, I'll stay."
He smiled and made his hand into a fist and jerked it down "Great!"
Xena tried to be serious but her words came out in a playful tone. "Anything else I should know about?"
Ares stopped smiling. He prayed to the Gods that there wasn't anything else. "I don't think so..."
"Good," Xena answered calmly. They were both silent for a moment. Suddenly Xena remembered what had happened before her encounter with Gabrielle. What had happened with Draco. A small smile spread across her face. He should enjoy this one.
"There is something you should know though."
He stood facing her. A little worried. He could never know exactly what Xena was going to say.
When Xena actually began to speak out loud her smile faded. For some strange reason she actually felt a little guilty.
"I-well, Xena has been having an affair with Draco," There, she said it. Why should she feel guilty anyways? That was silly of her.
Ares eyes widened in shock "What?!"
Now Xena was actually starting to enjoy this. It was his turn to be angry and hurt.
"yeah, Draco approached me in the hall. Apparently we have been fooling around behind your back"
Ares looked away. "That little harlot!" He growled angrily.
"What do you care? She's not cheating on you; she's cheating on the other Ares"
Good point. He calmed down a bit. He looked at her and she appeared amused. It dawned on him then that she was doing this on purpose, she was trying to make him upset. He'd just play along then.
"Well, it just goes to show that if we had been together, you would have been disloyal," He smiled.
Her lips twisted in thought. He caught on to her game. She couldn't let him have the last word though. Every thing she did around him was to prove to him, well actually more to herself, that she was quick enough, strong enough, and smart enough without him. And by making sure she always had the last word was a small way to make sure of that.
"Yeah, I would have thought that you'd be the unfaithful one." She thought out loud. She tried to say it with the most seriousness while still keeping a smart tone.
He frowned at her. He even seemed a little hurt. Xena never did think very highly of him. From what she has seen, heard, and experienced for self would make anyone think he would be unfaithful and callous, but with Xena it was different. As he proved not too long ago. He would give up anything for her. She didn't seem to understand though, or just chose not to.
Ares tried to hide the hurt and frustration on is face and playfully rolled his eyes. He snapped his fingers with a spark of blue light and magically a beautiful, elaborate battle dress appeared in his hands. It was a simple long dark blue tunic with a red and gold trim. To go over it was a beautiful copper breastplate with intricate designs carved into it.
"Here put this on" He said in a casual tone and handed the clothing to Xena. Next, matching gauntlets appeared next to her on the bed and boots at her feet.
"We'll be leaving in a couple hours" He spoke and disappeared in a flash of brilliant blue light.