Outside of the warm tent things could be heard crashing. Soon the sound of
men screaming and swords crossing echoed throughout the camp. Xena stirred
in Ares arms, but refused to wake.
"Xena! Xena! Lord Ares! Get up! Were under attack!" A man screamed from out side.
The man entered the tent to see the two all powerful leaders of the world, cozy in each others embrace. Usually such an intrusion would enrage the pair, but in this case it was an emergency.
Xena quickly awoke. She barley had time to register what was happening. She sprung out of the bed with the sheet wrapped tightly around her body.
"Get every solider up, everyone fights, go!" She ordered.
She solider left quickly. Outside was now a ruckus. Ares hurriedly got out of the bed and zapped his clothes on. He noticed Xena struggling with her own as she was trying to prevent panic. He wanted to let her be, he knew she didn't like to be distracted in situations like this, but he wanted to help. He zapped her clothes on as well.
Xena now in full armor threw Ares a quick glance of gratitude then ran out of the tent. He followed.
It was Gabrielle's rebellion. She was leading them in an attack against Xena's forces. By now every one was up and fighting. Xena out numbered Gabrielle's army, but the surprise had wounded them.
Glyphira ran to Xena's side.
"Glyphira! Get some men to get what they can on the ships so we can get out of here!" Xena yelled over the clamor.
"Were retreating!?"
Two of the enemy approached Xena and Glyphira and they both took their opponent down with one strike.
"I can't risk time and men, it's better to leave now!"
"But-"
"Do It!!"
Glyphira nodded respectfully and went off to follow orders.
Xena parried and slashed her way through Gabrielle's forces. The battle was violent and Xena noticed one of the enemies setting a torch to the tents and supplies.
She pulled to of her men aside.
"You and you, start gathering supplies onto the ships," She shouted. They had to get on board quickly.
"Everyone take their equipment on board!" Xena yelled to anyone who would listen.
Suddenly an attacker came from behind her. Xena quickly reacted and flipped him over her shoulder. In the heat of battle Xena took her sword and impaled the man.
"NO!" A voice shouted from behind her.
Xena quickly turned. It was Gabrielle, distraught and angry. Xena turned back around to view the victim that Gabrielle was so disturbed over. The man she killed had been joxer. This joxer was better built and better dressed. A trained solider. He must have still been close to Gabrielle in this world and joined with her. Xena felt a sudden sharp pang in her stomach. She couldn't take her eyes off his dead body. It reminded her to much of when Livia had killed Joxer in her world. A flood of emotions washed over her when a rapid attack hit her she broke her trance.
Gabrielle swung her sword swift and hard. Uncontrollable anger took over Gabrielle and she fought Xena with everything she had. Xena stayed on the defense not wanting to hurt Gabrielle.
"You killed him!" Gabrielle shouted, tears threatening her angry eyes.
"Gabrielle Stop!" Xena shouted back. Her blows were too hard and to threatening, Xena began to find it hard to defend her self. And in one sudden tragic moment Xena's defensive thrashes turned to one quick deadly blow. Xena's sword cut right through Gabrielle's stomach.
They meet eyes as Gabrielle fell to the hard dirt ground. Xena didn't follow the body with her eyes. Nothing registered, just shock. She stood her ground holding her blood stained sword, just staring off into nowhere.
Ares caught sight of the scene. He hadn't seen what happened but it didn't take long for him to figure it out. Ares finished fighting his opponent and ran to Xena.
"Everyone Go, go on the ships now!" He shouted out orders. And the army began to file onto the vessels as most of Gabrielle's soldiers began to retreat after catching sight of their fallen leader.
Xena still hadn't moved and Ares had to grab her forcefully by the arm and pull her onto the ship.
Once everyone was on, Ares gave the command to raise the anchor; the ships began to leave port.
Once everyone was settled and the injured were being tended to, Ares focus went back to Xena.
"Xena?" He said her name softly and tenderly.
She took a deep breath. "Were short men and supplies now, hopefully Draco and his legion didn't have any problems."
She began to walk across the deck briskly surveying the supplies.
"Xena?" Ares followed trying to get her attention.
"We might need to take a village once we get to Britannia"
Ares grabbed her arm quickly and turned her around to face him. "Xena!"
She didn't answer, just starred at him blankly.
"Are you ok?" He asked with sincere concern.
It finally hit her. She had just killed Gabrielle. It was real. Her heart sank and she was filled with self revulsion. What had she done! She couldn't speak couldn't move. She was in shock.
Ares searched her for a response. "Xena?"
Her eyes fell and she wedged her self away from Ares grip and walked off toward her Cabin room.
Ares began to follow but soon thought better of it. She needed to be alone.
The wooden door of the Cabin swung open dramatically. Xena took her weapons off and threw herself onto the bed. She rolled over onto her back and starred at the ceiling, eyes wide, and her throat hot and tight with tension. When she felt like she was just about ready to scream she closed her eyes tight and salty liquid dripped from the corners. Xena sighed deeply and quickly wiped the tears away.
She killed her two best friends. She had come to this place to prove to herself that she wouldn't be tempted by power and violence. She had given in and killed. She could have escaped without killing and she definitely should have had enough will power to not have her first reaction be killing, especially killing her dear friends. Even worse was how she had just tried to push it aside. After the kill she went straight to taking command as if nothing happened and she even suggested looting a village. The power and violence took over her and Gabrielle and Joxer paid for it. All because Ares wanted to spend time with her. Or was that really the real reason? Realization hit Xena and she pressed her hands to her temples. This was all part of Ares plan. He didn't bring her here for all the sappy reasons he claimed. He had brought her here because he knew she would be tempted and eventually give in. The bastard! He succeeded. She finally gave into him and given herself to him and even fought with him against Gabrielle. He knew exactly what would happen, he must have had it all planed out. Bring her to a world that was all she had used to ever dream about, show her how much she really wanted it and would love it, and as a bonus get her to kill her best friend, just to show her she still had it in her. That was his plan and she had fallen for it. How could she have been so blind? Just when she was actually starting to believe that his love for her was genuine, that he really could accept her for who she was. She hated herself now for not seeing it before; she had let her emotions interfere. She couldn't believe she had finally let Ares have everything he wanted and she couldn't believe that she spent hours last night in Ares arms contemplating over if she loved him as well. What a fool she had been. Xena wanted to leave this place. She had made an agreement though. Three days, and she doesn't go back on her promises.
It was starting to get late and no one had bothered Xena all day. She thought it was night now and wondered why they hadn't arrived on the shores of Britain yet. There must have been a complication.
Xena had slept for a few hours and hadn't eaten, wasn't really hungry though. She was restless however. She needed to get some fresh air, move around to take her mind off things.
Xena got up and went out on deck. The night was dark. The only light was from the moon which was mostly covered by clouds and the few torches that were scattered across the deck. It was cold out and Xena had left her coat below deck. She sighed deeply and warm fog streamed from her mouth. Xena wrapped her arms around herself and made her way over to the railing. She leaned against it and looked out into the dark distance.
Across the deck Ares spotted Xena. He stopped and watched her for a few seconds, contemplating on whether he should approach her. He wanted to talk to her and make sure she would be alright.
He slowly walked up next to her and leaned against the railing just as she was. It was silent. Only the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the side of the ship could be heard. Ares was trying to find the right words.
He looked over at Xena and noticed the goose bumps on her arms. It must be freezing out. He couldn't tell. Being a god he had the benefit of keeping his body at a comfortable temperature wherever and whenever he wished.
Xena's body was tense. He was the last person she wanted to be around. She was finding it hard to restrain herself from hurting him.
"Are you cold?"
Ares question broke the silence but not the tension. Xena offered him a quick glance. Ares was holding a large wool blanket.
"No."
She looked away back out into the vast ocean. Ares sighed. This wasn't going to be easy he might as well just get to the point.
"Are you ok?" His words were so tender. Xena couldn't help but to want to be convinced that he cared. It was all an act though. She didn't respond and just looked in the opposite direction.
This wasn't the way this was going to get solved. Ares was so sick of all her pride and stubbornness.
"Look if something it bothering you just tell me! I'm not going to play these games."
Xena couldn't bare the anger now. She turned to him. "You are what's bothering me! You and all the shit you put me through!" She yelled in his face and started to walk away from him.
Ares scowled at her. "What are you talking about?"
Xena turned back around. He walked up to her so they were face to face.
"I killed Gabrielle today! And Joxer!"
"How was I supposed to know you would go all out fighting and kill your buddies?"
"You knew damn well what would happen. It was a great plan Ares. I just wish I'd have figured it out sooner!"
"You think this was some sort of 'plan'?" Ares said in shock. She always thought he was up to something, and for the most part it was usually true, he really couldn't blame her for thinking this was as well.
"It's not just that Ares. It's everything you've done to me over the years. Teaching me to be a ruthless killer, trying to get me off my path of redemption, professing your love to me coincidently at the same time you learn your own life is in danger, killing ones I love, and taking the chance to raise my daughter away from me! You've made my life miserable!" Xena screamed with long pent up emotion.
"It's all about you isn't it?" Ares spoke sharply.
"What?"
"Everything is all about you. All you ever care about is you and your redemption. You're selfish Xena!"
Xena's anger was rising. She wanted to find the Hinds blood dagger and stick it in his heart. Words were wasted on him and she moved around him to leave.
Ares grabbed her arm tightly stopping her.
"I do what I do because I love you! I know it's not the best way to go about proving it to you but I don't know any other ways!"
She tried to break free of his grip but he held her to tight.
"You're a bastard!"
She finally tugged hard enough and started to walk off once again.
"Don't walk away from me I'm not done!" he yelled and pulled her back once again. This time he held her by the shoulders so she would be forced to look at him.
"I think you are done!" She spat,
"You do it to yourself Xena. You make everything so difficult that it takes and emotional toll on you. You're so set in your ways that you won't give people chances. You say I'm bad for you? Your good and I'm bad plain and simple? You more than anyone should know that the world isn't black and white, so stop thinking that everything is about you and that everything that has happened to you is my fault!"
Xena sneered at him with disgust. She couldn't believe what he had said. If he kept going she didn't think she would be able to contain herself. She knew it would be futile to fight him. He was a God. She just said the first thing that came to mind.
"I should have killed you with the rest of your family so I wouldn't have to be listening to this right now!" She growled.
The words stung hard and Ares was finally enraged. He growled and pushed her away. She fell back against the railing.
"You wouldn't be listening to it anyway because you would be dead if it weren't for me!"
Xena stood up straight. She didn't respond she knew he was right and what she said shouldn't have been said. The look on his face was both of hurt and anger. It was silent.
Xena's eyes dropped and she slowly walked away back into the cabin.
She wanted to leave now, now and never speak to Ares again. She had to wait to till the morning though. The bastard had had his last chance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~
"Xena! Xena! Lord Ares! Get up! Were under attack!" A man screamed from out side.
The man entered the tent to see the two all powerful leaders of the world, cozy in each others embrace. Usually such an intrusion would enrage the pair, but in this case it was an emergency.
Xena quickly awoke. She barley had time to register what was happening. She sprung out of the bed with the sheet wrapped tightly around her body.
"Get every solider up, everyone fights, go!" She ordered.
She solider left quickly. Outside was now a ruckus. Ares hurriedly got out of the bed and zapped his clothes on. He noticed Xena struggling with her own as she was trying to prevent panic. He wanted to let her be, he knew she didn't like to be distracted in situations like this, but he wanted to help. He zapped her clothes on as well.
Xena now in full armor threw Ares a quick glance of gratitude then ran out of the tent. He followed.
It was Gabrielle's rebellion. She was leading them in an attack against Xena's forces. By now every one was up and fighting. Xena out numbered Gabrielle's army, but the surprise had wounded them.
Glyphira ran to Xena's side.
"Glyphira! Get some men to get what they can on the ships so we can get out of here!" Xena yelled over the clamor.
"Were retreating!?"
Two of the enemy approached Xena and Glyphira and they both took their opponent down with one strike.
"I can't risk time and men, it's better to leave now!"
"But-"
"Do It!!"
Glyphira nodded respectfully and went off to follow orders.
Xena parried and slashed her way through Gabrielle's forces. The battle was violent and Xena noticed one of the enemies setting a torch to the tents and supplies.
She pulled to of her men aside.
"You and you, start gathering supplies onto the ships," She shouted. They had to get on board quickly.
"Everyone take their equipment on board!" Xena yelled to anyone who would listen.
Suddenly an attacker came from behind her. Xena quickly reacted and flipped him over her shoulder. In the heat of battle Xena took her sword and impaled the man.
"NO!" A voice shouted from behind her.
Xena quickly turned. It was Gabrielle, distraught and angry. Xena turned back around to view the victim that Gabrielle was so disturbed over. The man she killed had been joxer. This joxer was better built and better dressed. A trained solider. He must have still been close to Gabrielle in this world and joined with her. Xena felt a sudden sharp pang in her stomach. She couldn't take her eyes off his dead body. It reminded her to much of when Livia had killed Joxer in her world. A flood of emotions washed over her when a rapid attack hit her she broke her trance.
Gabrielle swung her sword swift and hard. Uncontrollable anger took over Gabrielle and she fought Xena with everything she had. Xena stayed on the defense not wanting to hurt Gabrielle.
"You killed him!" Gabrielle shouted, tears threatening her angry eyes.
"Gabrielle Stop!" Xena shouted back. Her blows were too hard and to threatening, Xena began to find it hard to defend her self. And in one sudden tragic moment Xena's defensive thrashes turned to one quick deadly blow. Xena's sword cut right through Gabrielle's stomach.
They meet eyes as Gabrielle fell to the hard dirt ground. Xena didn't follow the body with her eyes. Nothing registered, just shock. She stood her ground holding her blood stained sword, just staring off into nowhere.
Ares caught sight of the scene. He hadn't seen what happened but it didn't take long for him to figure it out. Ares finished fighting his opponent and ran to Xena.
"Everyone Go, go on the ships now!" He shouted out orders. And the army began to file onto the vessels as most of Gabrielle's soldiers began to retreat after catching sight of their fallen leader.
Xena still hadn't moved and Ares had to grab her forcefully by the arm and pull her onto the ship.
Once everyone was on, Ares gave the command to raise the anchor; the ships began to leave port.
Once everyone was settled and the injured were being tended to, Ares focus went back to Xena.
"Xena?" He said her name softly and tenderly.
She took a deep breath. "Were short men and supplies now, hopefully Draco and his legion didn't have any problems."
She began to walk across the deck briskly surveying the supplies.
"Xena?" Ares followed trying to get her attention.
"We might need to take a village once we get to Britannia"
Ares grabbed her arm quickly and turned her around to face him. "Xena!"
She didn't answer, just starred at him blankly.
"Are you ok?" He asked with sincere concern.
It finally hit her. She had just killed Gabrielle. It was real. Her heart sank and she was filled with self revulsion. What had she done! She couldn't speak couldn't move. She was in shock.
Ares searched her for a response. "Xena?"
Her eyes fell and she wedged her self away from Ares grip and walked off toward her Cabin room.
Ares began to follow but soon thought better of it. She needed to be alone.
The wooden door of the Cabin swung open dramatically. Xena took her weapons off and threw herself onto the bed. She rolled over onto her back and starred at the ceiling, eyes wide, and her throat hot and tight with tension. When she felt like she was just about ready to scream she closed her eyes tight and salty liquid dripped from the corners. Xena sighed deeply and quickly wiped the tears away.
She killed her two best friends. She had come to this place to prove to herself that she wouldn't be tempted by power and violence. She had given in and killed. She could have escaped without killing and she definitely should have had enough will power to not have her first reaction be killing, especially killing her dear friends. Even worse was how she had just tried to push it aside. After the kill she went straight to taking command as if nothing happened and she even suggested looting a village. The power and violence took over her and Gabrielle and Joxer paid for it. All because Ares wanted to spend time with her. Or was that really the real reason? Realization hit Xena and she pressed her hands to her temples. This was all part of Ares plan. He didn't bring her here for all the sappy reasons he claimed. He had brought her here because he knew she would be tempted and eventually give in. The bastard! He succeeded. She finally gave into him and given herself to him and even fought with him against Gabrielle. He knew exactly what would happen, he must have had it all planed out. Bring her to a world that was all she had used to ever dream about, show her how much she really wanted it and would love it, and as a bonus get her to kill her best friend, just to show her she still had it in her. That was his plan and she had fallen for it. How could she have been so blind? Just when she was actually starting to believe that his love for her was genuine, that he really could accept her for who she was. She hated herself now for not seeing it before; she had let her emotions interfere. She couldn't believe she had finally let Ares have everything he wanted and she couldn't believe that she spent hours last night in Ares arms contemplating over if she loved him as well. What a fool she had been. Xena wanted to leave this place. She had made an agreement though. Three days, and she doesn't go back on her promises.
It was starting to get late and no one had bothered Xena all day. She thought it was night now and wondered why they hadn't arrived on the shores of Britain yet. There must have been a complication.
Xena had slept for a few hours and hadn't eaten, wasn't really hungry though. She was restless however. She needed to get some fresh air, move around to take her mind off things.
Xena got up and went out on deck. The night was dark. The only light was from the moon which was mostly covered by clouds and the few torches that were scattered across the deck. It was cold out and Xena had left her coat below deck. She sighed deeply and warm fog streamed from her mouth. Xena wrapped her arms around herself and made her way over to the railing. She leaned against it and looked out into the dark distance.
Across the deck Ares spotted Xena. He stopped and watched her for a few seconds, contemplating on whether he should approach her. He wanted to talk to her and make sure she would be alright.
He slowly walked up next to her and leaned against the railing just as she was. It was silent. Only the rhythmic sound of the waves crashing against the side of the ship could be heard. Ares was trying to find the right words.
He looked over at Xena and noticed the goose bumps on her arms. It must be freezing out. He couldn't tell. Being a god he had the benefit of keeping his body at a comfortable temperature wherever and whenever he wished.
Xena's body was tense. He was the last person she wanted to be around. She was finding it hard to restrain herself from hurting him.
"Are you cold?"
Ares question broke the silence but not the tension. Xena offered him a quick glance. Ares was holding a large wool blanket.
"No."
She looked away back out into the vast ocean. Ares sighed. This wasn't going to be easy he might as well just get to the point.
"Are you ok?" His words were so tender. Xena couldn't help but to want to be convinced that he cared. It was all an act though. She didn't respond and just looked in the opposite direction.
This wasn't the way this was going to get solved. Ares was so sick of all her pride and stubbornness.
"Look if something it bothering you just tell me! I'm not going to play these games."
Xena couldn't bare the anger now. She turned to him. "You are what's bothering me! You and all the shit you put me through!" She yelled in his face and started to walk away from him.
Ares scowled at her. "What are you talking about?"
Xena turned back around. He walked up to her so they were face to face.
"I killed Gabrielle today! And Joxer!"
"How was I supposed to know you would go all out fighting and kill your buddies?"
"You knew damn well what would happen. It was a great plan Ares. I just wish I'd have figured it out sooner!"
"You think this was some sort of 'plan'?" Ares said in shock. She always thought he was up to something, and for the most part it was usually true, he really couldn't blame her for thinking this was as well.
"It's not just that Ares. It's everything you've done to me over the years. Teaching me to be a ruthless killer, trying to get me off my path of redemption, professing your love to me coincidently at the same time you learn your own life is in danger, killing ones I love, and taking the chance to raise my daughter away from me! You've made my life miserable!" Xena screamed with long pent up emotion.
"It's all about you isn't it?" Ares spoke sharply.
"What?"
"Everything is all about you. All you ever care about is you and your redemption. You're selfish Xena!"
Xena's anger was rising. She wanted to find the Hinds blood dagger and stick it in his heart. Words were wasted on him and she moved around him to leave.
Ares grabbed her arm tightly stopping her.
"I do what I do because I love you! I know it's not the best way to go about proving it to you but I don't know any other ways!"
She tried to break free of his grip but he held her to tight.
"You're a bastard!"
She finally tugged hard enough and started to walk off once again.
"Don't walk away from me I'm not done!" he yelled and pulled her back once again. This time he held her by the shoulders so she would be forced to look at him.
"I think you are done!" She spat,
"You do it to yourself Xena. You make everything so difficult that it takes and emotional toll on you. You're so set in your ways that you won't give people chances. You say I'm bad for you? Your good and I'm bad plain and simple? You more than anyone should know that the world isn't black and white, so stop thinking that everything is about you and that everything that has happened to you is my fault!"
Xena sneered at him with disgust. She couldn't believe what he had said. If he kept going she didn't think she would be able to contain herself. She knew it would be futile to fight him. He was a God. She just said the first thing that came to mind.
"I should have killed you with the rest of your family so I wouldn't have to be listening to this right now!" She growled.
The words stung hard and Ares was finally enraged. He growled and pushed her away. She fell back against the railing.
"You wouldn't be listening to it anyway because you would be dead if it weren't for me!"
Xena stood up straight. She didn't respond she knew he was right and what she said shouldn't have been said. The look on his face was both of hurt and anger. It was silent.
Xena's eyes dropped and she slowly walked away back into the cabin.
She wanted to leave now, now and never speak to Ares again. She had to wait to till the morning though. The bastard had had his last chance.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ ~