It was early afternoon when Xena and Gabrielle arrived at Ares temple
outside of Athens. The two cautiously approached the stairs leading to
the large temple doors. As Gabrielle stepped onto the first step Xena
stopped. After continuing a few more steps Gabrielle also stopped and
turned around to question her friend.
"Are you coming?"
Xena looked uncomfortable and shifted from foot to foot. "No," Xena paused. "Ares might be more cooperative if I'm not in the room."
Gabrielle nodded "I'll be right back." Xena was probably right. Or maybe she just wasn't ready to see and deal with Ares yet. Probably a little bit of both.
Gabrielle turned away from Xena and continued up the stairs toward the large doors of Ares temple.
Inside, the whole room was dark. The only light was from the large torches that lined the walls. The perimeter of the temple was decorated with antique weapons and art depicting famous past battles. In the center of the room was a large, intricately designed, black throne. Gabrielle walked slowly towards it taking in the images of the room and letting her eyes adjust to the darkness.
Gabrielle had no idea how this conversation would turn out, that was if there was a conversation at all. Chances were Ares would not even answer her let alone help her. Gabrielle hoped that some part of him would at least give her a chance to make a speech.
"Ares!" Gabrielle's voice echoed across the temple. There was nothing.
"Ares, we have to talk!" She shouted. Once again there was silence. Gabrielle began to get frustrated. There wasn't much time and she didn't want to deal with Ares hissy fits.
"Would you stop being a stubborn jerk and get down here!" Gabrielle barely got the last word out when a flash of blue light appeared before her on the throne.
Gabrielle stepped back and swallowed hard. She wasn't afraid of Ares but his temper could be somewhat intimidating at times.
Ares glared at her, obviously irritated. "What could you possibly need to say to me?"
Gabrielle took in a deep breath and stepped closer to him. "I need your help," She said calmly.
Ares smiled harshly "You need my help?...No, it's never just you, it's you and Xena... What, is she to much of a coward to even come in here?" Ares spat.
Ares was being childish and Gabrielle tried to suppress her frustration.
"Xena didn't even want to ask you. This was my idea."
Ares smirked mockingly. "What a surprise."
Gabrielle was always butting into things, especially things that had to do with him and Xena. Still, he would have thought that Gabrielle would be happy that Xena never wanted to speak to him again. Gabrielle never wanted him and Xena to be together anyways.
Gabrielle's frustration with him was growing.
"Just hear me out!" She said almost yelling.
Ares sighed, he wasn't really in the mood to argue either, but it was so much fun making the blonde angry.
"You have one minute," Ares said simply.
Gabrielle rolled her eyes; she wasn't going to play games. "Ares!"
"Fine, you have two minutes."
Gabrielle wanted to slap him. No wonder Xena was so mad at him. If he was acting anything like this when he was around her then she didn't blame Xena at all.
Gabrielle took a deep breath so she could sound professional when requesting Ares help.
"Athens is under attack and we need you to get a sword that only a God can find so we can give it to Athens's champion so they can defeat their enemy," Gabrielle said with out breathing.
When finished she took in a deep breath, relieved that Ares actually let her finish.
It was silent for a moment.
"What do I care about Athens?" Ares suddenly asked bitterly.
"Ares! If Athens is destroyed any followers you may have left there will be dead and when the enemy takes over, so will their gods! This means you will mean nothing to the people, you'll be forgotten!"
She had to throw that in. She knew that the only way Ares would help them is if he also felt threatened.
Ares thought about the consequences. He didn't want to help Xena. He was too angry with her to face her, but his followers were important.
"I suppose that is a valid point, what do I have to do?"
Finally, some cooperation.
"They weren't very specific but the sword is supposedly called the bonus sword, it has some kind of power that will help Athens defeat their enemy. I don't know if only a god can find and retrieve it or if the god has to find it and then the mortal can retrieve it," Gabrielle explained calmly.
Ares nodded in thought. "I'll see what I can find in the Olympus library. It sounds familiar, just another one of Athena's stupid magical weapons," Ares said rolling his eyes.
He soon slowly stood. Gabrielle watched carefully. "Thank you" She said simply. Ares nodded in response and disappeared in a bright flash of light.
Xena still stood at the foot of the stone stair way. She was gently leaned against a pillar with her arms crossed over her chest staring off into the distance.
Gabrielle was certainly taking long enough. Probably arguing with Ares.
Xena wasn't very confident that he would help them. The more she thought about what had happened between them the more she started to feel guilty, she wanted to see him. Had she over reacted? She was confused. Her instinct told her not to trust him that she was better off without him, but her heart told her that she cared for him. Xena remembered last night and what he had said to her when they laid in each others arms. He had told her that he loved her. Had he really meant it? As far as Xena knew, Ares thought Xena was asleep when he said it. If he had some plan worked up and he wasn't sincere then he wouldn't have bothered saying it while she couldn't hear it. Unless he knew she was just pretending to sleep, then he had played his cards perfectly.
Xena's thoughts were interrupted by the loud moan of the large doors opening. She stood up straight and gave her full attention to Gabrielle.
"Well, how did it go?" Xena asked expectantly.
Gabrielle smiled and quickly jogged down the stairs to her friends' side.
"Exactly how I thought it would," she Sighed. "He'll start off saying something rude, then I finally get a chance to tell him what I want, he'll say he doesn't care, I give him a reason to and he agrees."
Xena looked anxious "So where is he?"
Gabrielle couldn't tell if she was in such a hurry because Xena wanted to see Ares or just because she wanted it to be over with.
"ahh, he went to do some research."
Xena rolled her eyes. "That could take forever," she sighed.
Within seconds of Xena's comment a flash of light erupted and Ares appeared across from her.
"Or five minutes," Ares said with annoyance. He glanced at Xena with an unkind look. Xena pursed her lips and quickly looked away from him. Ares held his glare for a second longer then continued. "This is what I found."
Ares handed a small scroll to Gabrielle. She took it carefully in her hands and looked it over.
She read out loud. "The one who possesses the Sword of Bonus is invincible in battle. Only a god can find the location of the sword. Once the location is found a mortal may enter and retrieve it."
"So all I have to do is find this place and take you there right?" Ares asked.
"Right" Gabrielle smiled.
Xena was getting frustrated.
"So where is it?" Xena cut in.
Ares turned to her annoyed. Its bad enough they have to work together in this, but she can at least stop acting childish.
"How in Tuataras should I know?!" Ares angry expression quickly turned to realization. "Actually, that's a good place to look."
Xena rolled her eyes. "No, that's not where something like that would be."
Ares glared at her once again this time stepping closer to her. Xena stood her ground and returned his glare. If he wanted to fight she'd be ready.
"Ok Ms. Know it all! Where is it then?" Ares asked mockingly.
Gabrielle sensed the strong tension between the two. They didn't have time to waist and she needed to stop this before it got ugly and one of them did something else they'll regret.
"Hey, Hey, hey! Stop!" Gabrielle stepped in between them. She breathed deeply and calmed her voice.
"Now Ares, Where do you think the sword is?"
Ares looked at Xena. "Something like that..." Ares broke his stare from Xena and looked over to Gabrielle. "Would be in a spiritual realm, that's why only a god can find it. It's one of those things that Athena knows where it was but never bothered to tell the rest of us."
"Can you think of anything she mentioned before about it?" Gabrielle pushed.
"No, but I think I know where to find it," Ares said obviously in thought.
"Where?"
"Not in Tataras..." He said offering another glance Xena's way. "But in the Elysian fields."
Both Xena and Gabrielle looked at him waiting for more information, for an explanation.
"It's called the Bonus sword. That's the Latin word for good. And good people go to the Elysian Fields."
Xena gave him a board and patronizing look. "Brilliant connection Ares."
Ares grew angry, but before he could respond Gabrielle cut in once again.
"NO! Xena, I think Ares is on to something. The connection makes sense and the Elysian Fields is a spiritual realm. It's worth a try."
Xena pursed her lips. "Your right."
Gabrielle smiled. She was always relieved when Xena didn't argue with her.
"Ok, I'm going to go tie the horses up. I'll be right back," Gabrielle said.
She was cautious to leave Xena and Ares alone. They might kill each other, but having a second of alone time might be just what they need.
Gabrielle started to walk away with the horses and as she did Xena began to follow her. Gabrielle quickly stopped and turned to her friend.
"No, stay here," she insisted.
Xena gave Gabrielle an exasperated look as if to say don't leave me alone. Gabrielle understood and gently put her hand on Xena's arms. She smiled and shifted her eyes Ares direction. Xena slowly moved away and Gabrielle turned and continued to walk away.
Xena watched her go and after a short while Xena turned back toward Ares. Ares was now seated on the stub of an old stone pillar. His arms were propped up on his knees and he looked down into the dirt. Xena watched him and shifted uncomfortably. She couldn't work like this. She had to talk to him. She had never seen him this upset and angry before. Could he really be hurting over what had happened?
Xena stepped closer to him. A second thought ran through her head. Maybe she shouldn't try and talk to him, maybe she's better off. She was about to turn back when Ares looked up at her. Xena stopped short and held her breath. No turning back now.
"We need to talk," She said quietly.
Ares showed no emotion, "Fine talk."
Xena took in a deep breath. She hated apologizing and she hated to admit she was wrong.
"I shouldn't have said what I said," Xena said softly. She wanted this to go well and easy.
Ares offered her a harsh look and stood up fast. "Damn right you shouldn't have!" Ares yelled. Xena should have thought of that a long time ago.
Xena cringed. So much for well and easy. If he wanted to be this way then she wasn't going to try either.
"Forget it!" She yelled back. "All I have to say is thank you for helping us and after this is over we never have to see each other again!" The last words came out almost sadly. Xena sighed with emotion and turned away from him.
It was silent.
As mad as Ares was at her, He really could not imagine a world without ever seeing her.
He hesitated to ask. "Is that what you want?" He questioned her quietly.
Xena was facing away from him and she shut her eyes tight. Of course that's not what she wanted. Xena started to turn around to face him again. Before she could say anything however, Gabrielle was back already.
She approached smiling. "Ready to Go?"
The grass was soft and abundant and the sweet sent of spring flowers drifted along the gentle breeze. It took some time for their eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight that shined on the Elysian Fields.
Xena and Gabrielle turned in place and took in the surroundings.
"The Elysian Fields..." Gabrielle stated in wonder. "It's amazing."
Ares frowned and squinted into the sunlight.
"Yeah, peace, love, and perfect weather."
Xena frowned as well. "Doesn't sound very...."
"Exciting," Both Xena and Ares stated at once. They quickly glanced at each other and averted their eyes away from each other just as quickly. Now wasn't the time for an awkward situation.
Ares cleared his throat. "It's this way," he said simply and the girls followed behind him.
After a few minutes of walking, the threesome approached a small yet glorious temple made of stone that was decorated with columns and statues.
Ares stopped.
"This is it, it's in there."
"How do you know?" Gabrielle asked. Ares looked down at her with a frustrated expression.
"Godly intuition," he grunted.
Gabrielle didn't look satisfied and Ares rolled his eyes.
"It's Athena's only temple in the Elysian fields. Those who were devoted to her on the other side remain devotees in the after life. This is where they go to pay tribute," Ares explained.
Gabrielle nodded in acceptance. Ares always had to do things the hard way.
Xena touched Gabrielle lightly on the shoulder gaining her attention.
"Let's go," She looked over to Ares "We'll be right back."
With that, Xena and Gabrielle started briskly for Athena's temple.
Ares watched them go impatiently. They better be right back, he had things to do, wars to start. And instead he was helping a woman he was angry with to stop a war. He really was whipped.
Xena and Gabrielle slowly pushed open the large wooden doors of the grand temple.
The interior was dark, lighted only by the large torches that surrounded the perfectly circular room. In the center of the room was an altar that was illuminated by a beam of sunlight that fell in through the ceiling. On this altar propped up in all its glory was the Bonus sword.
Xena and Gabrielle cautiously started to walk towards it. As they approached the altar to brawny guards Stepped out from the shadows and blocked the couples path to the altar. They were enormous warriors and wore heavily decorated masks which made them look unhuman, if they ever were humans.
"Who are you?" The first guard growled.
Xena glared back at him and challenged the guards by stepping closer to them.
"We're here for the Bonus Sword."
"Are you Athena's chosen champion?"
Xena gave him a crooked smile. Why worship a long dead goddess?
"No."
"Then you may not obtain the Bonus sword. Athena must choose a champion and accompany them here."
Xena rolled her eyes with frustration.
"Obviously you don't get out much," Xena sighed
"Athena is dead," Gabrielle finished earnestly.
The guards showed no reaction.
"The great goddess can not die."
Xena stepped closer once again.
"Look, we're in a hurry, so if you'll just step aside we'll be on our way."
As soon as Xena took another step the guard reached up with one enormous arm and pushed Xena away roughly. This sparked Gabrielle's anger and with a quick, defensive reaction Gabrielle pulled out her sais and went after the Guard who pushed Xena.
She took two swings at the first guard, one hit but within seconds he reacted and she was soon knocked roughly to the ground where she lay unconscious.
Xena quickly unsheathed her sword. Normally she would avoid killing the enemy and just render them unconscious, but these guys were different, she would have to take them out.
Without hesitation Xena plunged her sword into the chest of the first guard.
When she finally turned her attention away from the first guard to the next, he wasn't there any longer. Immediately Xena turned around to where Gabrielle had fallen. Her heart tightened when she saw the guard standing over her best friend with his sword raised high. Xena quickly reacted and sprung into a high flying back flip over the head of her enemy landing directly between him and Gabrielle.
Xena dodged the sword and delivered a fierce kick to the guard's stomach.
The blow didn't effect him greatly only made him stumble slightly back ward. Xena took advantage of this and went in for the attack. Unfortunately the guard recovered quicker then she expected and he blocked the strike of her sword with an overpowering force. A fierce sword fight quickly broke out. The guard was much stronger than Xena and she was finding it hard to get in any hits.
Xena lost focus for one second and the enemy kicked her hard to the floor. The guard brought down the sword but didn't hit his target. Xena had reacted quickly and plunged the sword into his gut.
Xena pulled it out and immediately went to Gabrielle's side.
She was fine. She would regain consciousness in no time.
Xena double checked to make sure Gabrielle would be OK and then she stood up and headed toward the altar for the sword.
As she approached closer to the altar her pace slowed. The sword of Bonus was magnificent and seemed to glow within. Xena took in the sight and slowly began to reach for it. As she grabbed it and took it carefully from the altar an incredible pain flowed through her body. She took in a short horrified breath and arched her back. Within seconds Xena dropped the sword and collapsed hard onto the ground. Behind her laid the first guard who Xena thought she had killed. With his last breath he managed to raise his sword and stab Xena in the back.
"Are you coming?"
Xena looked uncomfortable and shifted from foot to foot. "No," Xena paused. "Ares might be more cooperative if I'm not in the room."
Gabrielle nodded "I'll be right back." Xena was probably right. Or maybe she just wasn't ready to see and deal with Ares yet. Probably a little bit of both.
Gabrielle turned away from Xena and continued up the stairs toward the large doors of Ares temple.
Inside, the whole room was dark. The only light was from the large torches that lined the walls. The perimeter of the temple was decorated with antique weapons and art depicting famous past battles. In the center of the room was a large, intricately designed, black throne. Gabrielle walked slowly towards it taking in the images of the room and letting her eyes adjust to the darkness.
Gabrielle had no idea how this conversation would turn out, that was if there was a conversation at all. Chances were Ares would not even answer her let alone help her. Gabrielle hoped that some part of him would at least give her a chance to make a speech.
"Ares!" Gabrielle's voice echoed across the temple. There was nothing.
"Ares, we have to talk!" She shouted. Once again there was silence. Gabrielle began to get frustrated. There wasn't much time and she didn't want to deal with Ares hissy fits.
"Would you stop being a stubborn jerk and get down here!" Gabrielle barely got the last word out when a flash of blue light appeared before her on the throne.
Gabrielle stepped back and swallowed hard. She wasn't afraid of Ares but his temper could be somewhat intimidating at times.
Ares glared at her, obviously irritated. "What could you possibly need to say to me?"
Gabrielle took in a deep breath and stepped closer to him. "I need your help," She said calmly.
Ares smiled harshly "You need my help?...No, it's never just you, it's you and Xena... What, is she to much of a coward to even come in here?" Ares spat.
Ares was being childish and Gabrielle tried to suppress her frustration.
"Xena didn't even want to ask you. This was my idea."
Ares smirked mockingly. "What a surprise."
Gabrielle was always butting into things, especially things that had to do with him and Xena. Still, he would have thought that Gabrielle would be happy that Xena never wanted to speak to him again. Gabrielle never wanted him and Xena to be together anyways.
Gabrielle's frustration with him was growing.
"Just hear me out!" She said almost yelling.
Ares sighed, he wasn't really in the mood to argue either, but it was so much fun making the blonde angry.
"You have one minute," Ares said simply.
Gabrielle rolled her eyes; she wasn't going to play games. "Ares!"
"Fine, you have two minutes."
Gabrielle wanted to slap him. No wonder Xena was so mad at him. If he was acting anything like this when he was around her then she didn't blame Xena at all.
Gabrielle took a deep breath so she could sound professional when requesting Ares help.
"Athens is under attack and we need you to get a sword that only a God can find so we can give it to Athens's champion so they can defeat their enemy," Gabrielle said with out breathing.
When finished she took in a deep breath, relieved that Ares actually let her finish.
It was silent for a moment.
"What do I care about Athens?" Ares suddenly asked bitterly.
"Ares! If Athens is destroyed any followers you may have left there will be dead and when the enemy takes over, so will their gods! This means you will mean nothing to the people, you'll be forgotten!"
She had to throw that in. She knew that the only way Ares would help them is if he also felt threatened.
Ares thought about the consequences. He didn't want to help Xena. He was too angry with her to face her, but his followers were important.
"I suppose that is a valid point, what do I have to do?"
Finally, some cooperation.
"They weren't very specific but the sword is supposedly called the bonus sword, it has some kind of power that will help Athens defeat their enemy. I don't know if only a god can find and retrieve it or if the god has to find it and then the mortal can retrieve it," Gabrielle explained calmly.
Ares nodded in thought. "I'll see what I can find in the Olympus library. It sounds familiar, just another one of Athena's stupid magical weapons," Ares said rolling his eyes.
He soon slowly stood. Gabrielle watched carefully. "Thank you" She said simply. Ares nodded in response and disappeared in a bright flash of light.
Xena still stood at the foot of the stone stair way. She was gently leaned against a pillar with her arms crossed over her chest staring off into the distance.
Gabrielle was certainly taking long enough. Probably arguing with Ares.
Xena wasn't very confident that he would help them. The more she thought about what had happened between them the more she started to feel guilty, she wanted to see him. Had she over reacted? She was confused. Her instinct told her not to trust him that she was better off without him, but her heart told her that she cared for him. Xena remembered last night and what he had said to her when they laid in each others arms. He had told her that he loved her. Had he really meant it? As far as Xena knew, Ares thought Xena was asleep when he said it. If he had some plan worked up and he wasn't sincere then he wouldn't have bothered saying it while she couldn't hear it. Unless he knew she was just pretending to sleep, then he had played his cards perfectly.
Xena's thoughts were interrupted by the loud moan of the large doors opening. She stood up straight and gave her full attention to Gabrielle.
"Well, how did it go?" Xena asked expectantly.
Gabrielle smiled and quickly jogged down the stairs to her friends' side.
"Exactly how I thought it would," she Sighed. "He'll start off saying something rude, then I finally get a chance to tell him what I want, he'll say he doesn't care, I give him a reason to and he agrees."
Xena looked anxious "So where is he?"
Gabrielle couldn't tell if she was in such a hurry because Xena wanted to see Ares or just because she wanted it to be over with.
"ahh, he went to do some research."
Xena rolled her eyes. "That could take forever," she sighed.
Within seconds of Xena's comment a flash of light erupted and Ares appeared across from her.
"Or five minutes," Ares said with annoyance. He glanced at Xena with an unkind look. Xena pursed her lips and quickly looked away from him. Ares held his glare for a second longer then continued. "This is what I found."
Ares handed a small scroll to Gabrielle. She took it carefully in her hands and looked it over.
She read out loud. "The one who possesses the Sword of Bonus is invincible in battle. Only a god can find the location of the sword. Once the location is found a mortal may enter and retrieve it."
"So all I have to do is find this place and take you there right?" Ares asked.
"Right" Gabrielle smiled.
Xena was getting frustrated.
"So where is it?" Xena cut in.
Ares turned to her annoyed. Its bad enough they have to work together in this, but she can at least stop acting childish.
"How in Tuataras should I know?!" Ares angry expression quickly turned to realization. "Actually, that's a good place to look."
Xena rolled her eyes. "No, that's not where something like that would be."
Ares glared at her once again this time stepping closer to her. Xena stood her ground and returned his glare. If he wanted to fight she'd be ready.
"Ok Ms. Know it all! Where is it then?" Ares asked mockingly.
Gabrielle sensed the strong tension between the two. They didn't have time to waist and she needed to stop this before it got ugly and one of them did something else they'll regret.
"Hey, Hey, hey! Stop!" Gabrielle stepped in between them. She breathed deeply and calmed her voice.
"Now Ares, Where do you think the sword is?"
Ares looked at Xena. "Something like that..." Ares broke his stare from Xena and looked over to Gabrielle. "Would be in a spiritual realm, that's why only a god can find it. It's one of those things that Athena knows where it was but never bothered to tell the rest of us."
"Can you think of anything she mentioned before about it?" Gabrielle pushed.
"No, but I think I know where to find it," Ares said obviously in thought.
"Where?"
"Not in Tataras..." He said offering another glance Xena's way. "But in the Elysian fields."
Both Xena and Gabrielle looked at him waiting for more information, for an explanation.
"It's called the Bonus sword. That's the Latin word for good. And good people go to the Elysian Fields."
Xena gave him a board and patronizing look. "Brilliant connection Ares."
Ares grew angry, but before he could respond Gabrielle cut in once again.
"NO! Xena, I think Ares is on to something. The connection makes sense and the Elysian Fields is a spiritual realm. It's worth a try."
Xena pursed her lips. "Your right."
Gabrielle smiled. She was always relieved when Xena didn't argue with her.
"Ok, I'm going to go tie the horses up. I'll be right back," Gabrielle said.
She was cautious to leave Xena and Ares alone. They might kill each other, but having a second of alone time might be just what they need.
Gabrielle started to walk away with the horses and as she did Xena began to follow her. Gabrielle quickly stopped and turned to her friend.
"No, stay here," she insisted.
Xena gave Gabrielle an exasperated look as if to say don't leave me alone. Gabrielle understood and gently put her hand on Xena's arms. She smiled and shifted her eyes Ares direction. Xena slowly moved away and Gabrielle turned and continued to walk away.
Xena watched her go and after a short while Xena turned back toward Ares. Ares was now seated on the stub of an old stone pillar. His arms were propped up on his knees and he looked down into the dirt. Xena watched him and shifted uncomfortably. She couldn't work like this. She had to talk to him. She had never seen him this upset and angry before. Could he really be hurting over what had happened?
Xena stepped closer to him. A second thought ran through her head. Maybe she shouldn't try and talk to him, maybe she's better off. She was about to turn back when Ares looked up at her. Xena stopped short and held her breath. No turning back now.
"We need to talk," She said quietly.
Ares showed no emotion, "Fine talk."
Xena took in a deep breath. She hated apologizing and she hated to admit she was wrong.
"I shouldn't have said what I said," Xena said softly. She wanted this to go well and easy.
Ares offered her a harsh look and stood up fast. "Damn right you shouldn't have!" Ares yelled. Xena should have thought of that a long time ago.
Xena cringed. So much for well and easy. If he wanted to be this way then she wasn't going to try either.
"Forget it!" She yelled back. "All I have to say is thank you for helping us and after this is over we never have to see each other again!" The last words came out almost sadly. Xena sighed with emotion and turned away from him.
It was silent.
As mad as Ares was at her, He really could not imagine a world without ever seeing her.
He hesitated to ask. "Is that what you want?" He questioned her quietly.
Xena was facing away from him and she shut her eyes tight. Of course that's not what she wanted. Xena started to turn around to face him again. Before she could say anything however, Gabrielle was back already.
She approached smiling. "Ready to Go?"
The grass was soft and abundant and the sweet sent of spring flowers drifted along the gentle breeze. It took some time for their eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight that shined on the Elysian Fields.
Xena and Gabrielle turned in place and took in the surroundings.
"The Elysian Fields..." Gabrielle stated in wonder. "It's amazing."
Ares frowned and squinted into the sunlight.
"Yeah, peace, love, and perfect weather."
Xena frowned as well. "Doesn't sound very...."
"Exciting," Both Xena and Ares stated at once. They quickly glanced at each other and averted their eyes away from each other just as quickly. Now wasn't the time for an awkward situation.
Ares cleared his throat. "It's this way," he said simply and the girls followed behind him.
After a few minutes of walking, the threesome approached a small yet glorious temple made of stone that was decorated with columns and statues.
Ares stopped.
"This is it, it's in there."
"How do you know?" Gabrielle asked. Ares looked down at her with a frustrated expression.
"Godly intuition," he grunted.
Gabrielle didn't look satisfied and Ares rolled his eyes.
"It's Athena's only temple in the Elysian fields. Those who were devoted to her on the other side remain devotees in the after life. This is where they go to pay tribute," Ares explained.
Gabrielle nodded in acceptance. Ares always had to do things the hard way.
Xena touched Gabrielle lightly on the shoulder gaining her attention.
"Let's go," She looked over to Ares "We'll be right back."
With that, Xena and Gabrielle started briskly for Athena's temple.
Ares watched them go impatiently. They better be right back, he had things to do, wars to start. And instead he was helping a woman he was angry with to stop a war. He really was whipped.
Xena and Gabrielle slowly pushed open the large wooden doors of the grand temple.
The interior was dark, lighted only by the large torches that surrounded the perfectly circular room. In the center of the room was an altar that was illuminated by a beam of sunlight that fell in through the ceiling. On this altar propped up in all its glory was the Bonus sword.
Xena and Gabrielle cautiously started to walk towards it. As they approached the altar to brawny guards Stepped out from the shadows and blocked the couples path to the altar. They were enormous warriors and wore heavily decorated masks which made them look unhuman, if they ever were humans.
"Who are you?" The first guard growled.
Xena glared back at him and challenged the guards by stepping closer to them.
"We're here for the Bonus Sword."
"Are you Athena's chosen champion?"
Xena gave him a crooked smile. Why worship a long dead goddess?
"No."
"Then you may not obtain the Bonus sword. Athena must choose a champion and accompany them here."
Xena rolled her eyes with frustration.
"Obviously you don't get out much," Xena sighed
"Athena is dead," Gabrielle finished earnestly.
The guards showed no reaction.
"The great goddess can not die."
Xena stepped closer once again.
"Look, we're in a hurry, so if you'll just step aside we'll be on our way."
As soon as Xena took another step the guard reached up with one enormous arm and pushed Xena away roughly. This sparked Gabrielle's anger and with a quick, defensive reaction Gabrielle pulled out her sais and went after the Guard who pushed Xena.
She took two swings at the first guard, one hit but within seconds he reacted and she was soon knocked roughly to the ground where she lay unconscious.
Xena quickly unsheathed her sword. Normally she would avoid killing the enemy and just render them unconscious, but these guys were different, she would have to take them out.
Without hesitation Xena plunged her sword into the chest of the first guard.
When she finally turned her attention away from the first guard to the next, he wasn't there any longer. Immediately Xena turned around to where Gabrielle had fallen. Her heart tightened when she saw the guard standing over her best friend with his sword raised high. Xena quickly reacted and sprung into a high flying back flip over the head of her enemy landing directly between him and Gabrielle.
Xena dodged the sword and delivered a fierce kick to the guard's stomach.
The blow didn't effect him greatly only made him stumble slightly back ward. Xena took advantage of this and went in for the attack. Unfortunately the guard recovered quicker then she expected and he blocked the strike of her sword with an overpowering force. A fierce sword fight quickly broke out. The guard was much stronger than Xena and she was finding it hard to get in any hits.
Xena lost focus for one second and the enemy kicked her hard to the floor. The guard brought down the sword but didn't hit his target. Xena had reacted quickly and plunged the sword into his gut.
Xena pulled it out and immediately went to Gabrielle's side.
She was fine. She would regain consciousness in no time.
Xena double checked to make sure Gabrielle would be OK and then she stood up and headed toward the altar for the sword.
As she approached closer to the altar her pace slowed. The sword of Bonus was magnificent and seemed to glow within. Xena took in the sight and slowly began to reach for it. As she grabbed it and took it carefully from the altar an incredible pain flowed through her body. She took in a short horrified breath and arched her back. Within seconds Xena dropped the sword and collapsed hard onto the ground. Behind her laid the first guard who Xena thought she had killed. With his last breath he managed to raise his sword and stab Xena in the back.