Once inside, the dozens of guards seemed to vanish out of sight; absent were the rumbling sounds of bodies hurtling onto the floor, and the clashing of swords.
"Something's not right. Do you hear that?" Xena asked, turning to Gabrielle.
"I don't hear a thing" The bard replied.
"Exactly, It's too quiet"
A sudden crashing sound from behind them called their attention. Lying on the ground was one of the guards, with Evander standing behind him.
"Nice of you to show" Hercules said.
"Thought you guys could use some help" Evander replied with a smug expression.
"So much for it being too quiet" Eve said, sarcastically.
"So any idea where that little asshole is hiding?" Evander asked.
"Not sure, why don't we ask your little friend over there" Xena replied, walking over to the guard who was now attempting to get up. "Not so fast" She said, stepping on him forcing him back down. "Where is Dahak?"
The guard said nothing choosing instead to spit in her direction.
Xena then grabbed the guard by the hair and placed her sword violently against his neck; close enough to cut the skin a little, but not close enough to draw blood. "I won't ask again" She warned.
"He's in the throne room… down this hall and to the right" The guard quickly answered.
Xena removed her sword from beneath his neck and released his hair. Getting up she signaled for the others to follow her.
"But what about the guard, we can't just leave him here. He might try to warn the others or something" Morrigan said.
"That's true, we should take him with us just in case he's lying" Evander added.
"Fine then bring him" Xena replied, with noticeable impatience in her tone.
But when they turned around the guard was gone. With no time to stand there and wonder what in Tartarus was going on, they made their way to the throne room. Inside they found dozens of Dahak's soldiers lined up against the walls, weapons in hand. The room was dimly lit with no windows and only torches as the source of light. In the center of the room there stood a throne with the dark figure of a hooded man seated in it.
"Dahak" Xena whispered, as she stared into the dark figure.
"Nice of you all to finally join us" Dahak said, as he then removed his hood to reveal his face. His eyes were as red as blood, his skin was covered in green scales and on top his head lay two deadly sharp horns, which were surrounded by long strains of black hair. "We have been waiting for you"
"What do you mean 'you've been waiting for us'?" Hercules asked, confused.
"Did you honestly believe that you all would have made it this far if I wasn't allowing you to? Such stupid mortals you are, to think that you could have actually entered my castle so easily. No you see I wanted you all here so that I wouldn't have to go through the trouble of having to find you all myself. And I am so pleased that Aphrodite decided brought you all here, I was starting to get a little impatient" Dahak replied, then paused to stand up. "Oh and Xena please accept my deepest apologizes had I known Ares would interfere I would have made certain that my warrior had stabbed both of you; So that you'd be together as you both died a slow agonizing painful death. But didn't worry I'll make certain that your death will by as excruciating as his" Dahak added, with a sinister laugh.
"You bastard" Xena said, as she started to rush towards Dahak.
"GUARDS ATTACK" Dahak yelled.
With the craving of blood in their eyes, guards from all sides swarmed around them. Xena began fighting her way to Dahak, running her sword though anyone who got in her path. She could feel her heart racing as the fury grew inside her. And at that moment all she could think about was how it would feel when she plunged her sword into Dahak's heartless body.
As Xena battled her way through the crowd of guards, Gabrielle and Eve fought side by side. Fighting two opponents, Gabrielle swiftly knocked one of them down with a low kick then turned her attention back to the other. He hurtled towards her as his sword swung rapidly in the air. Dodging then blocking the blade she grabbed his arm flipping the guard, sending him crashing into the ground.
Gabrielle was caught by surprise when she looked up to see the sharp edge of a blade heading her way. But all of a sudden a second blade appeared colliding with the first. Gabrielle stepped back and watched as Eve quickly took down the guard and ran her sword across his chest. Gabrielle muttered thanks to Eve, as both women then brought their focus back on the number of guards around them.
Hercules in the meantime had his hands full as a great deal of guards encircled him, then pounced on top him forming a mountain of bodies on the floor. Without warning the pile began moving as bodies then flew off of it and into the walls. Lifting one of the guards over his head, Hercules paused before throwing him onto a group of others. He then turned to check on Morrigan for a second. Who was handling her self-quite well as she fought against two opponents.
To the right of her were Solan and Evander who were both fearlessly battling a number of Dahak's soldiers. Without hesitation Evander dove his sword through his challengers one by one. While Solan was not as quick to kill, he instead opted to knockout his opponent with the end of his sword. The battle raged on as neither side would allow the other to succeed.
Meanwhile outside the castle Ares and Brigid were waiting impatiently, wondering what was happening to the others. Brigid paced back and forth with a look of worry on her face. Images arose in her mind, of her mother and the others in terrible trouble. She shook her head trying to get the images to disappear. Telling herself not to worry, and repeating over and over that they were all right. But the concern still lingered in her mind. It was getting late and the forest was too calm for comfort.
"What is taking them so long?" She said, putting her hands on her head. "What do you think is going on in there?" She asked turning to Ares. But he did not respond. "Ares are you okay?" She questioned walking to him and kneeling down.
Ares just lay there frozen, staring endlessly into the darkness of the forest. His short jet-black hair was untamed, with pieces of twigs and shrubs entangled in it. His once radiate skin color was gone leaving an eerie pale complexion in it's place. Purple veins covered his entire body, and his mouth was a blood red.
"Ares, Ares" Brigid called out, unsure what else to do. Knowing that if she shook him it would only cause him more pain; she just sat there hoping he would respond. "Ares can you hear me?" She asked with fear in her voice.
"Yeah" Ares finally answered, with his head still turned.
"You scared me there for a second" Brigid said, taking a deep breath. "What were you thinking about?"
"What do you think?" Ares coldly replied.
"It was merely a question. Not one for conversation, are you?"
"Figure that all by yourself… now did you"
"I think I made the wrong choice staying here" Brigid said under her breath, before getting up and walking a small distance from Ares.
Closing his eyes for a moment Ares wondered what he was doing, lashing out at Brigid for no reason at all. He wasn't angry with her, he was angry with himself for being so useless. As Xena and the others were fighting Dahak, he was lying somewhere waiting to die. So weak that he couldn't even stand up let alone carry a sword, but worst of all he was moral. Ares had imagined that if in fact he did die one day that it would be in battle with his sword in his hand, like a true warrior. Not like some wretched mortal suffering a slow excruciating death. He would rather grab a dagger and slit his own throat, than go through any more agonizing pain. But that would be selfish of him, to be so spineless and just give up. And what would Xena think if she knew what he was considering.
Shame crept into his mind at the thought of her. Who knew what was happening in that castle filled with such darkness. Xena could have been dead for all he knew, and here he was feeling pity for himself. Suddenly his thoughts wondered to Sabrina. What would happen to her if both him and Xena died? Or even worst if he survived while Xena did not. He could not envision losing her again, not after all they've been through.
All of a sudden a memory appeared before his eyes, it was only a week ago when it happened. Xena was trying to teach Sabrina how to fish. The young girl stood motionless waiting just as her mother had told her. And when she could feel a fish swimming around her feet, she rapidly reached for it. Lifting it out of the water, she held on tightly. The fish wiggled and squirmed as it splashed water in every direction. Amazement and shock could be heard in her laughter as she fought with the fish. With her mother standing behind her giving a helping hand, they threw it onto the grass. Then celebrated their victory, cheering and hollering their way out of the water. Running into her father's arms she giggled and smiled. He then lifted her onto his shoulders spinning her around and marching all over the camp.
He remembered turning to Xena who was smiling and laughing with such a glow that it even surpassed that of the heavens. How he would love to see her smile like that once again. To see her face light up with such happiness, and to see the warmth in her eyes. But at last it would seem as if it should remain a dream. For he could feel himself slowly departing from this world. Why have the fates tormented me so? He shouted in his mind.
For once in his existence he was truly happy, but now it all seemed to be vanishing before his eyes. Although he lay there dying he knew in his heart had he been given a chance to be immortal but not be with Xena, he would have rather chosen death; because at least they would have been together, even if it was only for a short time. It is better to die and have been loved, than to live forever but never truly love. He thought to himself then laughed inside. He could picture Gabrielle saying something like that, probably reading one of her poems. Just his luck it turned out the bard was actually starting to rub off on him.
Ares made a soft chuckle, which came out as a cough, he then turned to Brigid. Minus well go to Tartarus with a clear conscious. He thought to himself.
"Brigid" He called. She turned to look at him, her face appeared irritated as if anticipating a rude remark from him. "Look, I'm…I mean the way I acted…" Ares said, trying to find the words to say.
"Are you trying to say that you're sorry?" Brigid asked, with an eyebrow raised.
"Yeah something like that"
"Well I suppose I could forgive you" She replied, walking back to him. "Now see that wasn't so hard"
"Speak for your self"
"You know you're nothing how I imagined you'd be" She said, sitting down beside him.
"Oh really"
"Yeah, according to my father you're supposed to be this evil heartless creature who kills mortals for your amusement"
"Sorry to disappoint you"
"I don't get this whole thing with you and my father. Is it just jealousy or is there something more?"
"Nope, that's about it"
"But why? What's the point?"
"Lets just say I don't like to share"
"Wow I hope the wars you start have better excuses than that"
"Some do, most don't"
"But I still don't get it you're brothers aren't you?"
"Half brothers, but what's your point?"
"It's been how many years, don't you think it's time to get over it already?"
"It's not that simple"
"Is that the true reason, or is it your pride?"
Ares gave her a wry look then dismissed the whole thing. The next few moments were spent it silence.
Back inside the castle it seemed as if Xena and the others were gaining the upper hand. In a matter of minutes the room was filled with bodies of Dahak's soldiers lying on the floor. Bleeding slightly from the head and breathing heavily Xena was standing directly in front of Dahak.
"It's over" Xena said pointing her sword at him.
"On the contrary it's just beginning" Dahak replied, motioning his hand and sending Xena flying across the room. Stepping down from his throne Dahak grinned a sinister smirk.
As Xena slowly got up with the help of Eve, the others began encircling Dahak. With swords ready to strike Hercules was the first to attack. He lunged his sword towards Dahak but did not pierce his skin. Swiftly Dahak grabbed hold of Hercules' sword, turning it on its possessor he sliced Hercules on the arm. With one backhand strike Hercules was sent crashing into the wall.
Creating a giant with his mind, Evander stood back as his creation appeared before them. Dahak smiled, as if he were expecting the creature. Once complete the creature hurtled towards his target. Throwing punch after punch the creature roared with rage. But never did it meet its target. Dahak had managed to avoid each blow.
"Foolish mortals" He said, then turned to Evander. Suddenly a hatchet appeared in his hands and before anyone could utter a warning the hatchet flew into Evander's shoulder. Slowly the young man fell to his knees and onto the floor.
"EVANDER" Morrigan yelled then turned to Dahak.
With fury racing through her veins she dashed in the direction of the evil being. Swinging her sword left and right she cried out her frustration. Dahak laughed in her face as he ducked from every hit. Soon Gabrielle and Eve joined in, attacking Dahak from behind. At first it seemed like their efforts were in vein, but then gradually Dahak began slowing down. The blades were coming closer to his skin; the strikes were coming faster than before. Swinging her sword once again Morrigan sliced the skin beneath his neck. He growled in pain, and then felt the punches and blades connecting with his body.
Fear scrambled throughout his human body and the need to escape forced him to make a last attempt and flip from beneath the clutches of his attackers. Landing barely on his feet Dahak turned to find the end of Solan's sword heading for him. With no time to react Dahak felt as the end of the sword collided with his jaw, knocking him onto the floor.
Xena quickly made her way to him, kicking him in the stomach flinging him onto his back. She held her sword above him and plunged it into his chest.
"Burn in Tartarus" She said, with an evil glare. She paused for a moment then slowly walked away.
Suddenly she felt a strange gust of wind come from behind her. Spinning around she was shocked to find Dahak standing there as her sword stuck out through his chest.
"Now don't tell me you really thought it was going to be that easy to kill me" Dahak said, as he pulled out the sword from his chest.
"Why won't you die?" Xena said, before charging him.
Out of nowhere a lighten orb appeared smashing into Xena causing her to crash against the wall.
"Now is that any way to play with others?" Discord asked appearing next to Dahak. "It seems to me that you all aren't playing fair so let me even up the odds"
Without a moments notice lighten orbs emerged soaring in every direction, hitting their intended targets. One by one Hercules and the others fell. And Discord's revolting laugh could be heard echoing throughout the room.
Back up on Mount Olympus Sabrina and Adam were still in the mysterious indoor forest Aphrodite had left them in. The children soon grew sad once again as thoughts of their families entered their minds. The tiny stallion could sense the children's unhappiness as she watched them linger wearily amongst the trees.
"You think they're okay?" Sabrina asked, as she stroked Sky's fiery red mane. The tiny stallion looked up and softly nudged the young girl in response. "I think something's wrong, I feel funny"
"Yeah me too. Maybe they're in trouble" The young boy replied, with fear in his eyes.
"You want to go check the book to see if they're alright?"
"Yeah but I forgot where it was"
"Don't worry Sky knows. Don't you girl?" Sabrina said to the stallion that stood beside her.
Sky then led the children to the where the enchanted book lay dormant. Entering the room they slowly made their way to the stand, which held the closed book. At first when they opened the book the pages appeared blank but then abruptly a glow emerged from the book as the pages began flipping. After a moment they had stopped and the glow vanished as an image arose. There stood Dahak and Discord in a darkly lit room with bodies lying on the ground surrounding them. Slowly the image grew larger to reveal the faces of the bodies. The children gasped with horror as they saw Xena and the others badly beaten and attempting to get up with no success.
"They're hurt" Sabrina said, as tears began falling. "What are we going to do?"
Adam did not reply instead he backed away from the book, then sat down on the floor crumpling his self into a ball. Rocking back and forth he could feel his heart beating faster as his vision turned dark.
"Adam, did you hear me? We need to do something to help them" Sabrina said kneeling down beside him.
But again the boy did not response, he simply shook his head as he continued rocking back and forth.
"Adam this is no time to chicken out on me they need our help" Sabrina yelled, as she grabbed him by the shoulders and shook him.
"NO"
"What do you mean no. Your whole family's in trouble, don't you care?"
"I can't it's too scary" Adam replied as a tear rolled down his face.
"What happened to Hercule son of Hercules, I thought he was suppose to be all brave and strong… guess I was wrong" Sabrina said, as she stood up. "Look I'm going to go help them, if you don't want to come fine but I'm leaving"
Adam was silent and watched as Sabrina walked away from him and mounted Sky. He then slowly got up and followed her.
"Adam, you changed your mind?" She asked looking down at him.
"My name is Hercule" Adam replied, his voice shaking as he tried to hide his obvious fear.
Sabrina just nodded and let out a hand to help Adam climb on Sky.
"How are we going to get there?" Adam asked, as he tried to swallow his tears.
"With this" Sabrina answered, holding out the pendent on her necklace. The sapphire stone in the middle of the pendent sparkled in the palm of her hand, as a glow emerged from with in it. "Ready?" She asked before closing her eyes as a strange ether seemed to enclose around them. Within seconds the children found themselves inside the room where their families lay in unstable conditions. The stallion in which they were on, had extended her large dove like wings, and was now soaring above the bloodied bodies that covered the floor.
"There's my mom and dad!" The young boy on the stallion shouted as he leaped off the horse.
"Adam don't" Sabrina yelled after him, but the boy was already running to the aide of his fallen parents.
"Adam, Sabrina…what are you two…doing here?" Morrigan struggled to ask as she saw her son run and kneel down beside her and Hercules who lay unconscious.
"Mommy it's going to be okay I won't let anything happen to you two" Adam replied, as more tears come trickling down his face.
"Aww that was so sweet, aren't you just a brave little trooper" Discord said in a mocking tone.
"Stay away from my mommy and daddy" Adam shouted, as he then grabbed a sword that was lying nearby him.
Discord took a few steps closer to the boy and laughed in a shrieking tone. "What do you think you're going to do with that? Kill me?" Discord asked, and once again let out a wretched cackle.
"I'm warning you, stay away" The small child said in a shaky tone.
"Adam no run, get away from her" Morrigan shouted, reaching for her child.
"Kid, you should have ran" Discord said, striking the sword out of Adams hand. Then grabbing him by the throat.
"ADAM" Morrigan yelled, but was too weak to do anything.
"Say nighty night" Discord uttered, as she began slowly tightening her grip on the boy's throat.
"Sky hurry" Sabrina said urging the stallion on.
As the stallion flew pass Discord, Sabrina let out a large thunder bolt, which hit Discord in the side causing her to let go of Adam, and sending the goddess flying. Hitting the ground Adam began gasping for air, as he tried to steady his heart beat.
"You okay?" Sabrina asked him.
"I think so"
"Stay here with your mom, and don't try anything"
The young boy only nodded as he was in no state to start arguing.
"I'll kill that little brat" Discord cried, she got up and started making her way to Sabrina.
"No wait" Dahak's voice called out. "She's mine"
"What! No I've waited too long to get a chance at squashing that little monster" Discord exclaimed.
"I, and I alone will destroy the child. I do not need or want your assistance in this matter. Understood?" Dahak said, in a threatening tone.
"Understood" The goddess replied, clenching her teeth as she disappeared into the darkness.
Turning to Sabrina, Dahak grinned as he then vanished.
"He's gone" Gabrielle whispered, turning to Xena whom lied next to her and Eve.
"He must be getting stronger" The Warrior Princess replied, with bits worry and fear in her voice. "Sabrina you have to get Adam and yourself away from here, it's not safe" She yelled, locking eyes with the young child.
"It's okay mommy, I'll be alright" The child replied.
Sabrina directed the stallion to fly farther above the ground to watch for the dark lord. Seconds later Dahak reappeared launching a number of fireballs towards the winged horse. Soaring up and down, left and right the stallion eluded each blazing sphere. While the raven-haired girl carefully aimed her hands and fired a large thunderbolt, which rapidly made it's way to the creature of darkness.
With a wicked laughter he again vanished avoiding the thunderbolt, then reappeared across the room with a dagger in hand. Targeting it at the young child he unleash it. Too late to escape the blade the small stallion lifted it's wings and blocked the child from danger. The dagger sliced its way through the stallion's flesh causing blood to spill from within her. Gradually the horse began to fall, as she struggled to fly with just one wing.
Crashing to the ground the stallion cried out in pain. The raven-haired child fell from the horse and on to the floor. Noticing the small stallion bleeding beside her, she ran to its side.
"Sky you okay?" The child yelled. Her voice trembling and her hands shaking. "Everything's going to be fine" She said, passing her hands over the small stallion's coat, then stopping when she saw the dagger. And with a deep breath she forced her self to pull the dagger out. The stallion once again let out a trouble cry. "Shh girl it's alright" The child whispered to her wounded friend.
"What a stupid creature" Dahak said, with a cackle. "Should have just let the child get hit. Nevertheless it will not change the outcome, just prolong it"
Sabrina turned to Dahak and could feel a surge of anger running through her veins. And for an instance her crystal blue eyes seemed to become the dark brown eyes of her father. At that moment she looked as if she had change, like she was no longer Sabrina, instead now she was anger and vengeance. The now rage filled child stared at the dark lord, then began releasing thunderbolts and spheres of fire from her hands.
Just seconds apart were each as they swiftly made their way to their target. At first the dark lord easily eluded each attack. He grinned as he flipped and jumped, then vanished only to reappear in the same spot. It was as if he had wanted her to hit him, and dared her to hit him.
As frustration grew within the child the pace of the attacks only increased. Until at last a burning sphere shattered onto his chest, knocking the dark lord to the ground. Seconds later five burning orbs followed, striking him one after the other. The raged filled child slowly made her way to the injured god. Standing beside him she gasped, as she was surprised to find a grin lying on his smile. Suddenly laughter arose from him, as the child continued to look at him with confusion.
"What's wrong? Were you expecting me to be dead?" He asked, as he continued to laugh.
The child said nothing, as she began to back away. Now unsure of what to do.
Vanishing once again Dahak re-emerged in front of Sabrina. But before she could even attempt to get away, she felt the back of his hand collide with her face. Instantly she was sent flying into the air, then as she descended an orb appearing hitting her in the side. Crashing to the ground she recoil at the pain that it brought.
Using his powers Dahak glided her body back to him. He grabbed her arm and held her up as if she were a doll.
"So this is the innocent mortal that is supposed to overcome me. Not so innocent anymore are you? You can't defeat me none of you can defeat me, I am DAHAK and I WILL rule ALL" He roared.