Alanis stood over Xena who had been driven to her knees. While Gabrielle still layed unmoving a ways behind Xena. Ares was still sitting on a rock watching the fight play out. And enjoying every second of it. All as the war continued to be waged around them. Xena was too beaten up and Alanis was just too powerful for Xena to do anything. It seemed that this time Ares might have actually won. And the god clearly knew it.
ARES
Just say the the word Xena and I can still save you before it's too late.
XENA
I'd rather be killed by this monster you've created then have anything to do with you.
Xena struggled back to her feet as Alanis sneered at her.
ALANIS
I'm a monster? That's rich coming from you.
XENA
I know full well what I once was. I don't deny it. But at least I didn't let some overrated god send me down that road.
ARES
(Irritated tone) Who are you calling overrated?
ALANIS
The only one who lead us here is Gabrielle when she killed Nevaea.
Xena glanced over at Ares.
XENA
No it was Ares. He did it to start a whole war just to get rid of one person? Gabrielle.
The god stood up as Alanis looked at him.
ARES
You don't seriously believe that?
ALANIS
Of course not.
Alanis looked back at Xena.
XENA
What's wrong Ares I thought you'd want to take credit for this war. Though it is pretty damn embarrassing that you had to resort to such underhanded tactics just for something that should be simple for you. Maybe you're losing your touch.
Ares scowled.
ARES
(Angry tone) I'm not losing anything.
XENA
You could've fooled me.
ALANIS
I'm done listening to this. I'm just going to kill you now.
Alanis ran at Xena. Xena quickly dodged and looked at Ares who was clearly angerd by what Xena had said. She smirked as she got an idea.
XENA
What you're just gonna stand there Ares? You can't even bother to face me yourself. Just like you couldn't get rid of Gabrielle on your own either. My how the great god of war has fallen.
Xena just barely dodged a hit from Alanis as she continued to taunt Ares. All the while the god grew more angry with Xena's comments.
ARES
(Angry tone) I don't need anyone to do my bidding.
Xena kicked Alanis back as she spoke.
XENA
Oh yeah. Then prove it.
Xena staggered back as Alanis landed a glancing blow.
ARES
(Angry tone) I don't have to prove anything to you Xena.
Xena looked at the expression on Ares face and knew that she had gotten him.
XENA
If you say so. After all my option of you really can't get much lower. But it would be interesting to see how all your followers and the other gods would think of this little scheme.
Xena continued to barely dodge Alanis. Fortunately it seemed that she was slightly distracted by the conversation as well.
ARES
(Angry tone) It was a good plan and you know it. You don't know anything about my followers and I don't care about what my siblings think.
XENA
Ooo sounds like I hit a sore subject. You know now that I think of it back in my old days I always thought that your sister Athena was far better at the whole war thing.
ARES
(Angry tone) Okay now you're just trying to piss me off.
Xena moved out of the way of Alanis and threw a punch.
XENA
Nope it's true. You can go ask anyone who knew me back then.
Now Ares was infuriated. He and Athena had always been rivals with both being gods of war. Ares resented the fact that he had to share his role with his sister. While Xena didn't know that for certain, she knew Ares well enough to know how his ego worked and took a chance.
ARES
(Angry tone) Enough! I'll show you what the real god of war is capable of!
Ares held out his hand as his sword materialized in it. He warped closer and threw out an orb of energy at Xena. Xena Alanis came at her again. The Amazon landed a hit and knocked Xena back. Xena landed on the ground and quickly rolled when another blast from Ares came at her. She got out of the way just in time and got back up. Alanis was back on her and swung at her. Xena ducked and got a few quick hits in. Punching the Amazon in the face and midsection before being thrown back by Alanis with a good hit of her own. Xena was back up as Ares came at her with his sword. Xena blocked with her own blade and pushed the sword to the side and stepped in the opposite direction as she moved away from him. Alanis changed in at Xena who was now caught between her and Ares. Xena quickly dodged a strike from her but was hit with another. She staggered back as Ares threw out another attack. Xena barely managed to step out of the way of another attack from Ares as it flew past her. Alanis threw out a series of punches. Some of which Xena managed to avoid white a couple found their mark. The ones that did caused Xena to stumble back as tried not to allow the Amazon to land too many hits. Xena knew that she couldn't take much more of this level of offense and actually survive. Xena huffed as she moved away from the Amazon trying to put a little distance between them. She heard Ares yell from behind her as she glanced back and saw him throw out another orb. Xena dove forward to the ground as the attack sailed over her and hit Alanis right in her chest. The Amazon screamed as she was thrown back from the blast. She was dead before she even hit the ground. Xena looked up and saw Alanis just laying there motionless. She let out a small relieved laugh that her plan worked.. She groaned as she slowly got back up and turned towards Ares who was standing there with a scowl on his face.
ARES
That's what you were doing. You wanted to get me to kill that Amazon.
Xena smirked as she wiped some blood from her face.
XENA
You're not the only one who can make sneaky plans Ares.
She walked a little closer to the god who was becoming more enraged by the second.
XENA
And as I'm sure you've realized that you've killed the last leader for their side of the war. And without leadership the army will soon fall apart. This war is over Ares. You've failed.
Ares was seething with rage. He sneered at Xena.
ARES
You think you're so damn clever Xena. But I haven't lost anything more than a few useless pawns who clearly weren't worth my time to begin with. I'm not done just yet.
Ares stared down Xena as he spoke.
ARES
First I'm going to do what I should've done a long time ago and kill that damn bard myself. Then I'll take this war even further. And you WILL be at my side Xena. And there is nothing you can do to stop me. So just make this easier on yourself, accept your destiny and join me Xena. If you do now maybe I'll even consider letting your little Gabrielle live.
Xena stood beaten up but ever defyent in the face of Ares.
XENA
The answers the same now as it always has been and always will be. No. No matter what you do or say I will never be yours Ares. You hear me? Never. So get it through your thick skull and get over it!
Ares face turned beat red as his rage hit a new high. Xena ignored him yelling at her as turned away from him, wincing in pain as she walked over to Gabrielle who had been in the same spot since Alanis had taken her down. Xena knelt down and looked her over. Gabrielle's body was covered in cuts and bruises. Xena reached up and gently wiped some blood from Gabrielle's mouth as she softly spoke to her.
XENA
Gabrielle? It's over. We won.
Gabrielle didn't move as Xena felt for a pulse. She felt her heart sink when she couldn't find one.
XENA
No.
Ares found himself smiling as he walked closer to Xena, seeing her start to panic as she tried to resuscitate Gabrielle. Ares laughed to himself as he stood looking down at Xena as she held Gabrielle in her arms and began to cry.
XENA
No Gabrielle. No...
TO BE CONTINUED...