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The Greek War

I don't own this disclaimer

The sun rose overhead as Xena and Gabrielle, having had just a small portion of sleep rushed to face the Theban Army. By now, they knew that Athens was completely surrounded and if something didn't happen, the city might be lost. Still they moved with the hopes that something of it could be saved.

They rode hard and fast hoping to reach Athens. Xena would stop this, no matter what; she would never stand by and allow this to happen. Still, she would give her sword arm to have an army right now.

8

Borias had not stopped to rest as he continued to move southwest. His concerns where Solan, his son, and the possibility that Hercules would have sent a unit to capture him again, something Borias wasn't going to allow to happen. The safest place now was Amazon lands, so far they weren't involved in the conflict and Gabrielle had already stated in the past that the Amazons would protect Solan if the need ever arose.

8

Hercules stared out on the horizon wishing he had Solan still. However he was comforted by the fact that Athens would not last much longer with Thebes joining in from the north. Aphrodite appeared beside him, "You're straining too much, it will give you lines."

Hercules did not directly look at her, instead concentrating on his view of Athens as he asked, "What brings you here?"

Aphrodite answered, "Checking on your progress and letting you know something. Sparta is backing out of our deal."

Hercules growled angrily at the statement, "What? Damn them, I'll crush them too!"

Aphrodite's eye brows shot up as the tone of her voice changed, "It seems that Athena was quite pissed by your actions and is rallying a force from Sparta to meet you in the field."

Hercules asked, "What of Crete?"

Aphrodite answered, "Crete remains neutral choosing not to aid us or them. Other smaller cites one the southern end can be expected to throw their hat with Sparta. I might be able to persuade the city of Delphi to send a force. Finally watch that Selenta woman, she seems to think that Athens will belong to Thebes."

"I'll deal with her in time," replied Hercules with a calculating grin.

Aphrodite then said, "I best be off. My idiot brother will be here, don't want him to know just yet about me." She disappeared.

Ares appeared, "So, brother how goes the campaign?"

"I expect one to two days at the most," Stated Hercules confidently.

Ares then said, "Xena is on her way."

Hercules said coldly, "Doesn't surprise me, you probably informed her. Don't get any ideas; it's my army, not hers."

Ares replied with a pleasant deceiving grin, "Please brother. You think I would do that?"

"Yes," Said Hercules in a casual manner.

Ares then said, "How sad." Ares went back to business, "Now Sparta is being rallied to fight by Athena. I guess we made her mad."

Hercules replied, faking his rage, "Why couldn't you keep Sparta on my side!" Hercules raised his fist at Ares.

Ares replied as he lifted his hands up, "Hey brother, these things happen in war."

Hercules turned away from him, "Whatever brother, please leave."

Ares snarled, "Whatever" as he disappeared. Hercules smiled as he watched Athens continue to burn.

8

After a couple hours, Xena and Gabrielle reached the outskirts of the Theban army, which had already begun to join in on the siege of Athens. Gabrielle replied in awe, "By the gods Xena…Athens…is burning."

Xena lowered her head, "I know. There isn't going to be much left to save."

Ares appeared, "I know, it's amazing isn't it."

Xena shot him a stern look, "Ares this is wrong."

Ares extended his arm out into the direction of the army, "This could be yours."

Xena shook her head disdainfully, "I don't want this."

Ares said, "Too bad. The whole of Greece will be at war by nightfall. Athena has chosen not to abandon Athens. She is rallying the armies of Ionia to her side."

Xena hoped to reach Ares as she said, "The last time the whole of Greece went to war nothing was spared. You want that again."

Ares replied with a grin, "Sure why not." Xena shot him a disgusted look.

Ares then said "Ole Chaos made this easy. When I got back the whole world was about to go up in arms. He did a lot of damage. All it needed was a little push."

Xena said "Ares versus Athena for control of Greece. You war gods disgust me."

Ares stated, "Be that as it may Xena, we have a job to do, this is what we do. It's war, it's who we are."

Gabrielle brushed against her dagger with her hand as she replied, "Don't you ever think of the innocents?"

Ares replied, "Not if I can help it." He disappeared. Xena and Gabrielle stared out as Athens continued to burn.

8

Zeus watched as Athens burned. It saddened him deeply. It was all but one part of the turmoil wrought by the actions of Chaos. There were other wars, other tragedies. This world seemed to be full of travesty, and it was getting worse every day.

He knew how the war would end, one side would wipe the other out, and then declare victory, never a thought to the pain that will exist in this world. Thus was the way of humans, he couldn't help but feel at fault for this.

He embraced his wife as she sat beside him. At least Chaos brought one good thing, Zeus and his wife had repaired their marriage and strengthened it even more than it was before. But it didn't make up for all the sadness in the world below.

8

Chaos sat upon a hill just to the south of Athens. Anarchy said, "Well my lord, brilliant as usual, the war is happening, and doesn't look like it's going to end easy."

Chaos replied, "Yes dumb one, the repercussions of this battle will keep them distracted long enough to find the Heart of Chaos."

Anarchy then asked, "Why is the Heart of Chaos so important to you? Wasn't just a way to trick Alti into falling into your trap?"

Chaos replied, "My mind runs your body, you know my thoughts, why then are you so stupid? No, that Heart of Chaos was a lot more than just a trap. It's a source…of power, my power. It's just that I wanted to ensure that neither Alti nor any other scum sucking lower life forms got a chance at my power.

But for me however, I can use it. I made it for a reason. Just in case this happened. With it, I can restore myself into my all powerful self. I merely need to get my hands on it and then Chaos, the God of Chaos, Trial and Choice will return and then I can recreate my world of Chaos. Only this time, I will build it here, on this very world. I can think of no better foundation for such a world."

Anarchy replied, "Yes my lord, surely we shall continue looking soon?"

"Oh we will continue looking now. My time is coming," Answered Chaos.