The river roared as both Xena and Draco Indefinitely fought for their lives while being roughly tossed around the raging rapids after the two had gone over the side of the cliff they had been fighting on just moments ago. Xena gasped for air as she breached the water's surface, and she fought to keep herself from being pulled back under while seeing Draco several feet away trying to do the same. But with it being spring and the snow in the area melting, the river was at a far higher water level, which in turn had made it far more choppy and unruly than it typically would have been any other time of year, and the Conqueror was pulled back under. As water forced its way into her lungs, the current brought her back up far enough for Xena to propel her head back above the water, and she gasped and coughed as she tried to catch her breath before she was inevitably be dragged back under as she continued to be carried down stream. This pattern continued as Xena made multiple attempts to fight to stay upright but quickly found that with the river being as volatile as it was, attempting to stabilize herself in any sort of way would be an impossibly as she was again pushed beneath the current, and she tried her best to hold her breath until the current would hopefully bring her back to the surface soon. However, after being carried for what was an unknown distance, the Conqueror realized that she would need to resurface soon as she continued to feel her lungs beginning to burn and her body's instincts to breathe trying to take over. Despite Xena having already mentally prepared herself to die, her body acted on its own as her natural survival instincts took over and left the Conqueror desperately trying to swim up to the surface. After swimming as hard as she could for what felt like an eternity, Xena saw something large beneath the water ahead and swam to put herself in its path. Then, allowing the current to bring her right to it, Xena reached out and grabbed on to what was a large rock that laid in the middle of the river. Then, holding on as tightly as she could, the Conqueror pulled herself up enough, so her head was finally able to breach the river's surface and gasped loudly as she was finally able to breathe once again. Coughing up a bit of water as she let her head rest against the rock for a moment, Xena could feel the effects of her fight with Draco on her weary body, that was certainly made worse by the very rough trip down river as she shivered slightly from the early spring coldness of the water. After a moment Xena raised her head and attempted to pull herself out of the water. But as the rock was far too slick and smooth due to it being in the river, her efforts to climb to safely were in vain as the Conqueror was unable to get enough traction and repeatedly slipped back down after making any slightest progress. Then finally after many multiple attempts to climb out of the chilling waters, Xena knew that there was no escaping her fate and decided that if this was to be how her life ended then she would be okay with that as she knew that she had escaped death far too many times then one person should already. As so accepting that Draco had already suffered the same fate that she was about to, Xena felt that she could rest easy knowing that Gabrielle, her sister and everyone else would now be safe from the warlord was gone. Because even with his power, Xena knew that like her, Draco wouldn't have been able to get himself out of the river, let alone survive the jagged rocks that Xena knew layed not much further downstream. And so closing her eyes, Xena let go of the rock and prepared herself to be swept away. But just as she began to be carried off, Xena felt her wrist being grabbed, and she opened her eyes as she was pulled back to the rock.
?
You always were something, you know that?
Hearing the voice that she immediately recognized, Xena scowled as she looked up to see Ares crouched on the rock she had been holding on to.
ARES
I honestly never expected you'd pull something like this in order to win over Draco. And I gotta say, Xena, I'm impressed.
XENA
(Irritated tone) Spare me your flattery, Ares. What are you doing here? Wait let me guess, you've come to finish me off yourself since your boy Draco failed.
The god of war let out a small chuckle.
ARES
Hardly.
Xena pulled her arm out Ares grasp and held onto the rock as he continued.
ARES
Like I just said, the fact you were able to defeat Draco is quite the incredible feat. So much so that I couldn't help but take note of.
XENA
(Irritated/ sarcastic tone) So you figured you'd come congratulate me in person.
Ares shrugged casually.
XENA
(Irritated tone) Yeah well you can save it for someone else who gives a damn about what you think.
ARES
(Condescending tone) Hey now, is that really the way to talk to someone who's your only chance of survival right now?
Xena sneered at the god.
XENA
(Angry tone) Fuck off Ares. You're the main reason I'm even in this situation to begin with.
The Conqueror slipped a little, and she fought to keep herself from being pulled away from the rock she was clinging to as Ares continued their conversation.
ARES
Well did you ever think that might be why I'm here? I see now that I clearly placed far too much faith in Draco, only to have the moron waste what I gave him. He became complacent and was too focused on you to focus on what he should've been doing.
XENA
Sounds like the two of you have something in common.
ARES
(Sarcasm) Yes Xena keep insulting the one who's here to help you. That'll get you out of this mess for sure.
XENA
Oh yeah. And why would you wanna help me?
The god of war smiled.
ARES
Simple. I know what you're capable of Xena. Even without me, you've managed to amass everything you have. You've gone to war and beaten countless enemies on the battlefield. You're strategies and fighting skills are legendary.
Ares reached down to brush the wet hair from Xena's face.
ARES
Just think what we could do together. You and me. The god of war and his warrior queen side by side conquering the world. That is what you wanted after all isn't it? I can give you everything you need to do that. And all you have to do is say you'll be mine.
With a scowl on her face, Xena yanked her head away from the gods hand before returning an enraged stare his way.
XENA
(Angry tone) You know I can't tell if you're really that stupid or if you just think I am. Because if you think you can help someone you know wants me dead because I turned you down and then show back up after I beat them just to offer me the same thing I've turned down before, you've clearly lost your fucking mind if you think I would ever want anything to do with you.
ARES
So you're telling me that you would rather die than accept my help? Now I'm starting to think you might be out of your mind.
Ares held out his hand for the Conqueror to take.
ARES
Come on, just reach up and take my hand. We can sort everything else out afterward.
Xena looked at the hand offered to her for a moment before turning her head away.
XENA
I thought I had already made myself clear. I don't want your help Ares.
Ares scowled.
ARES
You can't be serious Xena. Put aside the fact that I helped that warlord. You're about to die, and you're still gonna refuse help from the only one around who can save you.
XENA
Nice try, but I know how this goes Ares. I accept your help and then I owe you. I can only imagine what you would want return, and I'm not interested.
ARES
(Irritated tone) So you'd rather die and just throw all your power and everything that you've built away instead?
XENA
Yes. Because over this past year things have changed... I've changed. I'm not the same Xena you seem to be so obsessed over.
ARES
What are you talking about?
XENA
Because of someone, I've learned that there are things in this world that are far more important, far more precious and worth more than anything that I could ever hope to gain from the life I was living or what you could ever offer me. And that's a gift that I'll forever be grateful.
Ares scowled at the thought that there could ever be anyone who Xena thought could possibly compete with anything that the almighty god of war could give her.
ARES
You do remember I'm a god, don't you? What could anyone possibly give you that I can't?
Xena smiled as Gabrielle's face came to her mind.
XENA
A reason to be better
ARES
(Surprised tone) What?
XENA
I'm not the person I was. The person you're clearly unable to let go of doesn't exist anymore. She died long before I even stepped foot on this battlefield today. And if you ask me this world's a better place with her gone.
A sad smile found its way to Xena's face.
XENA
I just wish I had found Gabrielle sooner. Then maybe that woman would've been history sooner. But while I can't change the past, I can do something that'll help ensure a better future by making sure who I was stays dead and that you or anyone else can't do anything that could bring her back.
Then before Ares knew what was happening, Xena pushed herself away from the rock she'd been holding onto and let herself get dragged under as she got swept away.
GABRIELLE
Come on we're almost to where Xena said to wait.
Gabrielle walked along as she led her sister and the few other escaping slaves to the designated area she'd been told to go to after finding her sister.
GABRIELLE
You okay Lila? Do you need to rest?
Gabrielle looked over at Lila who was walking slowly beside her with her head hung low until she heard Gabrielle talk to her, and she glanced over at her older sister.
LILA
(Slightly Irritated tone) I'm fine, Gabrielle. You don't need to keep asking me that every few minutes.
For a moment Gabrielle was taking aback by her sister's attitude until she reminded herself that given everything that she had gone through, it only made sense that Lila wouldn't be acting the same way that Gabrielle remembered from back in Potidea. So instead of getting upset at her sister's snippiness, Gabrielle just moved the conversation forward as they continued walking.
GABRIELLE
Oh... sorry. Well like I said we're almost there, so we can all relax soon enough. So I guess taking a break right now wouldn't make much sense anyway.
Lila returned to being quiet and Gabrielle looked back at the rest of the group and made sure they were okay to keep going as well and got the go ahead to continue onward. Which she did until they reached the spot that Gabrielle had been told to wait with the escaping slaves and the group sat and waited for Xena and her army to meet them there.
LILA
Just how long are we supposed to wait here?
GABRIELLE
I'm not sure honestly.
Gabrielle looked up at the sky as the sun had begun to set some time ago and there was still no signs of the Conqueror or her army anywhere.
GABRIELLE
I was just supposed to get you and come here. Xena never said how long the battle could take.
Lila scoffed.
LILA
Maybe your Conqueror decided it wasn't worth the hassle as just left when she realized what she was fighting. That or they were all defeated and killed by the other army.
Gabrielle scowled as she looked at her sister.
GABRIELLE
(Stern tone) They're not all dead. And Xena did not abandon us. Her and her army must still be fighting.
Gabrielle's attention returned to watching for any signs of Xena and the rest of her army.
GABRIELLE
You'll see. They'll be here soon. I just know it.
Meanwhile, all across the battlefield Leonidas and the rest of Xena's army were pushing Draco's army back as in Xena's absence from the area, the Conqueror's lieutenant lead the charge.
LEONIDAS
We've got them right where we want them! Don't let up, and this fight will soon be ours!
Leonidas ran his sword through an enemy soldier as Xena's army pressed forward and continued their fight against Draco's forces. It had been a long day of fighting as after a virtual standstill for most of the battle, Xena's army had finally begun to wear Draco's down and were starting to overwhelm and drive them back. Dispute this however, the fighting carried on for sometime until a small flame was seen being shot into the sky in the distance that because of the dying daylight could be seen clearly all across the battlefield and Leonidas noticed that Draco's army either began to lay down their weapons in surrender or turn tail and make a full retreat. And because of all this, the lieutenant knew that could only mean that Draco had been defeated or surrendered and that flaming arrow going up must have been the signal to his army that the battle had been lost. And so with Draco's army surrendering and on retreat, Leonidas gave the order to let them go and proclaimed their victory to a rousing series of cheers from the rest of the soldiers before the lieutenant gave the order for the remaining able-bodied men to span the battlefield to find and treat their wounded soldiers and take account of their casualties before gathering their bodies while they waited for the Conqueror to return.
GABRIELLE
There they are.
Gabrielle stood up from where she had been sitting beside Lila as she saw Xena's army approaching and went over to meet them but began to become worried when she didn't see Xena leading them and hurried up to Leonidas when she saw him leading the group and who stopped his horse when he saw Gabrielle coming up to him.
GABRIELLE
Leonidas.
LEONIDAS
Hey there little one. I'm glad to see that you managed to get through today safe and sound. Were you able to find your sister?
GABRIELLE
I did. She and the others that were being held captive are over there.
The young woman motioned toward where Lila and the others were gathered, then returned her attention to the man on the horse when he spoke.
LEONIDAS
That's wonderful. I'm truly happy that you've finally been able to be reunited with her.
Gabrielle smiled as she glanced over at her sister.
GABRIELLE
Thanks. I can't even begin to describe how grateful I am to have her finally safe and free from that evil man.
She looked back at Leonidas.
GABRIELLE
Speaking of which, due to the fact that you're here, does this mean it's over?
The lieutenant dismounted his horse and gave a gentle smile.
LEONIDAS
That's right. We received notice that Draco was defeated and what was left of his army surrendered.
Gabrielle looked passed Leonidas for Xena, expecting her to ride up but then quickly became worried when she didn't see Xena anywhere among the other soldiers and looked at the human sized wrapped bundles that were draped over the backs of many of the horses before quickly loading back at Leonidas with a fearful expression in her eyes.
GABRIELLE
Leonidas, where's Xena?
LEONIDAS
Unfortunately we don't know. There's been no word on her for quite some time. Last I heard, someone said they spotted her fighting and supposedly she and Draco found each other. They were fighting for a while before they were both seen running off and that was the last anyone has seen of either of them.
GABRIELLE
But then how do you know Draco was defeated if no one has seen him or Xena for some time now?
LEONIDAS
Because after Draco's army suddenly retreated and everyone on our side regrouped back together, I questioned one of the dying soldiers, who said that the signal we all saw meant that Draco had been beaten. So either he surrendered, which I don't see being very likely. Or someone on his side saw him be killed or found his body after the fact.
GABRIELLE
Okay. But if Draco's been killed or ordered a retreat that still doesn't explain where Xena is.
LEONIDAS
I know, and we have people looking for any signs of her as we speak.
Seeing the worry on Gabrielle's face, Leonidas placed a gentle, reassuring hand on the young woman's shoulder.
LEONIDAS
It'll be okay little one. We'll find her and everything will be just fine. You know how stong and resilient the lord Conqueror can be.
Leonidas gave a reassuring smile.
LEONIDAS
She did survive a sword through the chest after all. Any other person would've died almost immediately from such an injury. And if that doesn't speak to her ability to do the impossible I don't know what will.
Gabrielle sighed as she looked out into the distance once again as she hoped that Xena would appear soon.
GABRIELLE
I hope you're right, Leonidas. I really do.
Gabrielle and the rest of those at the rendezvous point waited a while longer for either Xena to show or for news of her whereabouts to come from those out searching. There was barely any daylight remaining in the sky overhead when Gabrielle heard someone shouting and stood from where she was sitting beside a campfire that had been built with Lila who was nibbling on a little bit of dinner that had been cooked up by some of the soldiers for everyone to get some food in their stomachs after the long day. Then seeing one of the soldiers who had been sent out to search for Xena hurrying over to where Leonidas siting, Gabrielle rushed over when she saw the lieutenant quickly rise and told the rest of the soldiers to begin packing up to head out.
GABRIELLE
Did they find her?
LEONIDAS
No not yet. I'm sorry. That was just an update saying that there's still no sign of her.
Gabrielle lowered her eyes sadly.
GABRIELLE
Oh. Okay.
The brief hope that Xena would be found dashed, Gabrielle turned around and walked away. But feeling too anxious to sit back down, she instead told Lila she needed to stretch her legs and took to walking around the outskirts of the camp as a part of her hoped she might spot Xena coming back. Not long after Gabrielle found herself standing with the camp behind her, but was still close enough to see the fire and the outlines of the people moving around the camp. She looked out into the near darkness and didn't know what she would do if her fears of the situation proved to be real and Xena was either found dead or never found at all. Which Gabrielle couldn't decide on which scenario would be worse. Standing there lost in her thoughts, Gabrielle was suddenly startled when she suddenly heard an unfamiliar voice behind her.
?
Interesting.
Gabrielle jumped slightly as she quickly turned around and saw a man she had never seen before standing right in front of her forcing her to move back slightly as the darkly dressed stranger seemed to take inventory of her.
GABRIELLE
Who are you? If you're looking for trouble, there's a whole army right over there. All I have to do is yell, and you're dead meat.
The man looked at Gabrielle with more intrigue before he shook his head as he crossed his arms and spoke.
?
Your name wouldn't happen to be Gabrielle, would it?
Cautiously, Gabrielle confirmed that it was in fact her name as the stranger seemed to quickly look her over again before appearing to stand there baffled.
?
Hm, yeah, I don't get it. What would possibly make Xena fall for someone like you?
Hearing the man mention Xena's name, Gabrielle realized that whoever this was clearly knew the Conqueror. And given that he seemed to even know well enough to call her by name, Gabrielle hopped that he might be an ally who might've found the missing woman.
GABRIELLE
Wait, you know Xena? Do you know where she is?
The man looked at Gabrielle closely again for a moment before he smiled.
?
You don't know who I am. Do you?
Gabrielle studied the dark haired stranger for a moment to see if he was someone who she had met before but still didn't recognize him.
GABRIELLE
I'm sorry I don't recognize you. Have we met somewhere before? I don't remember you coming to the keep.
The man sighed to himself as he shook his head in disbelief.
?
People these days don't know a god when ones standing right in front of their face.
Gabrielle gasped in disbelief.
GABRIELLE
A god?!
?
That's right.
The man spread his arms and turned in a circle in an attempt to show himself off to the astounded young woman.
?
You're looking at the one and only, the great and almighty god of war himself.
Gabrielle's eyes widened in amazement as she could hardly believe what she was seeing.
GABRIELLE
Ares? You can't be serious?
ARES
What you want proof? Or do you wanna know where your precious Conqueror is?
Gabrielle's focus was swiftly refocused on Xena.
GABRIELLE
You know where she is? Please, you have to tell me.
ARES
And why should I? She made her choice when she refused me and decided that she'd be better off drowning in that river then accept the offer I gave her.
A feeling of pure dread suddenly washed over Gabrielle as Ares told her about Xena apparently going into a nearby river and then being swept away and without another word ran back to camp to tell Leonidas as Ares stood watching her for a moment before disappearing with the thought that it wouldn't matter if they found Xena new anyway as since it had been hours since when the god had watched Xena let herself be taken away by the raging river, he was sure it was already far too late for her. And though still disappointed in Xena's choices, Ares decided that her death was her own fault, and he had done her a favor in giving her people a hint for at least recovering her body, and disappeared from the scene as Gabrielle alerted Leonidas of what Ares had told her. Who immediately believed the young woman as he was aware of Xena's multiple encounters with the god of war over the years and though unsure of Ares' motives for telling Gabrielle what he did, the lieutenant decided to take the chance that the god was telling the truth and quickly mobilized a number of other soldiers to spread out along the river and search for Xena. And after refusing to stay at the camp while the search party lit their torches and headed back out, Gabrielle convinced Leonidas to take her with them. And as she rode with the lieutenant toward where their search would resume, Gabrielle hopped that the narrowed down area would be enough for them to finally find the Conqueror. But for all the new hope that Gabrielle had for locating the Xena, she would be completely unprepared for the reality of what she would find when the group would arrive in the area where they now suspected Xena might be. And more so how it would soon change everything in her life yet again.
TO BE CONTINUED...