Judgment (Part 6)
by Something Royal

Webmaster Note: To make this story load a little easier in your browser, it was split into several web pages. This page begins Part 6 of "Judgment" by Something Royal. Part 1 is HERE.

The crowd watched on with bated breath. The streamlined edge of the sword glimmered magnificently, even under the looming dark clouds. The air was so crisp that the metal cried out against the currents as it came down. It was a singular instrumental of impending finality, but its lone song was suddenly cut short as another vocal rang out.

"Yiyiyiyiyyiyi!!!!!"

Menelaus' muscles tensed and halted. The sword remained idle mere inches away from Ares' neck. The old king's eyes fluttered up to the source of the sound as the Spartan citizens gasped in shock. In unison, they turned to face the catalyst of such a chilling greeting.

There stood the infamous Warrior Princess with her arm tightly wrapped around a shrouded figure's neck. 

Ares relished the sight of her. He could feel his heart sing out with a sense of possibility, to then only be gripped by fear. Never moving to stand, he remained underneath the edge of the sword poised above.

Menelaus, finally coming to terms with the situation, ground his teeth and raised a bobbing finger. "You," he sneered, loud enough to reach her ears at the back of the crowd.

"Yes it's me, and I hope you don't mind, but I brought along a few friends as well," Xena coolly replied, just as Gabrielle and Cassia stepped out of the dark shadows that fell from the top of the entrance gates. She smiled as the women came into sight. It was imperative to keep a calm demeanor in lieu of self-doubt.

"ARCHERS," the monarch boomed, signaling the men atop the wall's perimeter. They followed the order obediently and pulled forth their bows. Wary anticipation caused fingers to fumble.

Xena set her jaw and pulled the shrouded figure closer to her, all the while raising her other arm, a dagger in hand. "I wouldn't do that if I were you, Menelaus." The dagger's edge glinted with each movement as she lazily dragged it across her prisoner's shoulder. "See, I brought the guest of honor."  She confidently glared at Menelaus, awaiting some sort of response.

The crowd mumbled with much fervor, attempting to decipher just what was going on. Who was the figure beneath the shroud? What would make Xena think she could merely walk into Sparta and talk to their monarch in such a way?

She could sense their questioning eyes probing her, but did not dare move her own from Menelaus himself.

He gripped the sword in one hand and pointed with much malice with the other. "How dare you!" He looked up to the walls, silently giving the order to let arrows fly.

By now, all was silent, save for the straining cords of bows being drawn. Xena's azure eyes scanned the perimeter. She quickly placed the dagger between her teeth and grabbed the chakram. Before anyone had time to react, she sent it flying towards the closest archer, cleanly severing the buckles of his chest plate. The armor nearly fifty feet into the crowd below. The sound of the steel connecting with the cobbled earth resonated and was joined by the shrill screams of the commoners nearby.

Menelaus stood slack-jawed and stared on at the Warrior Princess as she caught her weapon upon its return, placed it on its clasp, and dropped the dagger back into her hand. A feral smirk crossed her lips and she cocked her head.

"As I stated before, I wouldn't do that if I were you..or them." Another confident smile graced her face as the archers slowly began to lower their bows.

Xena looked behind her, signaling Gabrielle and Cassia to follow suit as she began to make her way through the dividing crowd--her prisoner before her. The Spartan people backed up, ashen faced, and incredulously looked on as this legendary woman walked between them. Little did they know that underneath the cool exterior her heart was racing with fear.

"You see, I brought a very special guest...and I don't take too kindly to my surprises going unopened.." Xena stopped in the center of the square, looking from Menelaus' seething countenance, to that of the wary commoners surrounding her. "And believe me, I do plan to open," her blade drew slowly across the shrouded form's neck, "this one if you don't do as I say."

The monarch's lips drew tightly together as he looked to both Nikolaus and Phazon who now stood next to him. "What is she going on about," he whispered in frustration, the sword in hand never lowering.

Nikolaus just stood there white with fear. He had an idea of who that was beneath the warrioress' sword. Oh yes, he believed he knew. What he didn't know, however, was if Xena's intentions were sincere. From what he'd heard of the Warrior Princess, she wouldn't dare carry out what she was threatening. Yet, the look on her face and every move she made denoted otherwise.

He looked down at Ares' crouched form just steps away. There he found a set of dark eyes gazing up. There was a message there, unspoken. 'Trust her,' was that silent plea. Nikolaus took a breath and closed his eyes. He didn't utter a word under Menelaus' questioning glare.

Phazon, however, sneered. He, too, deduced who it was that stood before Xena and that it was a ruse as well. He quickly stepped forward, raising an admonishing finger. "She won't do it... it's the queen!"

Menelaus' eyes widened. "WHAT!? How!?" He looked toward the center of the square, beaming with angst. "Show me!! Show me who that is or I will bring this sword down before you can draw your next breath of air!" He meant it, for he brought the weapon level with Ares' neck once more.

"Well, since you asked so nicely..." Xena roughly pulled the obstructing hood down from its resting place. "It is your beloved wife. I'm sure you've missed her."

Now, standing there for all to see, was Taris. Her dark, greying hair was mussed. Dirt covered her smooth skin, and her eyes remained glued to the ground. A look of fear was frozen on her face. She swallowed back and slowly lifted her gaze to meet those of the commoners. They returned her stare with empathetic gasps and shakes of the head. Yes, these people truly loved her, but it was Menelaus' indifference of this woman that would make or break the plan.

Now, he stood silent. A crease on his forehead seemed to throb and his nostrils flared. He ground his teeth and deliberately began to bob his head. Before his lips could part in response, Xena's eyes glimmered with battle lust.

"Didn't even know she was missing...didja? What was it this time, Menelaus? Another drunken stupor? Or, perhaps you were just too busy organizing plans to turn Sparta back into a militant nation. I realize it takes time to come up with enough propaganda to convince parents that their children should be playing with swords instead of toys."

Xena regarded the crowd, a sea of faces, open-mouthed and wide-eyed. The plan was, apparently, working. "That's right. Be wary, Sparta. If all goes according to Menelaus' plans, you'll be putting down your farming equipment and picking up weapons. Women, will you stand by as your husbands are sent away to fight?"

From somewhere in the crowd, a woman responded, "If it is for a noble cause!"

"Noble," Xena chuckled sarcastically, pulling her 'prisoner' closer. "Let me tell you about what Menelaus' deemed noble." She stopped, noting the growing lines on the old man's face as he glowered at her. "Or, would you like to tell them yourself?" 

She waited, but he simply stood there enraged. "No? Well, then I'll tell them," she stated smugly, looking to the crowd once more. "Spartans, the Trojan War was fought because Menelaus desired Helen of Troy. That was the one and only reason--the reason your world was toppled upside down."

The crowd, again, remained idle in silent shock. More prompting would be necessary to push them to revolt. As if reading Xena's mind, Gabrielle stepped forward.

"It's true," she shouted, "and there are those of you who now stand quiet that remember. Will you speak up? Or will you choose to repeat history?"

Menelaus seethed. "Do not listen to her!!"

"Then let them listen to you," Ares shouted as he raised his head an inch off the chopping block. He could feel the sword's edge against his neck, but did not back down, regardless of the Spartan sovereign's irate state.

There was no mistaking the ire that emanated from Menelaus' body. The king's hands were shaking as he wrapped them tighter around the sword. Ares thought he could actually hear  him gritting his teeth and, for a second, thought this moment would be his last. 

Nikolaus, who had been standing quietly, successfully distracted the old man. He took another bounding step toward him and yelled, "Tell them what you did!"

The King of Sparta's eyes jetted back and forth. He could scarcely believe what was happening. All of his plans were unraveling before him. Below, the citizens scrutinized him. Nikolaus was glowering at him and then she demanded his attention again.

"Yes," Xena started, pressing the dagger dangerously close to her prisoner's jugular, "tell them now Menelaus, or your wife will be the first casualty in your new war!"

Taris cried out. She looked liked she was in excruciating pain and her eyes were wet with fear.

The crowd looked to their monarch. They waited, watching intently for him to do something to rescue their beloved queen. He stood there, still holding the sword against Ares' straining neck, and madly shaking. Once again, he scanned all those faces, all those eyes. Under their expectant stares, he just couldn't take it anymore.

"Then do it!! I will not back down for you, and not for her! I am destined for great things and she will not stand in my way! So, do it, Xena!! She means nothing to me!"

The words flew from Menelaus' mouth unguarded. He looked from face to face of the Spartans, finding there, utter disgust. The animosity that had twisted his face, slowly gave way to regret and he seemed to shrink in stature. Yes, he truly regretted letting the truth be heard. There was no going back now, though.

Murmurs rose from the crowd. The mask had been lifted. The loyalty had been severed. The Spartans' perception of mighty Menelaus was betrayed. Xena knew this, and stared on delighted as one man, then another, and another, spoke up.

"What they say about Troy is true! I was there!"

"It was lust for Helen!"

"It happened that way!"

The old man threateningly drew the sword closer to Ares' neck. He was determined to finish what he had started and it was growing more and more apparent that he was losing all control. He looked at Xena, watching her grin grow wider as the citizens continued to accuse him of betrayal.

He was pushed to the limit.

"So what!? So what if that was the reason! Helen was mine and she was taken from me!! I had to get her back!!!" Menelaus searched the crowd again. He sought support--just one citizen who didn't look at him like a traitor. They promptly began to boo and that was it. He would no longer try to appease them. "You admonish me, you simpletons, while Xena stands there, ready to slit the throat of your treasured and beaten queen!?"

At that, she simply let her arm drop, releasing Taris from her hold. "The bruises that litter her body--those came from you." She looked around, finding that the people around her were growing all the more angered, and continued, "She was never in any danger from me, Menelaus. Unfortunately, neither she or Sparta can say the same about you."

Taris looked to her husband and smirked. Freedom was finally hers. It was now time to attempt to return the gesture. "Sparta! The truth is now known to you! Let Ares go, for he was wrongly judged!"

The crowd echoed their approval and the soldiers that had stood guard atop the scaffold, left their posts. The men along the walls dropped their weapons to the cobbled ground below, and Nikolaus, breathing a sigh of relief, made his way down to reunite with Taris.

A smile slowly spread across Ares' face as he took in the magnificent sight and sound. 

The king remained poised with the sword at the ex-Olympian's neck. Did these people not realize what they were doing? Did they not appreciate all he had done for them?  He found himself in the midst of no one to turn to--no one, except for Phazon, who simply stood by, silently.

The plan had succeeded. The crowd knew the truth. Now, the only thing that held them prisoner within Sparta was Menelaus.

Xena, her eyes weighted by unshed tears of relief, gazed upon the leather-clad warrior who used to be war, and nodded her head in cue.

Still beneath the sword's edge, he kicked backward, knocking Menelaus back a few feet. Ares rose to stand as the older man scrambled to regain balance. He still maintained the sword between his hands, which now trembled in fear.

"Stay back," he yelled, swinging the blade.

"Sorry, but I do believe that you've got some things that belong to me."

"I'm not scared of you! You lost your powers. I will not go down without a fight," Menelaus screamed back, desperately attempting to appear in control. Again, he swung the sword, barely missing Ares' arm, but the ex-Olympian would not be deterred. "Phazon, help me," the monarch yelled over his shoulder.

The high council member finally got a grip. Finding a discarded crossbow at his feet, he quickly picked it up and fired. Ares, whose eyes had not moved to look anywhere else other than Menelaus' paling face, did not see the arrow fly towards him. Xena quickly launched her chakram, sending it whirring for the arrow, but before either could connect, Ares effortlessly pulled both from the air.

"Thanks Xena, but that won't be necessary," he stated, throwing the arrow to the wayside. Then, without even issuing a look in her direction, he sent the chakram flying back.

Catching it upon return, Xena's eyes opened wide. She mentally chastised herself. He was mortal, but he was still Ares, and what he'd just done was something he had taught her, long, long ago.

No, everything seemed to be under control and so she, along with the help of Gabrielle, Cassia, Taris and Nikolaus, went about ushering the crowd to stand back. It was a difficult task, considering that the display taking place upon the scaffold was much more intriguing than anything else these commoners had been witness to.

Ares continued stalking Menelaus, who still stood at the ready with the sword. With lightning quick speed, his hand went for the monarch's neck, ripping the necklace-- that same necklace he'd worn for eons, from it. He then whipped it across the old man's face. Menelaus cried out in pain and clumsily dropped the sword as his hands flew to the wound.

Xena was in the process of telling one of the Spartan onlookers that they had to backup, but stopped mid-sentence, noting that Ares did not stop to pick-up his sword.

He continued, setting foot in front of foot at a deliberate pace, grinning as Menelaus backpedaled as quickly as he could muster. "Whatsa matter? Aren't you the same man who deemed me as being nothing," Ares taunted. "Then again, you seemed to think that nothing could scare you. Perhaps, people just took that too literally."

"Stop this now," he ground out, pulling his hands from his marred face.

"Tsk, looks like that's gonna leave a scar."

Menelaus uttered not a word, but dropped to his knees, scrambling for the sword. Ares promptly kicked out. The impact sent the antagonist on his back.

"Not wise." 

"I just wanted Helen. That's all!! You kept her from me, you and your beloved Troy," he seethed, still laying on his back and once again losing all sense of composure. Menelaus' tone then grew hushed and regretful. "She took with her.. all semblance of good in me. You let Olympus fall for a woman!! Can you not understand why I would let Sparta?"

The stress, anger, and frustration were at critical mass, and the old man began to do something that no one, not even those closest to him, had ever been witness to before. He began to dishearteningly moan as he curled up, attempting to make himself disappear.

Then, he continued to mutter, as if he'd lost all sense of sanity, "You let Olympus fall...for a woman..I let Sparta... You let Olympus..I let Sparta.."

Everything went silent, sans the words spilling from the old man's lips. Ares stopped in place. He truly did not know the next course of action to take. He searched the crowd for Xena. She stood there, just as awe struck as he, shaking her head at a loss.

Before he could consider options, he heard the sound of racing footfall. Ares quickly spun to find Phazon heading for him, a dagger in hand. He ducked, and picked up the same arrow he'd discarded just minutes earlier. As Phazon drew close, Ares launched the arrow from his bare hand, much like Xena had done that night on Olympus. The arrow landed on its intended mark, and Phazon went down.

With Ares' back turned, Menelaus began to shakily stand, still uttering the same words over and over. From his gauntlet, he pulled his own dagger and made his way to the former Olympian.

"You..me... Olympus...Sparta..," he continued before finally spitting out, "you're just as guilty as me!" Menelaus lifted the weapon and went to strike just as Ares turned around.

He caught the old man by the arm and spun him. The blade dropped from the monarch's hand.

"Liar," Ares boomed, shaking Menelaus. "The outcome might be similar, but the reasoning is nothing alike! You did it out of lust! Lust is not the same as-"

"Noo..you're war, you can not love," the sovereign retorted, laughing wildly at his own bitter words. The levity quickly subsided, and he maliciously whispered, "You can't."

Ares' face hardened. "You'd be surprised. Love is a powerful thing, Menelaus. Just look at these people, their families, their children." Then he paused, as if considering something. "Actually, why don't you look at one in particular," he suggested, searching the crowd.

Finding the person he had sought, Ares pointed and forced the old man to look.

"The girl? She's a mere servant I picked up from Pylos. She has no family," the deposed king bellowed.

Ares leaned close and whispered, "The girl you now look upon is Helen's daughter, though she does not know it." Menelaus' hands tightened around Ares' wrists and he paled considerably. Seeing the reaction, he continued, "Her mother had to keep her identity secret, but that girl knows she was born to two parents who loved one another...and indeed, they did."

Menelaus was silent.

"You are the only person, other than myself, who knows now, but I know you won't tell."

At this, the old man looked warily up. "Wh-what are you going to do??"

"The question is, what are you going to do?"

Not daring to face the Spartan people again, the former sovereign looked helplessly skyward. A loud, thunderous boom resonated, making the feeling in his gut all the more portentous. To his surprise, Ares released him. Menelaus stumbled backward.

Xena, who was still watching the display, stared on curiously. Gabrielle pushed her way through the crowd and moved to stand next to her.

"What's he doing," the bard inquired.

Not shifting her eyes, Xena answered, "I'm not sure, Gabrielle. This is Ares we're talking about--completely unpredictable."

"It looks like he's toying with him."

This was a comment Xena couldn't take to task without casting her friend a look. "Don't tell me you find that surprising. He may not be predictable, but he's infamous for the good 'ole cat and mouse game."

Gabrielle elbowed her in the arm. "You should know."

Xena eyed the bard. "Just you watch it." She looked back to the scaffold and shook her head, taking on a more serious expression. "I think I know what he's doing. He's trying to bait Menelaus into coming after him again. Only this time he-"

"Only this time, he plans to finish the man," Cassia concluded as she pushed  her way forward to stand next to the women.

They briefly exchanged looks of confirmation before returning their attention to the scaffold.

Menelaus stood there, breathing rapidly. He was staring holes through Ares as the former Olympian strode away, seemingly, without a care in the world. That would not do. No, Menelaus was not pleased at all.

The deposed king scanned the scene, the commoners--who still looked upon him as though he was a traitor, Xena and her friends standing smugly at the front, and then to Cassia--Helen's daughter. It was all too much. He went for the sword, which still sat upon the scaffold.

Ares heard the boards creak behind him and prepared to strike. The seconds ticked on and he realized that Menelaus was not coming for him. He turned to see why.

The former sovereign stood at the center of the platform. The sword was gripped tightly between his hands and raised skyward. He looked as though he was mad, and perhaps, today had blurred that line of sanity.

"I am Menelaus, King of Sparta," he ground out. "You might think I am defeated, but I am not-"

Then, in the midst of this egocentric proclamation, Menelaus' words were silenced. A bolt of lightning roared through the clouds and down to the beacon which drew it in. That beacon was Ares' sword.

The former Olympian gazed on in shock as a miasma of color ignited, consuming Menelaus. From the crowd came screams of horror and gasps of disbelief, but their cries were defeated by the monarch's own. A frothy foam spilled from his lips and his crazed eyes were rolled back in his head. Wave after wave of electricity coursed through him, causing his body to uncontrollably spasm, till finally, he dropped.

The smell was horrible and the sight--well, that was not too pleasing either. Ares slowly walked up to where Menelaus' smoking body had fallen and gingerly picked up the sword.  There was a subtle glint of trepidation behind his eyes as he peered up at the dark sky.

"That.. was.. unexpected," he muttered to himself. Ares discretely shuddered.

He turned away and when he did, he found himself looking out at the gathered crowd of Spartans. All was silent. The citizens stared intently at him, though this time, it was not with admonishment. No, they appeared to be awe-struck.

Ares wasn't really sure what they expected from him. He simply raised a hand and acknowledged their presence--that was the only thing he could offer them.

They promptly roared.

Though this was not the first time Ares had ever experienced such a congratulatory cheer, he found that he was rather self-conscious. This was not like all those times before. These people were not warriors. They were not raising swords of salute. Instead, many raised their drinks, while others lifted their children to their shoulders. No war banners were waved, but rather, hands.

No, these people were certainly not warriors--they were a sea of unfamiliar faces, rolling with applause--cheering for the success of justice, rather than conquest.

It was disorienting, to say the least. Again, he didn't know what they expected him to do. He didn't know that he wanted to do anything, anyway. Just a little while ago, these same people cried out for his execution, now they seemed pleased that it had not gone through. In that respect, their cheers felt hollow somehow. Regardless, the sight and sound made him feel something he could not define. 

Ares tipped his head, lowered his hand, and started back toward the platform's stairs.

Though the Spartans continued to clap and shout, he was now deaf to them. Someone else, who ranked much higher on the priority list, was beckoning to him.

"Ares!"

There, standing behind the scaffolding, was Xena. He pressed his lips together and descended down the stairs. Standing on the last, he took a moment to gather himself. When he had made move to climb these steps just a little while earlier, he had thought it was the last time he would ever stand on Grecian ground again. He had been wrong. There it was...just inches away.

Slowly, he stepped down. Ares almost expected the ground to crumble beneath his feet, but no, it was solid, and he smiled in relief.

"We did it," she stated as she walked up to him. He simply nodded, much like he had that night on Olympus when she thanked him for what he had done. Xena looked curiously at him and drew close to his ear. "What did you say to Menelaus that made react like that?"

Ares took a moment to consider the question and then quietly responded, "The girl--the one that was with Taris at the Eurotas--she's Helen's daughter. She doesn't know it, and frankly, it's not the best time to tell her."

Xena's lips parted in shock. She almost began to question how he could know such a thing, but once again, reminded herself of who he was. A major war had been ignited because of Helen of Troy--one that lasted for over ten years. When she disappeared afterward, many had wondered what became of her. It wasn't surprising that Ares would know where she ended up. After all, he had been an Olympian--war no less, and anything to do with it, pertinent or not, he was sure to study up on.

"She deserves to know. You're right, though. It's not really the best time to tell her."

"There's just too much going on in my head as it is and after this whole ordeal, I just-" he stopped, looked away and shook his head at a loss.

Xena grinned and squeezed his shoulder. "But, it's over now."

He bobbed his head and slowly faced her again. When he did, she saw a smile that warmed her heart. It did not linger long. It slowly melted away in lieu of an earnest stare.

"Xena-I can't tell you how-"

She placed a hand on his arm. "You don't need to. I already know."

They stood there, conducting another silent conversation but, as always, it was interrupted. Gabrielle, Cassia, Taris and Nikolaus came walking up to offer their congratulations on a job well done.

Both warriors looked up, and although their interlude was cut short, they didn't begrudge their company. There was always time to pick-up where they left off.

****************************

That night, Queen Taris, after successfully addressing the Spartan people on the new state of the monarchy, welcomed Xena and her friends to relax as her guests. She afforded them each with their own room, as well as put together a superb dinner within the palace's banquet hall.

After making sure all arrangements were satisfactory, the queen, worn out due to both the recent events and pregnancy, retired for the night. It was the first night that she could openly spend with her one true love--Nikolaus. Together, they made their appreciation known and subsequently took their leave.

The banquet hall itself was comforting. Torches hung on the walls and were the only source of light, other than a row of candles which lined the grand marble-topped table. Each chair was upholstered with what appeared to be old tapestries, making for an interesting scene being played out upon each seat. Atop the table, remnants of dinner sat wasting on silver embossed platters. Beef, chicken, an assortment of sweet meats and vegetables, breads, cheeses, and to the bard's delight, nutbread, had been set out before them and since sacked.

Xena, too, was delighted to find nutbread as one of the offerings, but not because she had a predilection for it. No, it pleased her because she knew this nutbread was not laced--meaning Gabrielle could eat as much as she liked and still retain her coherency. The warrior inwardly chuckled, remembering a time long ago when she had not been so fortunate.

Finishing up the last morsels of the well-deserved dinner, they remained at the table. After such a strenuous ordeal, the simple pleasantries of friendly conversation were welcomed and indulged. Xena sat, nibbling on her second helping of roasted chicken and Ares, sitting across from her, reclined in his seat and placed his legs atop the table. Cassia, meanwhile, looked on intently as Gabrielle dominated the chatter.

"Taris says that Nikolaus can easily take over Spartan affairs now," Gabrielle related with a smile. "This is going to make for a great scroll."

Xena grabbed her goblet and took a drink. She let the water slide down her throat and then went to grab a piece of bread from the plate set out in front of her. "Your infamous scrolls," she joked.

Ares, feeling much more like his old self, rolled his eyes. "I think it's about time you wrote a story starring me---one where I don't get my ass kicked." He looked at Xena, who was chuckling tight-lipped. "Yeah, laugh it up. You do realize I let you win all those times," he joked, although he was secretly telling the truth.

She raised a knowing brow, and nodded. "Yeah, I know."

Gabrielle swallowed the nutbread she'd been chewing on and looked Ares square in the eyes. "Well, now that-- I assume--- you'll be fighting on the good side, maybe I will."

"Gee, thanks. That'd be swell," he replied sarcastically before cracking a genuine grin.

"Speaking of which," Cassia started, shyly, "there's something that I--well, here." The young girl reached into her satchel and pulled out her treasured scroll. "This belongs to you."

Gabrielle raised a brow as she took the item from her hand. "Cassia?"

"It's one of your scrolls. My father found it, years ago, and would read it to me all the time.  It is such a powerful account of strength in the face of, " she paused, attempting to find the right words, "sorry, I just don't know how to explain-"

Unrolling the scroll, the bard shook her head. It had been such an incredibly long time since she'd set eyes on it. The ink was a little faded, the edges somewhat tattered, but the text was still clear enough to read. Her writing style had changed so much over the years, but it was undeniable, this was hers.

"Cassia, I-I..it's been so long. I wondered what had happened to it."

Xena, who was in the midst of wiping her hands on a cloth napkin, peered down at the parchment.

"Ah, good ole' Salmoneus," she fondly uttered, finding a passage which described their old friend and what he'd done to protect her. "I wonder what happened to him."

Ares snorted. "He was locked up, years ago."

Both Xena's and Gabrielle's eyes snapped up and together they gasped, "What!?"

"Well, he'd gotten involved with one too many scams. But don't fret, the last I heard, he was back on the prowl. He must be, what, sixty-something by now?"

Xena smirked. "Yeah, and you're a couple of eons old, gramps."

"They say you're only as old as you look. So, by that account, I'm not a day over twen-er, ok, thirty," he quipped.

"Uh-huh. Well, you know they say men look more dignified the older they get." At that, Xena flashed Ares a grin that could only be taken one way.

"Xena?"

"Yes?"

Ares sat up and straightened his tunic. "Care to accompany me on a walk?"

She pursed her lips, trying to appear like she had to take it under extreme consideration. "Um."

Xena picked up her goblet, still holding that same expression on her face as she brought it to her lips. She was attempting to play hard to get, but as she peered back at Ares from over the rim of the cup, she couldn't keep the facade up any longer. He sat there, looking eager for an answer. She'd kept him waiting for years. Holding off longer just for amusement wouldn't be nice.

"Let's go," she finally replied, chuckling and standing up.

"I knew it was an offer you couldn't refuse." Ares walked around the table, holding out his arm, which Xena, surprised by this action, slowly moved to take.

She quickly looked over her shoulder, flashing Gabrielle a look that clearly implied, 'Can you believe this??' 

"We'll be back later," were the only words she managed to say, though.

"Yeah, yeah. Well, I won't be waiting up," the bard replied sternly, briefly glancing up before returning her attention elsewhere.

She was still getting reacquainted with her long-lost scroll. She shook her head, amazed at the fact that it was now sitting in her lap. Once Xena and Ares had left the hall, she rolled the parchment up, leaned across the table, and took Cassia by the hand.

"I can't," she stopped and looked up at her, "I can't take this back from you."

"But," Cassia began to say before being cut off.

"No, your father gave this to you..and it's clear that it's meant a lot to you over the years. Please, keep it. There's no better reward for a writer than knowing their work has touched someone." Gabrielle extended the scroll across the table, locking eyes with her and again, beckoned her to take it. "It's ok, really."

Cassia pressed her lips together, mulling the bard's words over in her head. She was being so gracious about it and it was true, that scroll did mean a lot to her. She finally let out a breath, curled her fingers around the parchment and slowly pulled it from Gabrielle's grasp. "Thank you. It does, indeed, mean more than you know. Your words kept me going through some pretty difficult times."

"And so did yours," Gabrielle admitted.

"Wha-My words? I don't understand."

"Last night, in the barn..I heard what you and Xena were talking about. Y'see, Xena and I..we've been inseparable over the years and while there's been amazing adventures-- to say the least-- there's also been a lot of sorrow and heartbreak...a lot of guilt," Gabrielle paused and took a breath. "She finally told me that she knows what it's done to me..Anyway, to make it short, I know that I can't do this," she lifted a boot and gestured to the weapon strapped firmly to its side, "for much longer, but the thought of going off alone, well, it's a scary one. I heard what happened to your sister, your family, and what you told her made so much sense."

Cassia closed her eyes. "When you love someone, they never really leave you."

"Yeah, it's just.. wow, I dunno. There was a time that I wanted to be Xena, but then I realized... if I was meant to be her, I would be. Sounds silly, I'm sure-"

"No, I understand what you mean. Gabrielle, as a young girl, I looked up to you. My sister Alex...she and I used to role-play. She would pretend to be Xena and I would walk around with a staff pretending to be you." Cassia chuckled at the memory. "But, then I grew up and I put that staff down. I find I walk better without it."

Now Gabrielle laughed, her face slightly flushed from the flattery. "Well, something tells me that it's time to pick that staff back up because I find that I do walk better with one.

She paused then, repeating those words silently in her head.

Cassia was a little wary of the abrupt silence. "You ok?"

"Wh-" Gabrielle's eyes snapped up. "Ok? Yeah.. y'know," she moved to look at the empty seat next to her, the one where Xena had just minutes ago sat, and continued, "I think I'm going to be just fine."

********

Xena and Ares walked side-by-side along a marked trail just outside the Spartan walls. Their walk, thus far, had been made in silence, but surprisingly, a comfortable one. Each would cast shy smiles from time to time, smiles that stated more than words could. There was a peaceful serenity that seemed to be in the air tonight, one which they both recognized and appreciated for its simplicity.

The moon was at its highest peak, casting a beautiful blue-tinted glow across the land. Hours ago, the storm had moved on, leaving the night's sky bereft of a single cloud. Consequently, there was nothing to obstruct the moon's bright face and so it served as an excellent light to guide their way.

Nearing a more densely treed spot, Ares stopped and took Xena's hand, bringing her to a halt as well.

"Xena, I know we've been doing nothing but joking around tonight, but now that we're alone, I just-"

"Just wanted to talk seriously," she questioned, offering his hand a squeeze of support.

Ares bobbed his head, trying to put his thoughts in order. "Yea- I- I don't know what my problem is. You're the one person I can open up to, but it's still difficult for me to do." He looked her in the eyes and took a breath. "There's a lot of things I want to... no, that I need to talk about and I wanted to wait till we were alone."

Xena knew this was hard for him to do. He had probably been rolling these thoughts in his head all night. Ares was Ares, mortal or not, and like her, it was apparent that he loathed the thought of being seen as vulnerable. Yeah, they had most definitely joked all through dinner, and that was expected. Xena knew, despite what he'd done on Olympus, and despite Gabrielle's role in helping them out in Sparta, he had no desire to forge a comfortable friendship with the bard. No, Xena knew he simply tolerated Gabrielle and did it for no other reason than out of respect for her.

There was no way, just no way, that Ares would ever let his guard down in front of others. Again, Xena was much the same way, so, she simply nodded her head and replied, "I understand."

"Yea..Kinda knew you would," he quietly muttered, toying with her fingers. "Xena, these past few months, they've changed me. I can't say I know what it all means, or what I'm going to do next, or where I'm going to go. The only thing I do know," he paused, and locked eyes with her, "is that I want you there... by my side."

The words registered and Xena tore her eyes away. "Ares-"

"No, just wait. Let me finish," he urged her, gently placing a hand under her chin and making her look at him. "I'm not looking for a babysitter. I can, contrary to what happened here at Sparta, take care of myself. And I'm not looking for us to team up and go pillaging."

She smiled slightly at this, but remained silent, prompting him to go on.

"Xena, again, these last few months--they flipped my entire world upside down, but the one thing...the one thing that stayed grounded, was the way I feel about you."

Her chin leveled down and, again, she squeezed his hand between her own. "What are you trying to say, Ares?"

"You know what. I told you before-"

"Yeah, but, y'see, that doesn't count because you were-"

Ares bit his lip. "Ok, fine, that's true." He looked away, shaking his head. "Y'know, I may be mortal, Xena, but that doesn't mean I'm Mr. Mush now."

She cocked her head and smiled. "I know."

He let her hand slide from his own and turned around. Ares, again, took his lip between his teeth. Amazing,  he exclaimed to himself, I'm eons old, and as eloquent as a teenager.

"I always did despise cowardice."

"What," Xena asked, leaning over his shoulder.

At that, Ares turned around. He raised a hand, the palm facing her. She stared at it. This hand that had once coursed with the power to command legions, shape nations at will, was now simply rough and callused like any other mortal's. She found this peculiarly exciting and, without instruction, raised her own hand. Skin was pressed to skin and their  fingers entwined.

Ares placed his other hand beneath her chin, raising her face to meet his own. Her lips parted at the prospect of what was to come and she felt her mouth suddenly go dry as her heart beat quickened. Slowly, painfully slow, he leaned in, and inch by inch, he could feel her breath grow stronger as it fell upon his face.

He lingered there, a hair's breadth away, looking upon her parted mouth, taking in each line and curve. "I-," he started, lifting his eyes to stare into her own. He licked his lips, barely grazing hers with his tongue, and whispered, "I love you, Xena."

She closed her eyes and closed the gap between them. They melded into one another in a kiss that was so passionate, it was if they were making up for years of lost time and missed opportunities. Xena had once admitted, to herself anyway, to feeling something that day in Amphipolis. She had meant emotionally, although, that wasn't the only inference, but this kiss.. this kiss was immeasurably more electrifying and completely indescribable.

The intensity was mounting. She could hear a heartbeat and didn't know if it was his or her own echoing in her ears. The sound was consuming, like a riptide. It washed over her, beckoning her to become completely unaware of anything sans their connection.

Their mouths fought as masterfully as they, themselves, had fought in battle. Xena began to feel all control slip away, moaning throatily with each parry. That riptide was dragging her in, suffocating her. She could no longer breathe and those moans of pleasure were soon overtaken by muffled pleas to stop as she dug her nails into his chest and pushed him off of her.

He stumbled back a step, his lips still puckered and his eyes half shrouded by those long lashes. Xena took a breath, brought a hand to her swelling lips, and looked away. Slowly, he regained focus and a dejected expression grew upon his face.

"Xena, what is it?" It was clear that Ares was at a loss. "What," he questioned, stepping toward her and extending a hand. She backed away from his touch, like it would burn her.  "Were you lying when you told me you forgave me," he asked, daring her to look him in the eyes.

She remained silent, kept her eyes averted, and the frustration began to brew. Ares raised his hands and threaded them through his hair at a loss. He paced in front of her. "What? Were you waiting until I opened myself up completely so you could-"

"No," she hoarsely answered, cutting him off.

He stopped then and regarded her. "Then what is this about? I don't understand."

"And now I do," she replied.

"What-"

"I thought, for so long, that the control you seemed to hold over me was... what you were..Battle lust, I guess. I know differently now." 

"What is that supposed to-"

"It's just who you are. Ares, from one control-freak to another, that's the most scary feeling in the world."

He shook his head. "You don't think I'm scared of what all this means? But you know what, the point is, I'm ready find that out....I thought you were too. I thought the games were over."

"That's just it. The games are over, " she finally looked at him again and whispered, "you've won."

He looked down, letting this sink in. For longer than he could remember, he had wanted to hear those words. Now that they finally breeched his ears, he was speechless. Slowly, he raised his eyes to search her face, to see the ingenuous smile that graced her lips. 

She laughed despite herself. "I must be mad, but at least I can't blame the furies this time."

 The swell of his heart suddenly became a painful pang. Ares stiffened and turned around.

She had just ruined the moment and mentally kicked herself. Though she knew those words could not be retracted, she sucked in, beckoning them back as Ares widened the distance between them. He walked off toward the opposite tree-line which was, approximately, ten feet away. With each step, more shadows, cast down by the sheltering tree leaves, fell upon him. Xena teetered on her toes, impeding her impulse to follow suit.

He kept his back to her as words slowly trickled from his tongue. "Xena, you don't know-"

Ares, she was certain, was about to profusely apologize. Before he could, she curtailed the effort. "I told you, what's done is done. I don't want to look back at the past."

He leaned against a tree and kicked at the dirt below with the toe of his boot. "It's kind of hard not to when it's staring you in the face."

"I know. In a really messed up way, we understand each other because we've both been to the edge and back." She brought her arms to rest across her chest and backed up to lean against a tree herself. "But the fact is, we didn't fall."

They were on either side of the path and once again, almost metaphorically, Xena waited to see if Ares would join her side. She felt her breath catch in her throat as the seconds ticked on like minutes. He remained, leaning against that tree, his fingers curling back and forth into fists. It was apparent that there was a deep seeded shame that he was battling with.

Since the Twilight, he had changed so much. Sure, he was still Ares and there was a dangerous energy about him, but he had tempered it, managed to rein it in. As an Olympian, he had once told her that he wanted to fight side-by-side with her. In a way, he was doing that right now. He was battling the same feelings that she had when she changed her ways--the same feelings she still wrestled with every time she was reminded of her past. She waited, silently hoping he would overcome his own.

Finally, he stood tall.

Slowly walking toward her, there was an indescribable look in his eyes. It was like he was burdened with the weight of the world, yet passionately hungry, all at the same time. She stared on curiously as he approached. There, behind those dark brown eyes, was not lust, but rather, a consuming want. She felt the hairs on the back of her neck stand at attention and waited, uncharacteristically trepid, as he drew near.

"Ar-," she started to question, but, before she could finish, her mouth was silenced.

He placed a finger upon her lips and shook his head sullenly. He looked so infinitely sad, but she uttered not a word.

Languidly, the finger slid down from her mouth. Her eyes locked with his own as she attempted to figure him out. A thousand questions began to spring within her mind, but not a word dared to breech the air. Ares' eyes closed and he leaned in, covering her mouth with his own in a kiss unlike any he'd ever placed upon her. It was almost innocent, as if he thought she would break beneath his touch, and as she attempted to return the kiss-- he pulled away.

Ares bore into her with nothing more than those brooding eyes and, although she was still dressed in armor, she never felt so starkly naked. He stroked her dark hair, letting his fingers curl around the locks.

"I am so sorry."

Xena's brows lowered. The apology had been uttered in the most sincere tone she'd ever heard in her entire existence-- from anyone. It was almost like it was spoken in a different language, but she understood the words perfectly. Something within her tightened. After all they'd been through, things were finally righted once more.

She gently clutched his hand, weaving her fingers between his. "Ares-"

"If I could go back and change time...if I could amend the transgressions-"

"No, Ares, we can't change the past and even if you could, I wouldn't want you to. The past is, again, just that. It has no power unless you let it."

Their hands still threaded, he brought hers to his lips and placed a kiss upon the knuckles. "Stay with me tonight, Xena," he whispered, his head still lowered.

She guided his face up and, this time, she kissed him. It was sweet and teasing, for as she pulled away, she made sure to make good use of her teeth.

"Ow," he breathed as the corners of his mouth turned up playfully.

Her eyes slightly widened. "We can't do this here. The hard ground is the last thing you should be rolling around on with those injuries." Xena suddenly felt a surge of bashfulness course over her, realizing that she had pretty much just spelled out what she intended to do with him. "I mean-"

Ares laughed and huskily responded, "Then... lets go back to my room."

"Sounds like a plan," she hastily replied.

Xena blushed considerably. He was the only one who could do this to her. With Borias, Hercules, anyone else, she was never so self-conscious.

He backed up, allowing her to move from the tree she'd been pressed against, and led her back to the trail. "Just be sure to be gentle with me," he paused and looked at her sinisterly, "or don't."

****************************

The wall they'd built so long ago was now, nothing more than dust.

They stood there, toe-to-toe, Ares' face buried in her neck, while hands explored elsewhere. Xena's head rolled back and it was clear--the riptide was pulling her back in, and this time, she made no move to stop from drowing. Unlike water, however, it was a scorching heat.

Their minds reeled, their muscles trembled, and every breath expended volleyed back between them. Each inch of their bodies were lit, and sometimes, the only way to put out a fire is to simply let it burn.

That fire grew in intensity as the seconds turned to minutes, and the minutes to hours.. all sense of time and space was abandoned. The size of the bed, the color of its sheets, the ornamentation on the walls... those things didn't register--those things simply didn't matter.

No, all that was seen was the spark of passion. All that was felt was one another's slickened embrace. All that was heard was the unified sound of two hearts joined.

Feelings expressed earlier were all the more enforced. These were two beings whose actions always did speak louder than words, and in this instance, they were screaming at the top of their metaphorical lungs. They were in their own little world, consumed in each other. They dressed themselves with one another's bodies, and perfect fits they were.

Together, they took the night, and made it their own, putting behind them years of past transgressions and emotional denials.

They melded into one another. Everything else was non-existent, except that passion borne singularity...

The sands of time dropped slowly.

Hours later, when the moon began its descent to make way for the dawn, they remained  tangled in one another's embrace, wrapped in silken sheets saturated with their own sweat.

Her head was nestled in the crook of his neck, and with each breath he took, she felt her body rise with his. She peered up to find his penetrating eyes shrouded under fans of lashes and couldn't help but note how content he looked.

War had finally found peace. 

She trailed her nose up the length of his neck, breathing in the intoxicating scent of his skin. Her swollen lips pressed close to his ear and from them, she finally whispered, "I love you."

She lingered there, letting her eyes flutter shut, before slowly lowering herself back down. In the midst of settling into place, she froze as a kiss was firmly planted atop her head.

Her most closely guarded secret had not gone unheard.

****

"So, I'm laying there and there's this noise! I don't know what it coulda been, but it kept me up all night," Cassia told Gabrielle, who, once again, sat across from her at the banquet hall table.

She rubbed the sleep from her eyes. Underneath them were dark circles.

Gabrielle smiled. "Well, I was out as soon as my head skimmed the pillow. So, I don't know what to tell you, Ca-" she stopped abruptly, watching as both Xena and Ares entered the hall.

It wasn't so much the sight of this that made her stop mid-sentence, but rather, the smell that signaled their entrance. It was distinctly the scent of passion-induced sweat, which meant that the noises Cassia had heard last night were...Gabrielle's eyes immediately widened.

"Morning, girls." Xena sat down, grabbing a bunch of grapes from one of the numerous platters that had been set out. "You're actually up early, Gabrielle?? What's going on," she  turned in her seat and pretended to look out a window, "are centaurs flying?"

The bard regarded her friend suspiciously. "Well, Xena, the truth is-- you're getting up late. Something.. oops, I mean... someone keep you up last night?" She looked pointedly at Ares, who was in the midst of piling a plate with assorted foods.

"Wha-," he asked incoherently, looking up.

Xena's face noticeably reddened, but she attempted to keep her cool. "I don't know what you could be insinuating."

Satisfied with what he had chosen as the first helping of breakfast, Ares plopped down next to Xena. For someone who was a pro at keeping a stoic facade, she sure let her guard down because it was apparent to all that something had indeed happened. The proof was written all over her grinning face as she locked eyes with him.

"Uh-huh," Gabrielle taunted.

Cassia could do nothing but blush.

Xena slowly turned to face the bard and attempted to change the subject. She popped a grape in her mouth and chewed. "Good eats."

Alright, Gabrielle thought, I'll play along. "Yeah, they were even better a candlemark ago."

Ares rolled his eyes. "Ok, bard, we get the point," he retorted. Xena playfully responded with an elbow to the arm. "Careful, Warrior Princess, you know I like it rough."

"So do I," she replied, just loud enough for him to hear.

"What was that," Gabrielle questioned, smirking.

Xena leaned back in her chair and returned the look. "N-nothin'" She scanned the room. "So, where's Taris and Nikolaus?"

"They were here earlier," Cassia answered. "They left a little while ago to take care of some business."

"Yeah, you should see Taris, Xena. She's simply glowing," Gabrielle stated, a smile tugging at her lips. "Seems she's not the only one."

"Must be the water," Ares muttered in jest, chewing on a piece of flat bread.

Xena cast a sly smile, grabbed a pitcher and filled a cup. "Undoubtedly."

"Well, I see you two are finally up."

Everyone looked toward the hall entrance. There, with Nikolaus' arms wrapped tightly about her waist, was Taris. Gabrielle was right, the woman was radiant. Her hair was neatly put up and threaded with burgundy cords. Ringlets skimmed her bare shoulders. The chiton she wore matched the ties in her hair and was most flattering. She looked all-together a new person and, in a way, she was.

"Queen Taris," Cassia acknowledged. "I thought you two had gone to tend to Spartan affairs.

Nikolaus, sporting yet another green robe, lowered his chin into the crook of Taris' neck and smiled. "Well, we were hoping to speak with the both of you," he stated, looking to Ares and Xena.

"What about," the former asked.

"Well, with Menelaus out of the way, we're able to take over the council and start inducting new laws, among other pertinent things. The Queen and myself are quite excited at the prospect, but we were hoping that you both would assist us. We don't mean to keep you long...just till things are smoothly underway."

Ares was flattered and it showed. Just one day ago, he thought his world was over, but now, he realized he was making a fresh start. Neither he, or Xena knew where they were going to go after wrapping things up in Sparta and this was an interesting offer. 

He cast a look at her, raising his brows. Taking in the expression on her face, he noted that she looked to be just as keen of it as he was.

"Sounds like a plan to me." Ares finally replied.

Xena nodded. "It would be our pleasure, Nikolaus."

The regal couple looked pleased. "Excellent." Taris smiled.

The warrioress reciprocated before turning her attention to Gabrielle. Her friend's face was unreadable. She was staring down at the remnants of her plate, picking at a piece of bread. This caused Xena's grin to wane.

The queen took note of this and quickly sought to rectify the situation. "Of course, we would be pleased if you would also stay on here, Gabrielle. Your scrolls are legendary, and we were discussing putting up a library."

She looked up, faintly smiling. "That's wonderful, Taris. I'll definitely take it into consideration."

The idea of establishing a library was an excellent one and there was no better person to take this project to task than Gabrielle. Xena eyed her, trying to figure her out. She looked like someone who was desperately hungry, sitting in front of a banquet, but would not dare to eat.

"Yes, Gabrielle, please do. By the way," the queen went on, "Cassia, I wanted to speak with you as well." The young woman lifted a brow. Taris stepped from Nikolaus' arms and approached her. "You helped me out, no question, and now I fear I must ask you to help me once again."

"What is it you require?"

"Could you, perhaps, find it in your heart to stay? You earned my trust due to what you did-"

"Seeing as though Taris is pregnant," Nikolaus started in, "your assistance would be extremely helpful. But take in mind, you would be regarded as a friend, not a servant."

Cassia's eyes lit up. "Well, truth be told, I had no idea what I was going to do after this. There's no place I call 'home', but maybe Sparta can be that for me."

"Well, then. Looks like this is turning out to be a happy ending after all," Taris mused.

Xena shook her head and abruptly chimed in, "No, this is just the beginning of something better." 

***

"Come in," Gabrielle insisted as Xena stood in the mahogany doorway of her modest room.

The warrioress walked in, noting the green color scheme and polished wood floor. She walked up to the only window in the room and looked down into the main square. While there were citizens roaming about and conducting business, it looked empty compared to yesterday.

"So, where's your bad boy in black," the bard jested as she went about making her bed.

Xena turned and arched a brow.

"Funny," she replied, moving to sit on a nearby chair. "He's actually taking a nap right now."

Gabrielle flopped a pillow into place and cast a sly smile over her shoulder. "Wore him out, did ya?"

"So, are you going to keep crackin' jokes about my love life, or is this just a passing thing to amuse yourself with till something better comes along," the Warrior Princess quipped back.

"You know I'm just messing. As hard as it is for me to say, I'm happy for the both of you," she stopped what she was doing and took Xena's hand in her own. "Truly."

Xena gently squeezed it. "Thanks, Gabrielle. That means a lot."

The bard moved to pull her pack from beneath her bed. "Yeah, but if he hurts you, he's gonna hear it from me."

"I think the prospect of that is enough to strike fear into anyone," Xena replied, kicking her in the leg.

She chuckled, grabbed the sais from the bedside dresser, and dropped them into her satchel. Then, she paused, realizing the significance of packing them away.

"I'm gonna miss you," the bard uttered somberly.

"Miss me?" Xena leaned forward in her chair. "Gabrielle, when I told you that we had to discuss this whole path thing, I didn't mean right away. I think you should seriously consider Taris' offer."

"Xena," she started, shaking her head incredulously, "and what would I do? Play third wheel to the leather-clad duo? Besides, you're right. I mean, eventually, your work will be done here. I can't walk the path you do anymore, so unless you two want to take up story-telling, I think we're at an impasse."

"I think Ares would scare the children," Xena uttered, almost as if she was saying it for her own amusement.

Gabrielle laughed again, picturing Ares glowering at a bunch of noisy youngsters. "Yeah, you may be right." She scratched her head and went on in earnest, "Well, helping out with the library might not be such a bad idea after all. I'll think about it. Anyway, there was something else that was on my mind."

"Yeah," Xena asked.

"Well, I know I made a grand speech about how this would be our last great adventure, but somehow, I just feel like there should be one more. I dunno, go travel to someplace we haven't been..a last hoorah before the finale." She looked to gauge her friend's reaction. "What do you think?"

Xena smiled. "I think that's an excellent idea." She stood and placed a hand upon Gabrielle's shoulder. "Who knows, maybe it'll make for another great scroll, though what happened here in Sparta is tough to beat."

"You can say that again," Gabrielle stated, turning her attention back to her satchel sitting on the floor. She pulled out a piece of nutbread that she'd taken last night and tore a piece off. Chewing on it thoughtfully, she raised a finger. "Something really shocking and unexpected would have to happen to top this."

"More shocking than me and Ares finally-"

"Actually, now that I think about it, that's not that surprising at all," she admitted. "I don't know why I didn't see it coming sooner."

Xena rolled her eyes. "Ok, so you want something totally unexpected, eh?"

"Yup, a story that is completely unexpected. It must be something out of the ordinary, something that will totally floor the reader."

"That's a tall order."

Gabrielle nodded. "Yeah, but, this is you we're talking about. I'm sure you're bound to do something that will, once again, completely knock me off my guard."

The warrioress raised a hand, huffed on it, then pretended to 'polish' it. "True, true," she replied snobbishly. "I'll see what I can do."

"Yeah, you can think on it. Then, when you least expect it, I'll come looking for you, armed with a fresh arsenal of scrolls and ink."

"Not every warrior gets their own biographer," Xena chortled, before taking on a more sincere tone, "or such an incredible friend."

Gabrielle's lips turned up in appreciation. "It's been a wild ride, hasn't it?"

"That's an understatement. But really, without your help, your friendship...who knows where I woulda ended up. Thank you, for always standing by me."

"You only say that because I make you look taller."

Xena laughed, "Gabrielle... I'm being serious. You granted me your trust when no one else would. There are no words that can express how much that means."

"Xen-"

"The height thing was just a bonus."

Now the bard began to snicker, and Xena couldn't help but notice a sense of renewed innocence sparkling in her eyes.

"I knew it," she accused. Gabrielle looked down at her packed satchel, and pushed it under the bed with the toe of her boot. “So, I'm going to really consider staying on- for a little while at least."

"You should," Xena replied.

"So, don't think I'm outta your way yet."

"Gabrielle, you could never be in my way..You helped me to find it."

****************************

The morning had since turned to afternoon. It was a beautiful day. The sky, sans a couple of dense white clouds, was clear and blue. It was unseasonably warm, but it felt good on the skin. It was the kind of day where you could almost smell the sunshine itself, and both Ares and Xena had gone for a little sparring session beyond the gates of Sparta.

At first, Xena had been reluctant. He still required a lot of rest, but when she attempted to explain this to him, he simply refused to hear any of it. Ares grabbed his sword, headed for the door, and asked if she was coming. To that, she'd replied, "..don't start moaning when I whoop you.." and he naughtily retorted, "..you make it hard not to.."

So, off they went. It seemed that, since the recent conflict had been resolved, Ares thought himself to be restored. That wasn't the case, and she knew it, though found it amusing when he'd wince and try to cover it up by saying it was just the sun in his eyes.

Regardless, despite still not being completely mended, he was holding his own against her as they went swing for swing.

"So, you let me win all those times before," Xena huffed, while her sword collided with his own. Between crossed blades, they leaned into one another. There was a fire brewing in one another's eyes and both grinned sinisterly, their lips just inches apart.

"That's right-"

Xena's nostrils flickered. "Well, the playing field is level now."

They both pushed with equal gusto, forcing the stalemate to end.

He subsequently spun, going in for the lower body. It was a move that was just barely blocked. She quickly turned and dropped to one knee, bringing her sword above her head, defending herself against another strike. The weapons sung from the imposed friction before parting again.

 Xena flipped forward, landing about four feet away, and poised herself.

"Not really, considering someone roughed me up last night," Ares retorted, licking his lips and stalking toward her.

She lowered her sword. "I didn't hear any complaints then."

By now, he was directly in front of her. He brought his sword underneath hers, playfully.  "And you won't hear any complaints now, either."

He raised the weapon, causing hers to raise as well. The sound of steel upon steel caused a smile to play on both their lips. Xena's grip loosened, letting the weight of her blade rest upon Ares', and that's when he seized the opportunity. He twirled his sword around her own and jerked it from her hands. It flew through the air, landing several feet away.

Xena's mouth drew thin. "I let you do that."

"Of course." He let his own sword drop from hand. "But, you know, I think we should make love, not war." 

Ares drew the backs of his fingers down the length of her face. She cuffed his hand and he took that as a cue to proceed. He smiled, deeply, and started descending upon her when suddenly, he just stopped.

"Something wrong," she asked.

Ares, whose head was still tilted from coming in for the kiss, stared off past her shoulder. "Someone's coming."

"Who?"

Xena turned around. What she saw was a young man with almond shaped eyes, dressed in a style of clothes familiar to her. A silken blue robe, crested with intricate gold stitching, skirted the ground as he walked. Each step revealed bare, sandaled feet. His hair was shorn short and was as black as pitch. He was, apparently, from the land of Japa. Realizing this, a torrent of bad memories she had so wanted to just leave behind, began to flood her mind.

Years ago, when riding with Borias, they had traveled to the Land of the Rising Sun seeking profit. Xena was at her worst then, with complete disregard for anything other than herself.

Borias and Xena had split the army by that time, but still rode together for other, more personal, reasons. Yet, he was furious with her resolve to sack one of Japa's largest cities--Edo. Her plan was one that was nothing short of malicious. There was to be a peace conference held there, bringing together diplomats from across the nation. She knew an edict had been issued declaring that whomsoever made the journey, would adhere to the rules and leave all weapons behind.

This was a conference that was based on trust. Monarchs and other politicians would be present. Xena felt this was a perfect opportunity. Many of Japa's most esteemed leaders would all be in one place. She planned to trap them there and ransom them back to their people. Not only that, but Edo itself was a wealthy city. Its amassed treasures were no secret. Indeed, it was a prosperous place. Consequently, thousands of families made their homes within the city's encompassing gates.

Xena made her mind up, despite Borias' protestations. He had even denied her the use of his catapults, for she had none of her own. He pleaded with her, trying to make her see that only a monster would set out to sack these people and their children. Xena was would not be swayed. Greed had clouded her eyes and she made no effort to clear it away. She felt their triumph would be garnered easily.

She had been wrong.

Once her army had Edo surrounded, they found they could not breech the walls.  She and her army had been too confident. She did not take into account that the people within the walls would be content to wait it out till she left. For days, the stalemate continued, till one night, Xena could take no more.

****************************

The moon was high in the sky, but its light wavered as dark clouds passed over it. There was a crisp breeze that coursed through the trees, causing leaves to rustle and whisper. Xena sat upon her dark war horse, watching intently as her men went about preparing to set their next plan of action into motion.

Her army had put together a battering ram. It was enormous, stacked ten trunks high. Getting the cart into place had exhausted the efforts of four of her largest horses and dozens of men. Now, it sat by itself, poised atop a steep hill which bordered the city's wall.

One of her loyal soldiers, a man by the name of Toros, approached on foot, cradling his dented helmet beneath an arm.

"Everything is in place."

She lazily looked down at him. "Lets get this show underway, shall we?"

He simply bobbed his head and raised a hand. "Men, let's go!"

Nearly forty soldiers shuffled through the army of hundreds, shaking off the cold. Each  moved to take their place around the cart. Teeth bared down and muscles bulged as man after man ground their feet into the grass and pushed the cart forward.

Xena watched from the front line as it was set-off rolling down the steep heel. The axles groaned loudly as the wheels took to spinning. The ground rutted beneath the force, sending grass and dirt sputtering through the air.  

"C'mon, c'mon, c'mon," she urged, her eyes lit with the fire of conquest.

The warrioress held her breath, willing the trunks to stay in place as they jerked and rattled against the coarse ropes that bound them to the cart.

Toros ran up to her, the armor on his back noisily clanging together. The sound disrupted her reverie, and she looked down, irritated. "What!?"

"It's going to miss the gates," he yelled, staring at the cart as it continued its destructive path.

"So what?! It'll crash into the wall at least. That's just as good."

"But, if it does that, it'll embed itself into the stone."

"Then we'll just pull it out," she deliberately stated.

Toros suddenly felt quite embarrassed and consequently, lowered his head and abandoned any further questioning.

Xena turned her attention back to the scene before her. Her fingers tightly curled around her reins and she leaned forward, anticipating the strike. She licked her lips, and again, breathed out, "C'mon!"

That's when it happened. The cart collided into the wall, sending bits of stone, rock and other debris crumbling to the ground. The ropes snapped from the immense force; trunk after trunk rolled off the wagon and slammed thunderously into the gates. Now, the people of Edo really were trapped--they wouldn't be able to open their city's doors, even if they wanted to.

Xena smiled wickedly. Even from the distance, she could hear the people of Edo scream. Their cries of fear were music to her ears. She now held all the cards.

"Toros, go, take the men. Edo's time is at hand."

He promptly bowed his head.

She watched as he mounted a brawny, chestnut, war horse. Toros raised a hand and yelled, "First contingent, grab some more ropes!" He then glanced over his shoulder at three men on horseback as he pulled his own reins taut. "Let's ride."

The men did as ordered and followed Toros' lead down the hill at a gallop. Mere moments later, those on foot made their descent at run.

Xena shifted in her saddle. Her soldiers were waiting patiently, the majority on foot, and nearly two-hundred on horseback. The light of the moon caused armor and steel to glint. Torches, scattered throughout the mass of men, also burned brilliantly, casting their own reflection against the metal. She let her eyes lull shut, taking in the sounds of war banners flapping against the chilling night breeze and the gentle nickers of the animals. Setting her sights back on her army, she regarded the anticipation drawn on their faces.

"Men," she shouted, turning her horse to ride down the line. "Tonight we will feast on the spoils of Edo!"

Swords were risen as the men delightedly roared. The volume of their cheers rose and unified into one singular exclamation.

"Xena!"

"Xena!"

"Xena!"

"Xena!"

Her eyes rolled back. Perspiration beaded on her brow, just below the chainmail helmet she wore, and her lips curled upward as if the cries of her name passionately pleasured her. The art of war and the art of love, to her, were one in the same. In both cases, men screamed her name, displayed their loyalty, panted and grunted, consumed in their desire to please.

Xena breathed deeply, taking in the scent of oiled leather and sweat. To her, these smells were the finest of perfumes. Her senses were electrified, drooling over the prospect of climax.

The men fell silent as she raised her own sword. She opened her eyes and proceed to ride down the line. "To success!"

"Success!!!"

"Alright, men, be ready-" Xena stopped short, for as she turned to see how the cart removal was progressing, she noticed shadows cascading against the top of the wall. She squinted her eyes and upon doing so, realized what was about to befall her men below.

Half the men were working on dislodging fallen stone, others were waiting along side the cart, while the rest were in the process of running the ropes below the undercarriage and tethering the horses.

No one saw the shadows lingering above, and before Xena could gather her lungs to shout, black tar sheeted down like the waters of a tsunami. It cascaded down, seering the flesh of those beneath. The horses shrieked as the thick liquid fell upon their backs. Fearfully, the pain inciting them to run, their legs flew forward. They desperately tried to flee, but the thick ropes kept them immobile. All four animals were in a panic, slipping to their knees in the pooling tar beneath.

Although, the sight and sound of that alone was enough to cause eyes to widen in horror, that was only part of the scene. The men, too, had been drenched by the black rain, melting their flesh with its burning caress. They fell to ground, their armor useless.

"NO," Xena screamed. She quickly looked to her right at a young scout. Her eyes gleamed furiously against the light of the torch in his hand. "Come with me!"

He took the slack of his reins up in one hand. Together, he and the warrioress galloped down to the tragic scene below while the rest of her army remained, standing in shock, upon the hillside.

Despite the brazenly cold wind coursing against her face, Xena's eyes burned with rage. Her long mane of black hair tousled against the currents and as she drew within ten feet of wall, she brought her horse to a sliding halt.

Her men were plastered to the ground like flies trapped in honey. Those who had not yet succumbed to the pain, writhed and reached out to her in sheer misery. Tar dripped from their outstretched hands and steam rose from beneath their coated bodies. The smell was awful and stung at her nose, causing her to grimace.

The horses, too, were belly deep in the liquid, groaning and weakly shuffling their legs across the saturated ground. Their noble eyes were rolled back and their fine nostrils flexed uncontrollably.

"No," she gritted between her teeth in disgust. "They will not get away with this!" Xena tore her eyes away and looked up at the top of the wall. She sneered and shouted, "You cowards!!! Will none of you face me!?!" Her words bounced against the wall, causing them to echo into the night. "Answer me!!!!"

Then, her answer came.

"We only seek peace," a man boomed at her from atop the wall. "Take your army and go!"

There, before her eyes, was the Emperor of Edo himself. He appeared to be a young man, barely out of his late teens. Upon the front of his black, silk robes was the monarch's symbol--a phoenix--which seemed to luminance against the light of the moon.

"Emperor Teruko," she acknowledged, patronizingly extending her arm in a mock bow, "pleased to finally meet you."

"Take your savages and go from this place!"

"I'm sorry, but, " she wryly grinned, "that's not going to happen."

Emperor Teruko extended his chin. "We will protect our homes, our people, their children. We will not open our gates to you. Your war is one which will not happen."

Xena cocked her head and kicked her horse, urging it a step closer to the wall. "Perhaps you are not aware that your gates are blocked. You couldn't open them even if you wanted to. But, if I want to come in-"

"Try it again, and the same black curtain will fall upon you and your men."

Xena looked to the soldiers, encased in tar. Most of them had passed on, but a few remained completely conscious, clawing at the ground in agony. They had asked for her help when she had first rode down to them. Now, those who could, stared into her eyes, beckoning her to help them, to do something.

Her lips twitched and her tongue rolled about in her mouth. She knew their injuries were beyond mending. They were of no use to her anymore.  In her opinion, there was only one thing to be done.

Xena looked to the scout, sitting on his horse a mere two feet away. "Hand me your torch," she ordered, bringing her horse along side his. When he didn't oblige her right away, she boomed, "Now!"

He reluctantly extended his arm, somehow knowing what she was intending to do. The warrioress snatched it away. The fire burned bright, near as bright as the one behind her eyes. She rode toward the men. The thudding of her horse's steps caused her plated armor to chime. In a way, it was like the ringing of a cat's bell, alerting the mice to run--and they would, if only they weren't plastered to the ground in a shroud of ebony.

Xena stopped the animal just before the outline of the black pool and stared up at the Emperor who regarded her curiously.

"Is your heart so cold, that you will seek heat by destroying those who put their trust in you?"

Xena lowered her head, as if the man's words had prompted her to feel shame. She looked sympathetically to the men below her and, with wavering words, replied, "You misinterpret my intentions, Emperor Teruko. These men are beyond repair, and," she suddenly looked up again, her face menacingly twisted with spite, "in my line of work, you must always cut your losses."

There were those among the fallen who let her name slip through their lips. Some cried in fear, while others did so only to reaffirm that they still breathed. 

"Don't worry men, your pain will soon be a forgotten memory," she called out, "and so will you."

The Emperor, the scout, and her fallen soldiers, watched with suppressed horror as she let the torch slide from her hand. It seemed to descend in slow motion, its light dotting the eyes of those unable to move. No one had time to even close their eyes, to shut out the sight, before it struck the ground. The black tar and everything it coated, was soon blanketed by waves of fire.

The screams were instantaneous. They rose through the flames, the smoke, and filtered into her ears. Shadows played on every contour of her face, the heat passionately kissed her, caused her skin to tingle and blush like a bride on her wedding night.

Xena closed her eyes and swallowed back. She gritted her teeth behind the curtain of her mouth, letting the sound drown out those of the screams below. She would not allow one flicker of remorse to play on her face. No, not one.

Instead, she once again looked up to the Emperor, who sat upon the wall, the pallor of his face proof of his disgust.

"You are a monster," Teruko cried as the screams gave way nothing but cracking sparks. "You are-"

"YOU are finished," she declared, pointing to the growing fire. "Nice breeze tonight, eh?"

The Emperor suddenly realized what she was implying. The wind would sweep the fire back into the city. He looked below--the trunks still kept the gates blocked.

Shakily, he set his eyes on her again and pleaded. "Please! Remove those obstructions, we must open the gates!"

"Maybe if you had only done so before-"

He trepidly shook his head. "Do you not understand what your apathy will do!?"

Xena shrugged. "Well, when I asked you to open your gates--you wouldn't.  So, now, you and your people get to stay there and enjoy the bonfire." She began to turn her horse and called over her shoulder, "Don't worry. What's that saying? Like a phoenix from the ashes?"

Her laughter lapped at the walls and echoed into the night. Though her plans had not gone accordingly, the look of dread upon her opponent's face was enough to grant her the release she had sought. She found that climax in the welling pools of his beautiful eyes. Now, she left to bask in the afterglow.

The scout trotted up to her as she began to make her departure, clearly taken aback. "What are you-"

"Tell the men to get their bows and surround the walls. Tell them to set their arrows aflame--and, if anyone tries to climb them to escape--take em out."

"But, why would you waste such a valuable resource!?"

When she turned her head to look at him, he couldn't help but see the growing flames behind him were mirrored in her eyes. She batted her lashes. The mock innocence did nothing to soften the egocentric response.

"Sometimes, the best profit is maintaining your reputation."

****************************

Now, a man from that land, Japa, was heading toward her. Xena squared her shoulders and cast Ares an uncertain look.

"What's wrong," he asked.

"I'm just wondering if the past is catching up with me."

She picked her sword up from the ground and he followed her lead. Together, they waited as the intruder drew near. Ares couldn't help but notice the way the pupils of her eyes seemed to contract and expand with each step their intruder made. He wanted to say something; he wanted to ask why her brow was beading with sweat, why she breathed just deep enough to let the oxygen tease her nose--why she looked so trepid.

He didn't get the chance to issue a single question, for another was asked.

"Are you Xena-- the Warrior Princess?"

She hesitated, considering her answer.  It would be so easy to just let the word 'no' spill from her lips. She dared to mouth it, but inside, she knew she wouldn't say it. One word, that's all that she had to say to make this man go away, but it would never make her past do the same.

"I am."

"I was sent to find you," he informed her. "My name is Kenji."

"What's this about," Ares asked demandingly.

"Ares," Xena countered, "it's alright." She turned her attention back to the messenger and essentially repeated the question, but quietly. "Why is it that you've come? Who has sent you?"

She wondered if this man come to take her to face her past crimes. She wondered if the past had indeed caught up with her--if, just like Ares, she was to face the prospect of execution because of her past--for the thousands lost that day so long ago.

Xena stood there, a breath idle in her chest.

"I come from Japa. There is a shadow that has descended upon the land. Our royal house came to learn of your bravery through their dealings with Chin. Those stories are old, nearly a quarter of a century, yet, new tales of your deeds reach our lands. They say you are more than you seem. They say you are a hero."

She could scarcely register this. He had come to seek her because of tales of her bravery? Did he not know the tales of her maliciousness as well?

"I would think that Jappa would see me as the exact opposite. Is my past there not known to you?"

The messenger's chin lowered and he looked to the ground. "It is. But, the situation in Japa calls for a great warrior. Your past transgressions against our people are not forgotten, but in light of this, must be."

"What is this shadow you speak of?"

Kenji pulled a scroll from the inner lining of his robe. Xena slid her sword in its scabbard and then took it, regarding the royal crest which sealed it shut.

"There is an army larger than any, including your own, that has set foot upon our soil. They come from the west. All details of the conflict are described therein."

She opened the scroll and took to reading its contents.

Ares shook his head, not liking this one iota. "Why should she help you?"

Kenji looked up and plainly stated, "It is her choice, but, it is our hope that she will seek to amend her past by helping us now."

"She's helped enough peop-"

Xena's eyes snapped up. She rebound the scroll, slid it in the scabbard against her sword, and then placed a hand upon Ares' arm. "No, he's right." They locked eyes and he reluctantly backed down. She turned to Kenji. "It is the noble thing to do. There are some things I must wrap up here. I'll leave tomorrow morning."

The messenger bowed. "There is a ship that leaves this coming morning from a port south of the city you call Sparta."

"Well, then it looks like I need to get packing." Xena's eye twitched, nearly undetectable, the sting of realization hitting her like a rock. She quickly recomposed herself and stood tall. "I will see you then, Kenji."

Xena extended a hand and he looked at it, inwardly debating whether he wanted to take it or not. On the one side, were accounts of her dark past, on the other, tales of her heroic deeds.

Slowly, he reached out and loosely locked grips.

"Till then." Again, he made a quick bow and started back in the direction he'd come from.

Xena stared on as he departed. A plethora of memories were churning in her mind. Ares could tell she was being bombarded with them. He placed a hand upon her shoulder, beckoning her to look at him.

"You shouldn't feel obligated to do this," he evenly stated, drawing close behind her and burying his head in the crook of her neck.

She leaned into him, taking comfort in the feel of his breath against her neck and the beat of his heart against her back. Part of her wanted to lean in so far as to lose herself in him. Then, no one would be able to find her. She could stay there and let all the regret be drowned and forgotten.

Though she never spoke of it, there were times when Xena wanted to turn her back on her guilt--say that that wasn't her--that it was  nothing more than a shadow of the past. Sometimes, she wanted to tell those who sought her help that their problems weren't hers--that she never asked to be seen as a hero. There were days she felt she could barely help herself.

Regardless of how much she wanted to just walk away, Xena knew she couldn't. She would go to Japa and help its people, but for dual purposes--to fight for justice and to ease her own unrelenting guilt.

"You know what I was capable of back then. Well, what I did to these people is probably the worst thing, the most malicious thing out of all of it. Men, women, the elderly and young... they were all lost because of my greedy ego."

"I know what happened. Stories of the incident traveled in war circles. Sure, it was a tragedy, but do you really think that you're the same person?" Ares drew her even closer as his fingers grazed the side of her face. "You told me yourself last night-- the past has no power unless you let it."

Her eyes were downcast and glossing over. "This is different. You talked about changing the past. It isn't the same. This is trying to right a wrong, not erase it." Xena squeezed his hand. "You must respect that."

"I know this redemption thing is important to you. Truth be told, I'm looking to seek some of that myself, but Xena.. will there ever come a time when you-"

"Feel like my work is done," she asked before smiling half-heartedly, "probably not."

Ares drew his lips close to her ear, so close that she could feel his breath tunnel through her hair. The sensation was enough to cause her skin to tingle and for a brief moment, she was almost certain he was going to try to coerce her into doing something he wanted, just like in the past.

Instead, he stated, almost sensually, "I'm coming with you."

Her heart tightened as another guilty thought popped in her mind. Yes, she wanted him to go with her. If he was there, he would stand by her just as he was doing now. He knew what she had been, the things she'd done, but didn't care. Sometimes, he made her feel like she could stop caring too.  

That was always part of the danger with unconditional love--something never to be taken for granted--and she would not take what they had finally found and use it selfishly.

She couldn't ask him to help ease her own remorse when he was battling with his own.

Xena leaned her head against his as she let her eyes lull shut, and reluctantly whispered, "No. Sparta needs you."

"And I need you. Don't you get that?"

She turned and searched his face as she drew a hand along side of it. "I know you do. I need you too-- believe me, I want you to come. But they need you here."

He began to protest, but she silenced him by brushing her fingers along his lips.

"Going to Japa is my way of making amends for the past. You spoke of seeking some sense of the same? Then stay here in Sparta, a Grecian city, and help them rebuild their laws."

Her fingers trailed off and he once again tried to change her mind. "Just think this through before you go sailing halfway across the world to fight a battle you're not even responsible for."

"Listen. Compared to the majority of my past exploits, this is going to be a piece of cake." Xena pulled her hand away and crossed her arms, looking at him coyly. "I mean, you always did say that no one could best me, that I was your chosen, right? Then trust me. I'll be back before you know it."

He bit his bottom lip and looked at her. He knew he couldn't stop her even if he tried. Once Xena set her mind to something, you either followed her plan or got out of the way.

"You've thwarted my plans more times than I can count, pretty much finished off the pantheon, managed to get me out of this predicament...and yeah.. I always did think you were capable of conquering the known world." Ares breathed out, shaking his head as he knew there was no point in arguing the matter. "I suppose defending a piece of it against an army isn't such a difficult task."

"So, we're agreed then?"

"Fine. Go-- do what you gotta do. I'll stay here and play politician while you go play tactician."

"Then we'll meet back up and," Xena placed her hands underneath his tunic, "pick up where we left off." 

To her surprise, he wrapped his hands around her wrists, halting her from going any further. "Just-"

"What," she asked curiously.

"Just make sure you take the bard with you. Y'know...so you aren't alone," Ares hastily replied.

"Well, does this mean you actually don't think she's as bad as you make her out to seem?"

"Oh no! No. That's not what it means at all. It means, number one, someone will be there to listen when you get the urge to talk about how much you miss me. Then, there's reason number two, which is more important than the first."

Xena playfully leaned into him. "Reason number two?"

"If you don't take her with you and she stays here, there's a good chance she'll annoy me to the point of insanity."

"And we wouldn't want that. Alright, I'll be sure to tell her." Xena looked past his shoulder and tipped her head. "Actually, there she is now."

Ares turned around and sure enough, there was Gabrielle walking toward them, staff in hand.

"There you two are! I looked all over." Once to them, the bard took note of where Xena's hands were and quickly jerked her head away. "Um, am I interrupting something?"

"For once, no," Ares replied. 

Xena pulled her hands from beneath his tunic and took a step back. "Actually, perfect timing." She pulled the parchment from Japa out of her scabbard and handed it to her friend.

Curiously, the bard took the item and began to unroll it. "What is this?"

"Maybe another adventure to document for your scrolls."

Part 7