Amarice flopped down on the bed in the room Gabrielle had gotten originally for herself and Xena.

"Amarice, listen, I'm fine by myself. You really don't have to stay here."

Amarice sighed, "I know, but I AM NOT sleeping with Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dumb. Joxer talks in his sleep and Minya.."

Gabrielle turned, "Minya what?"

"Well, she kinda smells actually. It's a wierd animal smell, almost like a goat."

Gabrielle hid a laugh, "Maybe you could suggest that the two of you hit the bath houses... for a chat? You know, that way you wouldn't hurt her feelings."

Amarice rolled her eyes. "No way, you know my history with bath houses."

Gabrielle asked casually, "How is Armand anyway?" Knowing good and well the response she was about to get.

A half second later the door slammed and she could hear Amarice ranting her way down the hall using every old curse she could think of and making new ones along the way.

Gabrielle snikkered.... "Ah... alone time."

The old man leaned back in his lounge chair. He thought about his son, his long blond hair waving behind him as he rode. It had been a good run, fatherhood, but a king’s son must one day rule, and Gabriel’s time was finally at hand.

The scroll he sent to Xena was only the beginning. After the contest his son would be king and his rule would be guaranteed, Xena’s Chakrum would see to that.

Eli walked in then and the look on his face told him that King Gregor was finally at peace. “You know the reign of your son will be the best thing this world has ever seen.”

“I know, teacher, but it is a hard thing to trust in the power of love, when as king, I always ruled with the power of a sword.”

“You will soon know a new freedom on this earth,” said Eli. “The choices of men have not been their own up until now, what with the meddling of the gods of this age, and their prodigy.”

“But Eli, what will become of the men of renown, the heroes, men and women who have so far protected us with their special strengths?”

“They will still prove themselves worthy of praise, my friend. You’ll see.”

Below through the gate the young future king could be seen riding. His blue eyes and warm smile reminded Eli of Gabriel’s namesake, and Eli held back a tear. “I must be going now,” he said, turning to the proud father. There is a woman of great faith that I must see, and another who carries a terrible sorrow that needs me now more than ever.”

“Fine then, don’t worry about our end of this. Everything will be ready. Xena will be along soon once she reads my letter.

Yes, thought Eli, and the letter from me will be our guarantee.

Watching from Mount Olympus, Ares shakes his dark head scornfully. 'Foolish mortals, always thinking they know better, always thinking that their way is better than MY way'. As he glances around his home for many centuries, he realises Eli has gotten in his way yet again, and he and the king's son needed to be dealt with. With joyful grin, he makes his decison.


As Eli is getting ready to leave King Gregor's to go see Xena, Ares arrive with a flash of godly light. Eli turns around. 'Ares, you are not wanted here, as always you think your way is the right way. Gabriel will lead these people in his kingdom to peace, prosperity and enlightenment. I will NOT let you get in the way again.' Eli's whole being starts glowing golden as he feels himself become one with his god. 'Ares SHALL NOT let war become the way of the people. You will be stopped.'

'No Eli, wrong again. I shall pick Gabriel off in this supposed contest, and become King, I need a hobby, and to bring destruction here will keep me amused for a few days. Lets see if my Ares-Energyball-of Badness, can get Gabriel from this distance'. As the energy ball spinning, churning and growing in increasing power, he brought it up to shoulder level with one hand, his other hand held out in anticipation of his prey.

'Your way shall not be the way' Eli's voice shouts out in an inhuman tone, as beams of light come out of his finger tips and decapitates Ares head from his body. His body shimmers, starts to melt and then disappears, as the God of War is no more....

Strangely enough, his now unbreathing, dead head remains.

'hello, Ephiny. or should i say, welcome back?" there was no mistaking the sandpaper rasp of Alti's sarcasm. "tsk tsk...skewered by another Roman..."

"what do you want, hag? be warned...i'm not the same person i was when you last saw me."

"you and the hairy holyman have a falling out so soon? pity about your boy...i hear Xena's brat Livia has been enjoying herself at his expense. if you like i could show you his fevered memories of her relentless, and i must say with some respect, creative torture."

"You know Alti, when i've taken care of a few priorities, i'm going to track you down and kick your evil ass."

a cackle cracked across the crone's craggy face. "i won't be hard to find. til then, Queenie..." with that, Alti was gone.

******

Livia entered her tent and flopped down on a chair. she was becoming bored with the Centaur. damnably noble creatures. and this one had Amazon blood as well she thought, which only makes him al the more stubborn. killing Amazons was easy enough for Livia, but she'd found no enjoyment in the tortures she'd inflicted on a chosen few. to the end, they each had suffered the most despicable violations without a single sound. it was deeply frustrating and oddly frightening...

"forget about Amazons and Centaurs. are you ready to have some real fun now?"

Livia spun in the direction of the unfamiliar voice. "who's there?" she demanded.

"a friend," the dark form remained in the shadows; her guttural whisper was both hypnotic and repulsive. "to prove my good intentions i've brought you a little present. something you might like to...hehe...share with your mother."

"what do you know of my mother?!" but Livia was alone in the tent. suddenly there was a flash of metal...a whir..a rush of wind past her ear, just nicking a few split ends off her wild hair..a thud in the tent pole behind her. Livia spun to behold the mysterious visitor's gift. Xena's chakram gleamed in a ray of sunlight streaming down from the tent roof's opening and from it, dangling by his black locks, hung the severed head of Ares. in but a few seconds her look of utter surprise and curiosity was replaced by a wicked grin...a grin of recognition that she most certainly was no longer bored.

A cry sounded from the next room, a blood curdling yell worse than any that Gabrielle had heard. She sprang to her feet, seizing both her sais, as Amarice ran to her side, her huge eyes wide in genuine fear.
"It's Minya," she said softly.
"No," Gabrielle said, her blood running cold. She and Amarice shared one look, then dashed out of the room.
Joxer's voice could be heard now, panicky and stammering.
"MINYA! NO! You know what he always said! Don't--don't--don't go charging--"
"I'LL KILL HIM!" Minya was shouting. "I'LL KILL HIM DEAD!"
She burst out of the room, and stumbled, tears streaming down her face, her sword barely drawn. She wasn't even drunk but clearly upset. Joxer didn't look that happy either.
"What the hell--Minya, stop, where are you going, keep your voice down!" Amarice seized her by the shoulders, but Minya was stronger. With a cry, she pushed Amarice down to the floor--Amarice fell on her behind.
"None of you appreciate me anyway!" Minya snarled, glaring around at everyone, her streaming eyes glazed over in kind of a mad haze. "And now--the only one--who even gave me any--respect, any--love--" Sobbing, she turned away and started down the corridor.
"Stop her!" Gabrielle cried.
"MINYA! WAIT! What am I, chopped liver?" Joxer started after her. "WAIT!"
Amarice sighed, and stood up, shaking her head at Gabrielle.
"Poor Minya," Gabrielle said. "This--this is getting to her, this is too much for her. The dreams, all of it. Joxer--JOXER!" She started after him, but suddenly she was struck by a figure that stood at the top of the stairs.
Xena stood there, tears standing on her face.
"Ares," she said evenly. "He's dead."
"Wh--what?" Gabrielle frowned and fell back.
"I don't get it," Xena said, shaking her head. "I don't even know why I'm so upset about it. It makes no sense."
"Minya--" began Amarice in an annoyed tone.
Xena suddenly seized her. "You lay off Minya from now on, she's been through enough, DO YOU HEAR ME?"
Amarice, looking genuinely scared, nodded. Then, realization suddenly hit her, and she sagged in total remorse.
"Oh, no," she said. "It was true, wasn't it? She wasn't just making it up?"
"Yes, it was true," Xena said in a tight voice. "Minya--and Ares. Every night. ANd Joxer." Xena curled her lip, but a sob escaped her. SHe pushed past Amarice, and ran into the room where she and Gabrielle slept.
Gabrielle ran after her and seized her by her shoulders before she could give into grief.
"Xena," she said fiercely, "we HAVE to go after Minya! She doesn't know what she's doing, she's going to get herself killed!"
"Someone is out there now," Xena said, hugging her. "Someone--we all know to trust."
Gabrielle stiffened. "Not Eli."
"You can't kill what's already dead," Xena said softly. "He can handle Minya, Gabrielle."

"YOU BASTARD!" Minya screamed, throwing herself at the long haired man that stood impassively in front of her. "HOW DARE YOU! Way of love, WAY OF LOVE MY ASS, YOU KILLED HIM IN COLD BLOOD!"
Eli sidestepped her as she lunged at him, her sword hitting the concrete wall behind him instead.
"STAND STILL YOU TIGHTWADDED BASTARD!" she screamed. "STAND STILL!"
Joxer stood there, tears streaming down his face, sobs shaking his body. He didn't want to believe that Ares was dead either--and yet--he hated to see Minya like this. THis all had gotten to her, that much was obvious.
As for Minya, she was single minded. If she could just get this sword to connect with Eli's NECK--she could sever his head just like he had done to Ares.
"Minya," Eli said quietly, but with love in his voice, "I'm already dead. THis is a spirit. you can't kill me, Minya."
SHe stared at him a moment, then crumpled into sobs. Eli went to her and took the sword out of her hand and put it onto the ground. Then he took her in his arms and held onto her while she shook with sobs.
"He made you feel good about yourself," Eli said into her hair. "He gave you something no one else gave you."
"He was the only one who saw me," Minya sobbed. "THe only one besides Ephiny and Joxer who--who--"
"I know," Eli said softly. "No one ever paid attention to you before. You always had to try to make yourself noticed."
"I hate it!"
"Don't hate it," Eli said, stroking her hair as Amarice came out and stood there, staring at them, a look of remorse and confusion on her face. "See it as something that was beneficial in the long run. Take what he gave you, Minya and learn from it. Grow from it. And--then you can truly release him."
Minya pulled back and glared at him.
"Why'd you have to cut off his head?" she asked, her voice full of hurt. "Why such an undignified death? He was the God of War, Eli!"
"Minya," Eli said calmly, "I didn't kill him."
Minya narrowed her eyes at him. "I saw you," she snarled. "And i saw Alti take his head to Livia--"
"Alti took his head to LIVIA?" Amarice cried out.
"Minya," Eli said, "what you saw was me, yes, my spirit form--but the one who killed Ares--was Zeus. The King of the Gods."
"What--"
"Minya, you've been very confused, largely by your affiliation with all these people and gods, but you don't understand that sometimes, yes, the actual King of the Gods does overpower me. I do have an affiliation with him after all, with all the Gods. Doesn't mean I agree wtih them however. My TRUE Father speaks to me always. But--now and then--Zeus will come into me."
"No."
"Zeus always hated Ares, always looked for a reason to get rid of him," Eli said sadly. "His favorite son was of course Hercules. Ares was a thorn in his side."
"NO."
"Whatever his reasons were--they are still unclear even to me," Eli sighed. "Killing is not my way, Minya. You should know that by now."
Minya fell to the ground, hugging herself, sobbing uncontrollably. All she wanted now was for it all to go away. SHe thought of Ares, these past few nights, coming to her bed, making love to her and Joxer, and crooning softly in her ear, telling her that soon, very soon, her day would come, that she would bring justice on the foes. He promised that he would always look out for her, always be there for her, and no one need ever know, because after all, one must not toot their horn too loudly. So Minya had not told everything. She never told Gabrielle or Amarice about the goat, or about hypnotizing Alti that wonderful night--how Alti had danced around and flipped, thanks to Dite's strange disease--how she was ordered by Minya to go to Livia and make her let Xenan go. Well--Alti didn't know it but she was doing that now, by distracting Livia with Ares's head. WHat the hell she was going to do with Ares's head though--well Alti did crazy things with corpses, even gods. Minya hung her head and let the tears fall to the ground. Ares should never have died. SHe should have saved him. It was the least she could do.
"Minya."
Eli sat down beside her and took her by the shoulders.
"Minya, you will learn this in time, the way of love may not be for you--as it wasn't for Gabrielle. But you will learn that sometimes you just can't save everyone. It hurts--it grieves you--but that is a reality neither of us can refute." Tears now stood in Eli's eyes. At that moment, Xena and Gabrielle came around and sat down beside her too.
"Minya," Xena said softly. Minya wouldn't look at her.
"Minya," Xena said more forcefully. "Look at me."
Minya turned and looked at her. Xena had the look of a wise woman, one who had seen too much, but was strong enough to carry it all. Minya took this in--she had to learn from this, to carry on.
"I too have been communicating with the spirits--Ephiny and Yakut both told me that your dreams were real," Xena said. "Minya--I'm sorry I didn't believe you."
Minya looked away. "It's all right."
"No, it isn't," Xena said sadly. "Had I listened to you and not to my previous opinion of you--we might have gotten to where we needed to go a lot sooner. Ares might even still be alive. Then again," Xena said bitterly, "He always did do things his own way. Had he told me himself rather than try to test you in that ridiculous way--we all know how stubborn I can be sometimes."
Minya looked back at her and gave her a comical smirk. "Yes I know."
"Let's change that now," Xena said firmly. "From now on--we all travel together, we work together. We listen to each other. Had I listened and helped you, Minya, you wouldn't have been so alone in this. I'll not make that mistake again."
Minya smiled, wiping away her tears slowly with her hands.
"Done," she said evenly, but then her smile faded. "Although--there's lots I haven't told you, Xena. I mean--if you knew--no offense, I know your'e the warrior princess, and I'm well, not--but I mean--the danger, you know. It could be--"
Xena was smirking all through her speech. Amarice sighed, and rolled her eyes. Gabrielle hit her on the shoulder.
"OW!" she cried indignantly. Gabrielle just glared at her. Joxer snickered, watching, despite his tears.
"Minya," Xena said, "I know."
Minya caught her breath, her blood running cold. "You--you--"
"Yes," Xena said smiling, something like pride crossing her face. "Ephiny showed me the visions. I have to say I did underestimate you, Minya. But hypnotizing Alti like that, putting that spell on her--and what you did with Callisto--" Xena whistled, shaking her head. Minya couldn't help herself, she glowed with pride.
"I think you even gave the Amazons a run for their money," Xena said. "Not bad, Minya. Not bad at all."
"Xena," Minya said worriedly, "Ephiny. What's going to happen to her?"
"No worries," Xena said. "We're together now, right? All of us."
Minya turned to Eli, who nodded, slowly.
Slowly, she looked into his eyes--and the last of her mistrust and hatred of him died in that instant.
"Yes," she said, taking Eli's hand. "All of us."
They all shared a moment of silence, the six of them. Then Xena suddenly rose, and brushed herself off.
"All right, enough of this mush!" she growled. "I want my chakram back!"
Minya got to her feet, helped by Eli. Gabrielle and the others went to her and stood around her.
"Welcome back, Xena," Gabrielle said in a heartfelt voice.

***For more information, read Minya's Den, the diary of Minya.***

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Dumbledore's Army,

A few days had passed since Livia had seen her mysterious "friend". She had entertained herself with her new toy by using the centaur for target practice. She was careful not to inflict any mortal wounds. She was a woman of her word after all.

Livia paused a moment to gaze smugly at the now rotting head of one former God of War. The Champion of Rome had mounted it on a pole in front of the palace so all and sundry could see that no one was invincible. Plus, she also got a kick out of just how many fat, black flies could swarm around his once handsome countenance.

She sighed in a somewhat contented manner. Now, she only had to deal with Xena and her rag tag bunch of pathetic losers. It was going to be so much fun, causing so much pain to the people who had thrown her away.

Just as she was about to go get in a few more hours of target practice with the centaur, a familiar gravelly voice stopped her in her tracks. "I see you've put my gifts to somewhat good use."

Livia whirled around to see the dark shadow standing in the corner of the room. "I'm working on it. Why do you care anyways?"

"Let's just say, your mother and I, we go way back. I'd hate to see her daughter's potential go unrealized." The voice, it was like sand scraping down the side of a raw wound.

"Are you some kind of god? Who are you?" Livia demanded. Better to know who she was joining forces with, even if for a short time.

The shadowy figure stepped a minute space forward. "I am an enduring evil. Powerful, beyond your wildest dreams, Livia. And I do know your dreams."

All the hair stood up on Livia's neck and her arms. Gods, the voice was inside her head. "I can see into your mind, make you see things that aren't there, even though they feel real. I'm doing it now, to Xena's little wanna be tag along. She actually thinks Xena respects her and values her." A harsh, scraping noise that passed as a laugh echoed across the room.

"Little does she know, she's just a pawn. All the visions she's been having, all my doing. Right down to the last little drop of blood. When the time is right, she'll play her part in bringing Xena to her death."

Livia shook her head and tried to calm her mind. Her head was throbbing now. It was so hard to think. "So...she thinks one thing when in reality, it's the opposite?"

"Exactly."

The future Empress tried to piece the puzzle together. "She thinks she's able to affect situations and people to suit her..."

"But in reality, she's the one being used. I've even let her think she's been able to control me." Another rough, raw laugh bounced off the marble walls.

"Know this Livia, she'll attempt to come find you and persuade you with her Way of Love. Only the weak minded and weak spirited can be controlled as such. You're much too strong for that. And I've left a little surprise should she attempt to exert any kind of mind control. Call it another gift."

Even in the shadows, Livia knew a cruel smile was gracing the lips that whispered to her.

"Don't you think it's time your mother got her chakram back? What better way than to bury it in one of her follower's back?"

Livia grinned. The idea had merit. What better way to begin the reign of terror than by killing those Xena loved one by one. Oh wait, she'd already started that with murdering Ephiny. She nodded, "I know where she's holed up. My regiment and I can be there within a few days."

The shadow nodded. "Good. Be seeing you."

"Wait! You said you were able to influence people's minds. What about real powers? Can you give me some?"

Suddenly, it felt as if the weight of ten stones were upon her body. Crushing weight. Her knees began to buckle as she strained against the heavy load that was nowhere to be seen.

"Let's not get greedy Livia." The voice, while cruel before, now became full on menacing. "You wouldn't want to end up like that little Xena wanna be, Minya. Believe me when I say, she's got more than one god thirsting for her blood because of her impudence."

Instantly, the weight was gone and Livia could stand upright again. "I hope we understand each other. We'll see each other again soon."

Livia took a moment to compose herself. Gods, whoever this friend was, she wielded a power the likes of which she had never seen. She knew she couldn't trust the shadowy figure, this agreement was only because it wanted something from her.

There'd be more time to think and plan on the road to the village Xena was holed up in. A sneer formed on Livia's lips. "It's time for a family reunion."

"how'd it go? did you do it like we planned?" i asked, excitedly.

"Yeah, I even cried a little." Xena said while chuckling. "She bought it hook, line, and sinker." She had that sneer, that delightfully evil sneer
.
"oh that's great! so she really thinks you belive her and the lies she's been telling about me visiting her?"

"Of course she does. The great Xena is no actress." Now her features were covered with they sly look. The one she always had when toying with people. "I knew she was lying to me from the moment Dite's Afro got ahold of her, try to play me like a fool, please."

"it still irks me ya know, for her to try to use me against you like that. like we haven't been through enough, the both of us." i look at her solemly. "ya know, i'm still sorry for that night with gabrielle, i had no idea you two were togethe--"

"Forget it, it's done and over with, besides we have bigger fish to fry right now."

"you're right. this dagger is the key to what i have planned." i said, anticipation filling my voice.

"This is true. I made a deal with Zeus, that I would never reveal the fact that the real Dagger of Helios still existed. It's too powerful, his fear that his children would use it against themselves was too much for him to bear. When Ares dropped, Gabrielle had to foresight to retrieve it. I thought it only fitting that the Amazons become the guardians of it. I'm sure that's how it came to you, and I feel at this time we are in now, that it has been bestowed upon you rightfully. The Gods won't believe that it's real of course, with the exception of Zeus and Hera. Do not let it slip into the hands of those ungrateful children, they cannot understand the power it wields."

"xena, i don't have much more time. these realms are still hard for me to breech, i know you understand that."

"I do. So let's get down to business." She said, in her most serious tone.

"alright, so we just keep playing Minya, let her believe her delusions, hell i might even visit her for real, throw her off guard."

Xena chuckled. "Right, and I'm right on track with all of it. As far as the others are concerned, they think I've lost my mind. None of them trust her either. Drunk sexaholic that she is. She really thought Ares cared about her. Like he is capable of caring." She had that almost hurt look in her eye, that far distant one that was hard to notice, if you didn't know her.

"xena, i know ares cared about you, just in his own delusional way. what do you think, should we let gabrielle in on this, i almost feel bad leaving her in the dark."

"No, leave it the way it is. Minya eats up the astonished looks my little bard gives me. It's so working with the plan."

"speaking of the plan, what are we going to do with her, ultimately that is?"

"Ya know, I'm not sure what is fitting for a traitor of her level. I've allowed her close to me, and she has abused it. For that, it must be gruesome and horrific. But you know how Gabrielle is, so it has to be subtley horrific." She winked at me. I grinned back.

"and everything is still in place for me to return, of my own will this time, everything is exactly where you left it? it's not that i question you, of course, it's just that i believe i will only have one chance at this, so i want to make sure i'm on the same page." i say to her, unsure of myself.

"Yes, everything is exactly as we discussed. Nothing has changed. You know what to do, have faith in yourself."

"xena, i know you don't think of yourself as an amazon, but you have been more of a sister to me than my own blood. i thank you for your help, i will forever be indebted to you, this you know."

"Ephiny, we both seek the same purpose, that is payment enough." She replied, nonchalantly.

"then it has begun. i know where to go. i'm fading now. i will see you on the other side, my friend. keep an eye on the large one, she means you harm."

"I will, you can count on that." Xena replied, reassuredly.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: bailey,

Autolycus flipped the sapphire nose ring in the air. It was beautiful. If a little snot-encrusted.

He thought again of the recent conversation he had overhead in a tavern. Villagers couldn't keep gossip to themselves for very long. The details of Callisto and the Ixion stone were soon easily learnt.

The stone was not unknown to him. He had heard of it long ago, when he was but a boy. It was said that whoever owned it could control time.

If Autolycus held time in his hand he could move back and forth through history at whim, taking whatever he desired. He would be known not only as the King of Thieves, but the best thief who had ever lived. Autolycus stroked his moustache. Best Thief Ever. A fitting legacy.

The nose ring sparkled once more as he threw it aloft into a ray of sunlight. This time, it did not descend. A hand clad in a black glove reached out of thin air and grabbed it. Autolycus stopped and squinted. What in Tartarus was that?

A cold wind blew and a woman stepped onto the path in front of him. Out of nowhere. Her fierce, blue eyes pierced into his.

'What have we here?' She held the nose ring in her fingers and slowly turned her wrist.

'A mere trinket. Please, accept it as gift.' Autolycus was always charming in the face of beauty.

'I shall.' She flicked her fingers and the ring vanished. 'Who might you be?'

'You don't recognise me?' Auto was taken aback. 'Allow me to introduce you to,' he bowed low, 'the King of Thieves.'

'Really? How interesting.' The woman looked amused. 'Where are you off to?'

'I am merely travelling to the next town in search of a place to rest.'

'That's a lie.'

'Beg pardon?'

'You are on your way to find Callisto and steal the Ixion stone.'

Autolycus squared his shoulders. Something wasn't right. 'How did you know that?'

'I know all. I am no mere mortal, child. You are addressing Hera, Queen of Olympus.'

'Really?' Autolycus was intrigued. 'Have you come to give me a mission? I'm not cheap, you know.'

'You fool. You tire me. I cannot allow you to get in Callisto's way. She is part of my greater plan. You shall not make it to the next town.'

Hera drew back her arm. Without thinking Autolycus turned on his heal and started to run.

Hera said softly, 'Excellent. I need some long range target practice.' She threw her arm forward, sending a bolt of ice flying at the retreating form.

Birds twittered. A rabbit darted into its hole. Nearby water trickled. Cold smoke arose from a hole in the ground. And the King of Thieves was no more.

Joxer sat in a corner with tears roling down his check. What to do now? So confused... He wished he could clear his thoughts. But couldn't. He wish he could talk to Minya. She seemed to understand him. More then Gabrielle. He knew she was Xenas. Oh yes, he knew. But he had never given up hope. Until now. But Minya was there to ease the pain. And Ares. But now Ares was gone. And Minya is in a rage. Minya... To bad she is a thespian. He would have loved to have her close again. But they were already close, on a mental state. She supported him, and he tried to support her, in there grief, that none of the others could understand, really. At least thats the way they acted. Joxer felt that his usually cherry mood was gone. Silent and sad he sat on his bed and just stared infront of himself with Minya crying in his lap. Now what? Minya wanted to find the killer... Why not? To Hades with the letter from King Gregor that Jett gave him!!! No one cared anyway. A cold rage took hold of Joxers heart. He was very clumsy and nearly never succeded with a kill, unless it was pure luck. Minya was better at that, but not like Xena. They needed help. They needed Jett. And Joxer was going to find him...

Ares has been dispatched.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Argeaux,

Hera sat on an onyx throne, peering into a black crystal.

She watched the struggle for Xena's soul. Mortals and immortals waged in battle with each other. Everyone trying to stay on top. Fools.

No one seemed to realise that the King and Queen of the gods could pick them off at whim. Anyone. At any time.

It wasn't the weak who needed to fear, any more than the powerful.

Xena's chakram was the key to her soul. Eli was the only who seemed to have any idea about the signifance of this fact. The only one who currently posed any real threat.

Hera smirked. Luckily, no one was paying any attention to the holy man.

Anyone... Anytime...

Who's gunna be next my lovely....

You can fondle my lightening bolt anytime...........

Minya sat up, tired of crying, but feeling drained. So much had happened to her, and with her. She wasn't even sure what was real anymore.
Then again, had she ever known?
Ever since Ephiny had first visited her(or had Ephiny ever visited her? Looking back, it all seemed so hazy. What was real?)--everything had happened so fast. All these things she saw herself doing--hypnotizing Alti--had she ever done that? Or was it as Alti said, a trick?
Joxer put his hand on her shoulder. Minya squeezed the hand, and sighed. She needed a walk in the woods--alone.
She got up, and walked toward the door. Just as she opened it, however, she gave a cry, and stumbled back, falling hard on her behind.
Gabrielle laughed. "That's more like the Minya I know," she said. "Can I come in? I want to talk to you both."
Minya stood up, not entirely sure she wanted to trust Gabrielle. Nevertheless, being typical of Gabrielle, she smiled, and jerked her head over to the bed.
"Sit down," she said softly. "You and I and Joxer have been overdue for a long talk."
Minya sat down. Joxer sat next to her, rather dumbfounded, but looking up at her with the same adoration he always had for her. Minya felt a rush of jealousy in that instant. She glared at Gabrielle, unable to help herself. Suddenly, tears filled Gabby's eyes, and she put her hand on Minya's shoulder.
"Minya, stop," she said. "What is happening to you?"
Minya looked down at her hands, as tears fell on them.
"I don't know," she said dully. "I don't know what I'm doing anymore."
"Say that again," Gabrielle said.
"I don't know what I'm doing," Minya said, looking into her eyes.
"Do you realize," Gabrielle said softly, "that that is the most intelligient thing you have ever said to me?"
Minya burst into silent tears. Gabrielle just put her arms arund her and held her while she cried quietly, but intensely, her whole body shaking convulsively.
"It's been like this all week," Joxer said morosely. "Ever since--oh, Gabrielle, what is happening to all of us? Ares, dead like that--why? And why are Xena and Ephiny so against Minya?"
"No one is against Minya," Gabrielle said, "But Xena gets a little tired of people getting in her way sometimes, and when they can't see what they're doing--it's frustrating. As for Ephiny--well, she's in trouble as it is, Alti being in control of her now as it is. Not that Xena is letting on that she knows this. But she is in trouble, as is her son, and none of this with Minya has helped. Not that it's entirely Minya's fault--but there it is."
Finally, she took Minya's face into her hands and looked into her eyes.
"Tell me what you do know," Gabrielle said softly.
"I dont' know," Minya sobbed. "I mean--yes, there was Ares, he was real. And Dite's Afro, she is real too."
"Dite's Afro," Gabrielle said dryly. "I still can't get used to that."
"I know," Minya said chuckling through her tears. "Well--at least she dind't lose her mind like I did, I mean--when she changed and all."
"She's a goddess, after all," Gabrielle giggled. "You're--well--not, Minya. For all you've been trying to act like one lately."
Minya gave her a sheepish smile. "I know."
"Tell me the truth," Gabrielle said. "Do you REALLY think you hypnotized Alti?"
"Well, it was like this," Minya said earnestly. "I had gotten this notion to leave Xena and you because--well Xena wasn't DOING anything about Xenan at all, she was just sitting around worrying about what to do. Then Ares showed up and we started talking--and then Dite's Afro came along and started giving me grief about me not following her orders. It got weird, then Alti showed up."
"She did?" Gabrielle looked at her hard.
"She did, I know that much was real," Minya said, speaking in a very clear voice. Gabrielle looked at her for a long time. Minya did seem a lot clearer than she had been in days.
"Well then after that--it got real hazy," Minya said, squinting. "I mean--I remember when she tried to attack me, she started--well, flipping and all that. Doing flips and shouting uhh, strange chants. THat much was real. Dite's Afro did that to her, you know."
"Oh, right, the strange disease," Gabrielle sighed. "So that was real too?"
"Yes--have you talked to her lately?" Minya demanded. "That is real. Dite has kind of flipped her lid, Gabs. No offense to her--but look." She showed Gabrielle the vampire bite on her neck. Gabrielle stared at it--and cried out.
"MINYA!" she cried. "That thing is all purple! Why in Hades didn't we see that before?"
At that point, Joxer spoke up again. "She's been talking in her sleep," he said to Gabby. "I mean--she always did it before--but this--this was bad, ever since Ares died it's gotten worse. And she always seemed--" Gabs was glaring at him, so he stammered, "No no I mean I didn't see it either. I think--well--I think--"
"You've been feverish," Gabrielle said to Minya. "You've been having hallucinations! No wonder--you never saw a doctor, and that bite got infected! So what'd Alti do--she played on that, that's what she did, she tricked your mind into thinking you were powerful enough to hypnotize her--all right, I'll give you one thing," she said, taking Minya by the shoulders as a feverish chill went through her, "you are able to soul travel--Eli did confirm that with me. You have some kind of magic now--your sword, where did you get that anyway?"
"From a weopons shop in a small town next to Athens," Minya said proudly. "As for what it can do now--well--"she sighed. "Listen, I know you don't believe me about Ares. But he and I really were close. And--he helped me with many things. Long before he started coming to me. He told me later--the dreams, all that, he gave me that power." Minya's lower lip trembled.
"Minya," Gabrielle said, "I believe you about Ares. But be honest--do you really believe he cared about you?"
Joxer drew himself up. "Yes, he did!" he said staunchly. "Ares did care about her! He was my friend too, taught me many things! Gabrielle, how can you say that?" Tears stood in his eyes. "Why do you always think that people like Minya and I can't be blessed by Gods? Why do you think we're so worthless?"
"Joxer, I don't think you are worthless," Gabrielle said soothingly, coming over to him. "Not at all, nor do I even think Minya is worthless--now that she seems to be finding the plot. But truth is--I know Ares. He does things--manipulates people for his own personal gain. He uses them--to distract everyone from the actual goal. I think that's what he was doing with you too. Minya, he knows how brave you've always been but he also knows how big your heart is. So he threw the Ephiny illusion at you--knowing also that you were a--thesbian, did you call it once?"
Minya nodded, slowly, not sure she wanted to hear what Gabs was telling her but feeling that somehow she had no choice.
"So he decided to play you, Minya, play on your heart with regard to helping people who are in trouble--and Ephiny is in a lot of trouble now, i will say that. He also played on your, uhh appetites. And i think it got a little out of hand there for a bit--didn't it?"
"Maybe," Minya said frowning. She wasn't sure she was ready to get this personal with Gabrielle. Fortunately, Gabrielle sensed her ambivilence--and changed the subject.
"Let's just say--you were told things, shown things that normally you wouldn't see--correct?"
"If you mean the stuff about Livia and Xenan--"
"Among other things, correct," Gabrielle said. "Thing is, Ares didn't bargain on you actually having that ability, the Seeing Ability, locked inside your brain. So he wasn't prepared of course, for the affect it had on you. Then you started seeing everything--everyone's inner thoughts, and it kind of drove you mad, i think. He played you, really. Sad."
"Don't make him sound so cold!" Joxer cried. "He wasn't!"
"He was Ares," Gabrielle said fiercely but with an edge of sadness. "He had an ulterior motive, he always did."
"Which was what?" Minya burst out. "I mean--no offense, Gab, but where are you getting this stuff? Eli?"
"Minya," Gabrielle said, "what is it about Xena's chakram that is so important?"
"It--"Minya frowned. "it's her weapon of choice?" She sighed, and kicked at a shoe sitting next to her. Clearly that was the wrong answer.
"Don't feel too bad--we all got blown off course lately," Gabs said. "Well--Eli finally told me the truth. And that is part of why i had to talk to you tonight."
Minya stared at her. "About the chakram?"
"That chakram," said Gabrielle, "is the key to Xena's soul."
Minya whistled low. Joxer started to cough a bit. Minya pounded him on his back.
"Livia--" he began, "Alti--"
"They have it, yes I know," Gabs said. "Minya, your visions are needed in this mission, but you HAVE to keep the plot with us. You CAN not blow off course like that again. As for Ares--well--he wanted Xena's soul, always did, you know." She curled her lip. "What better way than to strike a deal with Alti and Livia and bargain for it? Using you to get to them? That would make more sense to the Ares I know. Trouble is, he didn't count on Eli killing him."
"You mean Zeus," Minya said frowning.
"No. I mean Eli," Gabs said. "He said that that night, I know, because you were upset and would have eventually killed yourself trying to take down his spirit. But Eli had to do it, it was a necessary evil."
"I don't belive you."
"Minya, the time for delusions is over," Gabrielle said fiercely. "you insulted Zeus that horrible night Ares was killed, and he turned you into a donkey. I haven't seen that happen in a long time. I don't think it was your insult that offended him so much as your loss of the plot. I have no idea why they took pity on you the way they did and turned you back into a person--but I don't think it has anything to do with Alti."
Minya frowned, then she shook her head. "This is too crazy."
"Maybe the love of Alti in your delusions was enough," Gabrielle said. "you seemed to really believe in it--then again, I don't know. Eli does, but he isn't telling me anything."
Minya looked up at her. "You don't think Eli...."
"Well," Joxer said evenly, "he did bring you back from the dead, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle sighed, and they all just sat there, staring into space for awhile.
"True," Minya said evenly. "He did. I still to this day don't know why I cut my pinky off--maybe it was fear, I don't know."
"No, that isn't you either," Joxer said, shaking his head. "No, Minya! Something was wrong, something evil!"
Minya looked ahead of her, narrowing her eyes. "Alti?"
"Maybe," Gabrielle said. "She's been having a lot of fun with this whole thing, I think. Of course she is the one who wants Xena's soul in the end, and yet Ares's little game with you, Minya, has distracted them a bit. Well--unfortunately we will all suffer for that."
"No," Minya looked at her, earnest sadness in her eyes. "All right--Ares may have used me, well maybe. I don't know. But I do know this. He's dead now, and no one can bring him back. As for me," she said softly, "I want to come back--work with all of you again. And I"m sorry for losing the plot and causing such trouble."
"It's all right," Gab said softly, "On my end. I think you'll need to apologize to Xena though--tomorrow."
Minya sighed. "All right," she said.
"Right now," Gabrielle said sternly, "you and i are going to go see a doctor about that bite."
Joxer sighed heavily. "Well what about Jett?" he asked indignantly. "Isn't anyone going to pay attention to him at all now?"
"Joxer," said Gabs, "Eli has talked to King Gregor. Talk to him about Jett,and show him your papers."
"But--"
"I don't mean to dismiss you, Joxer, but Xena's soul is really what we should be focusing on now," Gabs said. "We will deal with Jett--later."
She turned away, but before she could follow, Minya took Joxer in her arms and whispered in his ear,
"Don't you worry. When I get well--I will do whatever I can for Jett on my end. We may have to change the plan, Joxer--but I won't abandon you--or him."
Joxer held her tightly. "Thank you," he whispered. "you're a wonderful friend."
"All right, you two lovebirds," Gabrielle chuckled. "Enough. Minya--the doctor. NOW."
"Yes, Mom," Minya said, grinning as she stumbled over to Gabrielle.

Sitting up in Mt Olympus, Zeus looks at all the feeble attempts of the mortals.

Beckoning Hera to his lap... he whispers in her ear. 'I think it's time to let The Furies have some fun...But with who?'

As Hera smirks, he adds... 'I think Livia needs some clarification. Or do you have a better idea?'

Hera drummed her fingers slowly in the air. 'I've spoken with the Furies. They want to know whether you seek persecution, my love. Or madness.'

Zeus smiled. 'Let's not overdo things. I've always found that a little madness provides enough correction.'

Hera lifted her hands above her head. 'All you Furies, hear me now. For sins against her Mother we charge you to plague Livia, Bitch of Rome, with madness.'

Wind shrieked through the halls and down the sides of Mount Olympus. Along the ground it snaked, until it found Livia. Then it entered through her mouth and into her belly.

Livia coughed. She picked up a nearby vase. 'Hello, Mavis,' she said to it.

Caesar sat alone in the underworld, wondering what to do about Alti. If he could get her onside, she might be able to help him get back to the world of the living. On the other hand, Dite had hinted that she might take care of his problems if he handed Alti over to her. Neither one of them could be trusted. They were both women, after all. Treacherous creatures.

His thoughts were interrupted by a deep rumbling sound. The earth was shaking. Clumps of dirt and filth crumbled from the walls as the shock wave of something truly terrible rocked the world of the dead. Caesar looked around, unable to tell if he was in any danger. After all, if he were to somehow 'die' in this place, that would be it.

A bright pink flash erupted in front of his eyes. He fell back, watching as the air crackled with violent streaks of black and purple lightning. From the turmoil of colours, a figure emerged - a female figure.

"Aphrodite?" said Caesar, surprised by her blazing entrance. She did not look happy. "Ah, sorry," he amended nervously, "Dite's Afro." Dite glared at him. She ducked as a clump of dirt bounced off her Afro.

"Oh, icky!" she whined, flicking the gravelly dust from her frizzy hair. Caesar watched her. Should he say something? Should he make the first move? She'd already read everything in his diary - what else could he have to tell her? Dite made the decision for him. "Look bub," she said, pointing a witchy finger at him, "I don't know what your problem is, but those crazy things you've been writing about me being your mommy are totally bogus! I mean what are you trying to imply here anyway? That I’d send one of my babies off to live with stinky mortals? As if!"

"But what about Eros?" asked Caesar, "How come he looks exactly like me?"

"Uh, i think you mean Cupid, cutie pie. See? You're so mixed up - you don't even know who you think you're related to anymore!"

"Well if you're not my mother," said Caesar, "How come you keep appearing to me?"

Dite sighed. She sat down on a rock, grinning for a second as another tremor ran through the earth, and then patted the space beside her for Caesar to sit down.

"Jules, hon, I've been keeping an eye on you as a favour to Ares. He didn't want to come and see you himself because he thought there'd be too many questions. He was going to tell you when he was ready but..." Dite looked down sadly.

"Tell me what?" asked Caesar curiously.

"Julie, sweet pea, there is a reason that you look so much like Cupid, but it's got nothing to do with me. He had a daddy too, ya know. A pretty frisky daddy, I might add."

"Well who is he?" asked Caesar, "And what has it got to do with Ares?" Dite looked at him, waiting for the penny to drop. "Oh," Caesar realised. "But wait, aren't you and Ares brother and sister?"

"Yeah, well," said Dite, "YOU live with Ares for a few millennia and see if you can keep him at bay. Especially with these puppies." She adjusted her bust. "Anyways, after he and I spawned lil' Cupie, Ares went and did some mortal chick - your real mom. Probably disguised himself as your father - he did that." Caesar sat back, trying to take it all in. "So that's the dealio," concluded Dite. "Ares was your pa and I sure as Hades AIN'T your ma, got it?" Caesar nodded absently, then paused.

"What do you mean 'was'?"

Dite whined a little as the last of the tremors shook some more dust into her otherwise stylish hair.

"Do I really have to spell it out for you?" she asked, clearly annoyed by how slow her nephew was. "What do you think all these farked-up earthquakes are about?? Death of a god, Caesar - get with the program! Ares has been whacked!"

Caesar stared at her. He was having trouble processing all this. She really wasn't his mother...Ares WAS his father (which explained why Caesar was such an exceptional artist of war), and...

"My father's dead?" he asked. Dite nodded, as if to say 'that's what I said'. Caesar's eyes glossed over with rage. "Who did it?" he demanded to know, standing up suddenly. “I’ll kill whoever’s responsible!”

"Slow down there, Casper,” said Dite, “What exactly are you going to do, haunt them to death? Well, you’re annoying enough…” Caesar was not amused. “SIGH! Okay, if you MUST know, it was Eli – one of those freakzoid religious types. Also I’m pretty sure Ares killed him once, so there’s that to it.”

“Well I can’t just sit here!” said Caesar, frustrated at his inabilty to avenge Ares’ death. “I can’t let him get away with it! I won’t!”

“Yada yada yada…” said Dite lazily. “You think you’re the only one with a grudge to bear? Well news flash – by BRO just died – how do you think I feel?” Caesar thought about it, and sat back down.

“Well at least you can do something about it,” he grumbled. “Where as I’m stuck down here, amongst all the other useless souls with nothing better to do than twiddle my thumbs and wait for some long-shot opportunity to present itself.”

“Well,” said Dite, “Your gorgeously awesome aunt might have something she can do about that.” She wiggled her finger at Caesar, and giggled as a tiny jet of light shot into his chest. Caesar jolted from it.

“What was the heck was that?” he asked, feeling a great surge of energy.

“Just a lil’ sumpin’ sumpin’ to show that god-killer who’s boss. Can’t have people like that roaming the streets. I’d take care of him myself but I gotta watch the nails - these manicures don’t pay for themselves you know!” Caesar felt his veins coursing with power. “Oh, and I thought you might wanna take you’re dad’s job as god of war for a while – you know, keep it in the family and all that…well, not like what happened with Cupid but…Never mind. Now you won’t have ALL of Ares’ power – that would be nuts. But if you play nice with all the other gods, and don’t be too petty with the torturing of the puny mortals (Zeus and Hera have been spazzing out about that lately – probably why they let Ares bite the big one…although they have just sent the Furies after Livia, which should be fun to watch, hehehe) I might arrange for you to get a more permanent position.” She winked at him, rather suggestively, at which point Caesar was glad that she wasn’t really his mother…way too creepy.

Dite’s Afro disappeared from whence she came, and left Caesar to ponder his newfound powers. He stared at the wall ahead of him. He shook his hand as though he were rolling dice, and released a brief jolt of energy, cutting a scar into the rock. This was good. This was very good. Caesar grinned to himself and disappeared from the world of the dead. It was time for him to have some corporeal fun amongst the living.