Tomb's Key

WARNING: The following depicts war and change. If the resulting violence and angst is disturbing to you,
then why in the heck are you a X:WP fan?

AUTHOR'S NOTES: As per the series of Post-FIN stories I am working on, I have envisioned a period of several years from the time of Xena's death in A Friend in Need to the time of her resurrection, according to my story Leap of Faith, which I recommend that you read before you read this one. During this period, Gabrielle has many adventures on her own (depicted in my Gabrielle Chronicles (coming soon), including a run-in with a grieving and disturbed Ares (my soon to be posted Mourning Has Broken). Upon Xena's return, with the help of Artemis, (Please! You honestly thought that Barbie doll in Motherhood was the true Goddess of the Amazons? Yeah right!) both Xena and Gabrielle are having to face many changes - within themselves, each other, and their relationship... in addition to dealing with a God of War, who's now on a rampage of death and destruction...

THE TOMB'S KEY

Written by: Sarah Mears

THE BATTLE:

The sun shoots its fiery rays down onto the field, boiling the puddles and streams of blood. This liquid of life, mixed with mud, transforms the once lush, green meadow into a maroon lake. Thousands of baking bodies - dead and alive - swim in its murky depths for what seems an eternity.

Only Ares would choose a day like this to make his attack. His enjoyment of human suffering has no limits. "This is it, God of War... Your last hurrah."

The Warrior Princess' conviction is soon overshadowed by the vision before her... a vision that sends her heart plummeting to the pit of her stomach. Directly in front of her, through the mass of thrusting, twirling, flying - dying soldiers and Amazons, the Battling Bard of Potidaea fights with such fierceness, even her soulmate hardly recognizes her.

All sound, all movement is removed from Xena's consciousness. Her blood stained sword takes on a life of its own as it swings and jabs, pierces and slashes the constant flow of flesh surrounding her.

All her attention is on her partner... The shimmering, blonde mane through which she loves to run her fingers, is now clumped into thin strands, soaked in sweat and blood. That face, which, for so many years, has been her one ray of light and hope, is now twisted and distorted by pain... suffering... survival... life... death.

When did Gabrielle become so old?

Once again, the Warrior Bard's horrific movements shatter Xena's consciousness.

"Gabrielle, what's happened to you?"

A soldier charges, only to be skewered by a sai.

"I'm here, Gabrielle! You're not alone anymore. I'm back. I can take care of you now. You don't have to--" Ares, what have you done to her?

A backhanded punch with the butt of her short-bladed weapon and another soldier goes down.

While I was gone... She was with him while I was gone. She helped him. She... was in pain. They were both in pain... because of me.

Gabrielle blocks an oncoming sword in the teeth of her sais, knocking it loose from its owner's hand.

By the Gods! Has he done it? Has he won her over? He's tried before. Did he finally succeed? She told me she was tempted once... after Eli's death.

With the flick of her wrists, the sword flies from the sais and into another soldier's leg.

"So Ares is right? The world is ruled by warriors." That's what she said. That's what she told me when -- No! She rejected him. She fought him. She knows better than to fall for --

The three-pronged knives flip in Gabrielle's dexterous hands, allowing her to pummel her assailant with several mighty blows to the face and stomach. He topples over in pain. She moves on.

"We have a strange connection, Xena. I can't explain it." A strange connection? What does that mean? Why didn't I ask her what that meant?

Gabrielle ducks from a sword swipe, only to swing her sai-extended arms around and trip the attacker's legs, sending him flying into the air.

I'm an idiot! Why didn't I see it? I should have seen it.

A vicious head butt makes the next attacker fall, unconscious.

She didn't want to get involved in this war. I know that. She begged Artemis to leave him alone. She knew he'd come after the Amazons. But how? How did she know?

"Gaaabrieeeellle!!" Xena is unsure whether her scream is actually audible to the outside world or just in her own head.

"Gabrielle, please don't give in to him. He'll destroy you. He's gone too far this time. You must see that!" Why isn't she calling his name? "It's now or never, Gabrielle. Do it now!"

"Aaaarrreeeeessss!!!"

*** ***

The Day Before THE BATTLE:

The Amazon village bustles with activity. Preparations are being made for the coming battle. Several scouting parties have already encountered Ares' marauders. It's only a matter of days, maybe even hours, before Amazon troops come face to face with Ares army. Artemis has drawn the line with her brother upon her recent return and he's crossed it one too many times. He's sent one army after another, all to whittle away Amazon lands, bit by bit, until Artemis' own Arcadian forests remain for their dwelling place. Tribes of the North, South, East and West have come together to defend what is now their communal home.

First brought together, years ago, by Queen Varia, the tribal leaders now sit in council, planning their defense.

Queen Varia stands in the center of the circle, reporting on the latest scouting expedition.

"The first legion has been sighted a day's march North of the river. Xena has requested another ten warriors to keep watch along this side of the river, farther East into the hills. It's possible Ares will send troops up there for a sneak attack. Hopefully, we can ambush them before they reach the valley."

"Agreed." Queen Gabrielle, appointed leader of the council, gives the final order of consent to the young leader, "The choice of warriors is yours. Proceed to the hills as suggested. If you can, send word of any nightly activities, and inform Xena of your position, in case of attack."

Varia bows her acceptance of the mission and leaves quickly to collect her ten warriors.

"Well, sisters. Our traps are set and our troops are ready. Now we wait."

****

Outside, Gabrielle emerges from the council hut and heads to her own lodgings. Amazons, young and old, put fist to chest in her honor as she passes them. She smiles in return, patting a little girl's towhead along the way and acknowledging several women by name.

Over the years, the Warrior Queen's visits and participation with the tribe collective have been more and more frequent. Now with Artemis' reemergence in their lives, Gabrielle has become a more permanent fixture in the daily activities of this adopted family she has grown to love and respect.

In addition, with Xena back, resurrected with the help of Artemis, the Bard is starting to feel that her life is finally coming together again. Of course, what goes up must come down...

"Ares - the perennial thorn in my side," Gabrielle contemplates while entering her hut. Before her eyes can adjust to the reduction of light, she is met by a familiar voice:

"I couldn't agree more."

The Amazon Queen jumps. "Artemis! Do you have to sneak up on me like that?"

"Yes. It's in my nature." The Goddess is seated, cross-legged on the eating table, which sits against the far wall.

"What? To scare the wits out of people?" Gabrielle goes to a small, side table and from a large bowl placed there, rinses her face with water.

"I have to get my kicks somehow," the Goddess admits with a straight face.

While drying her face with a towel that Artemis hands her, "Well... get 'em somewhere else."

"I'll try. So, my troops are ready?"

"And waiting."

"Good. We fight at dawn."

"At dawn? But Ares' army is still a day's march--" The Bard cuts herself off as she recalls her past experience with the God of War. "It's a ploy."

Artemis puts her finger to her nose, "Score one for my Amazon Queen."

"Damn! I should have seen-- I have to tell Xena." She heads for the door.

"Before you do... You might want to consider leaving her where she is."

"Why would I do that?"

"Let's just say, the less contact she has with my conniving brother, the better."

"What? Ares is after Xena? Old news."

"It's more complicated than that."

Halted once again from leaving, Gabrielle turns to the Goddess. "How complicated?"

"Remember that story I told you ... about my daughter?"

"Sure. You sent her away to protect her from Ares." Gabrielle recollects the particulars, and then notices the Goddess's serious facial expression. "He thinks it's Xena, doesn't he?"

"I can't be certain, yet. If he does, whether it's true or not, Xena is in great danger. To him, my daughter would be a threat, not an ally."

Concern plagues Gabrielle's face. "Whom he'd have to get rid of."

"Exactly."

I've lost her once. I'm not losing her again!

The Battling Bard inquires of the Goddess, "I take it you have a plan?"

****

As the sun makes its way behind the Western hills, Xena races into the Amazon village.

"Gabrielle! Ares' legion... from the North... it's disappeared!"

The Warrior Queen, giving last minute instructions to a departing band of her sisters, turns to face her approaching partner.

"I know."

She turns back to the leader of the eager troop of warriors, who wait for the word to go. "You have your orders. We'll see you in battle. Be careful." Turning to the impatient Warrior Princess, "I need you to go back to the river. Ares may pull a fast one."

Xena is only half listening, "Where are they going?"

"To reinforce the Southern rim."

"He's coming from the East, Gabrielle. You do know that?"

"I'm aware of Ares' strategy, Xena. And I need you covering the North."

"There are enough warriors covering the North. And Varia has the highlands. I can get a jump on Ares' men before they cross the river."

"Xena--"

"Gabrielle, the fewer soldiers that get across the river and into the valley, the easier it'll be for your troops to--"

"Xena, I need you leading from the North."

"You need me one step ahead of Ares."

"I am one step ahead of Ares... Trust me."

Unaccustomed to taking orders, let alone giving in to someone else's judgment, Xena holds her ground for a moment. However, staring her partner down proves too difficult...

Who is this woman, standing before me? Those loving green eyes so fiercely resolved and confident. So full of experience... and secrets...

"Fine." The tight string of tension between them is loosened... slightly.

"Thank you." Gabrielle gives her soulmate a tender smile of gratitude. "He'll be coming soon." Her eyes indicate the Northern edge of the camp. Xena looks in that direction, almost expecting to see Ares coming out of the woods. However, she quickly understands Gabrielle's non-verbal communiqué.

"Right! I'm on it... To the river."

The Queen nods, "The river."

Xena tosses her a friendly smile as she heads off to her assigned post.

"Oh, one more thing!"

Xena looks back with questioning eyes.

"I need the chakram," Gabrielle implores.

Xena's negative answer is almost immediately forthcoming. Yet, a glimpse of the girl she knew - and fell in love with - peeks out of the grin her partner gives her. Gabrielle shrugs. "Sorry. Artemis suggested--"

"--that you have it while leading your army against your enemy. I get it." She tosses it gently to Gabrielle who catches it, effortlessly.

"Thanks."

"What's mine is yours." Without pause, the Warrior Princess turns and leaves.

As the Warrior Queen watches her friend disappear into the shadows of the trees, her heart aches with the weight of the knowledge she possesses.

The chakram. The chakram is the key. But how do I explain that to Xena?

"One step ahead of me, are you?" Gabrielle spins around to find Ares leaning against a tree. "I will say this. Getting Xena to give up her chakram without question? ... Impressive."

"We're partners. We share everything."

"Everything... except information."

"Like what?"

"Oh, like... why I'm here."

Gabrielle shrugs. "I can't tell her what I don't know myself."

"Oh you know." He moves in towards her. "You know plenty. My sister has many secrets. She also has trust issues... except when it comes to her chosen ones. That would be you. She trusts you. She confides in you. And the two of you are protecting Xena. Now why is that? Xena's back - no worse for wear - in full warrior mode. Why does she need protection? From what? ... Or should I say, whom?"

He circles Gabrielle, who is doing her best to appear calm and indifferent.

"From me?" Ares purrs in her ear. "Gabrielle... Don't you know me by now? Xena's well-being is my primary concern. I would never harm my Warrior Princess."

"She's not your Warrior Princess."

"Well, she's not yours... not anymore. You honestly think she came back unchanged? You've changed, too. Oh yes. You've changed a lot. And don't think she hasn't noticed."

"Yes, we've changed. That's called being human. That's life."

"And that's what pulls people apart. Come on, Gabrielle. You're smarter than that. You're not that naive, little warrior-wannabe of old. You are a warrior. One who's surpassed her teacher... and one who thinks she can defeat me. Something your precious Xena could never do."

"She could have... if she wanted to."

Ares reveals a sly grin. "Which makes me wonder. Does she want to now? Or better still... Does she want you defeating me? She's been gone a long time. That warrior blood in her veins is surging, just waiting for a fight... an all out war, in fact. Do you honestly think she's going to sit back and let you have all the fun?"

"Xena trusts me."

"She trusts you." He chuckles. "Oh yeah. I can see that." He points Gabrielle's attention to something behind her. She turns her head to see Xena standing several feet away, sword pointed in their direction.

"Leave her alone, Ares."

"Xena, we were just talking." Gabrielle is annoyed at her friend's return... but not surprised.

"Uh, huh. Unless you're negotiating a truce, I suggest you leave, Ares. Your troops are about to attack this village. You wouldn't want to be found here, now would you? It could put you in a compromising position."

"I'm flattered by your concern for my welfare. I really am." Ares walks slowly away from Gabrielle and inches his way to an apex position of their triangle. "However, your friend, here... is suffering from delusions of grandeur. She thinks she can win this war." He turns to the Queen. "But I'm afraid, the best you can do is... surrender."

"The Amazons will never surrender to you!" Gabrielle has joined Xena in defense mode, with her hand firmly gripping the handle of the chakram - ready for the slightest move.

"Nnno. Not the Amazons... Your surrender." He nods his head in the Bard's direction.

"Over my dead body." Xena takes a few steps, ready to come between Ares and Gabrielle.

"Why Xena. I would have thought you'd had enough of death. Or is life just too hard for you after all."

"Give it up Ares. You can't win." Xena's piercing resolve shoots out of her liquid blue eyes.

"Oh no?" Ares raises his arm as a ball of energy builds in his hand. Xena raises her sword to deflect the anticipated blast. This gesture is made useless, however, as the chakram zings through the air and hits Ares' hand before release. This causes the power ball to be mis-directed into the treetops, blasting a hole through the limbs.

Xena and Ares both flash glances towards the Warrior Bard, who simply points up above their heads. Xena looks up just in time to duck as the chakram whizzes by and is stopped by Gabrielle's firm grip. Ares smiles, "Impressive still."

"So's this," the Amazon Queen declares.

After a quick glance between the two women, Gabrielle separates the chakram into halves, at which time Xena raises her sword with both hands and strikes down towards Ares' head. Ares catches the sword in his right hand just as the blonde warrior throws one half of the chakram at him. This he catches in his left hand.

But the women have only begun their attack. Gabrielle wastes no time and sends the other half of the metal ring straight into his chest. This he does not expect. He looks down at the protruding implement, then up at its sender.

"Told you." With a smirk, Gabrielle gives a twitch of her eyebrows just before crouching into a low spin, sending her leg out in an effort to kick Ares' legs from under him.

However, he has enough time to anticipate her move with a flying leap up and over his two opponents. Just before landing, he releases Xena's sword and plants a powerful kick to her back, which sends her flying. After landing, Ares removes the piece of chakram from his chest and flings each piece with great force to either side of him. "What else you got there, little girl?"

Finishing her spin, Gabrielle grabs her sais from her boots as she stands. "I'm not afraid of you."

"Are you afraid of dying?" Ares throws a power ball at her, which she avoids by cart-wheeling in the air, out of its path. At this point, Xena comes back into the game with a fierce charge, sword raised high. Ares unsheathes his own sword and defends himself as the two swords collide. Several blows, twists and dodges pass between them.

Meanwhile, the other Amazons in the village, becoming aware of this skirmish, come out and surround the combatants. Xena's swordplay with the God gives Gabrielle a chance to address her troops.

"Go! Head to your battle positions. NOW!" The women do not have to be told twice. They all run in various directions into the forest, weapons in hand.

Having dispersed her warriors, Gabrielle refocuses just in time to catch one half of the chakram as it ricochets off a hanging shield on the side of a hut.

Meanwhile, Xena manages one more jump kick before spinning in the air a few times, catching the second half of the chakram in flight, and landing several feet away.

"Xena!" Gabrielle holds up her half of the yin-yang blade as a signal to her partner, who nods agreement. They each toss their halves, simultaneously, towards the God of War. The parts meet and become one in mid air then continue on, spinning on a path right into Ares' gut. The impact of this double throw forces Ares to topple onto his back.

Xena and Gabrielle confidently walk over to him. As Xena leans over to collect her weapon from his midriff, the disgruntled God grabs her wrist. "Don't think you've proven anything."

"I don't just think it, I know it." She forces her wrist out of his grasp.

Ares turns to give a menacing glare Gabrielle's way. "She's back. Flesh and blood again... just the way you wanted." The God of War evaporates before their eyes, leaving only the echo of his villainous laughter.

Xena tosses the chakram back to Gabrielle. "Come on. We have a war to fight."

"Xena, about the chakram--"

The tall brunette puts a hand on her partner's shoulder. "Hey, you've earned it."

"Thanks. But--"

Xena puts up a hand to stop her. "It's ok. I mean it. Now... go lead your troops. I have some Northern patrolling to do."

Gabrielle watches her soulmate disappear into the woods. She holds up the chakram with a confident air. "Right." Then away she goes to join her sisters at the East river.

****

Aware that the Amazons are lying in wait for them, Ares' commanders hold off their official assault until sunrise. However, a few smaller parties are sent to keep the female warriors busy for much of the night.

While returning to her Northern post, Xena chases down a few lost scouts, who will never again see the light of day.

Varia and her hillside sisters play out their anticipated ambush with impressive efficiency just before dawn.

Meanwhile, the warriors guarding the Southern rim of the forest are able to force a troop of soldiers into retreat before heading off to reinforce their sisters on the Eastern plane.

Gabrielle joins her troops waiting for her at the edge of the forest. To gaze out at the beautiful river bed, one can't imagine the distruction that awaits this grandeur. With the Western cliffs leaving little offensive or defensive strategic advantage, the Eastern planes on either side of the river are now the prime focal points for battle.

****

The moon, a shining beacon to the numerous warriors hiding among the trees, has reached her fullness, holding onto her possession of the sky for as long as she can.

Xena stands on a high branch in a tree at the edge of the river. There has been no sign of straggling soldiers for the past several hours. Her frustration is escalating with every passing minute.

"She's good, isn't she?"

Brown leather boots nearly slip off their post. "What the--! Must you keep doing that?"

Artemis peeks around the tree trunk. "Sorry. Habits die hard. You never did get your senses attuned to me, did you? Funny that."

"Yeah. Hilarious." The dark-haired one sits on her perch. The Amazon Goddess mirrors her on a branch, jetting out at a ninety-degree angle to Xena's.

"So... do you agree?"

"About?" Xena's annoyance is evident.

"Your partner's abilities."

"Of course, I do. She's a great leader."

The Goddess nods, "Yes, she is." She stares at Xena a moment. "That must be difficult for you."

"What?"

"...Being led by Gabrielle." Artemis steers this treetop discussion with a probing eye.

"Not at all."

"Oh?"

"She knows what she's doing. Her strategy is sound, her troops trust her--"

"Do you?" the redheaded Goddess interrupts.

For the first time, Xena looks directly at her intruder, "Yes. I do." She immediately focuses back on her scouting duties.

"I see." Artemis observes her companion for a moment. "You and Ares have quite a history."

Xena gives her a quick look of tremendous irritation.

Holding up her hands in defense, "I'm just saying..." Artemis studies the surrounding scenery below with a casual air. After a moment, she continues, "Gabrielle's acquired a bit of history with him herself, hasn't she?"

"What's that suppose to mean?" the Warrior Princess asks curtly.

"Nothing." Artemis goes back to her nonchalant sightseeing. Following a slight pause, "It's just that... it would appear you aren't the only warrior on his agenda... That's all."

"Gabrielle wouldn't do that."

"I'm not saying she would-- Do what, exactly?" suddenly shifting her tactics, Artemis feigns ignorance.

"Team with Ares. That is what you're implying, isn't it?"

"Is it?"

"All right, that's it. You can leave now. You just want to cause even more trouble than you already have..." Xena gestures outward to indicate the situation they are in. "Your games don't interest me."

"No games, huh? Ok. You want to know why I'm here? I'll tell you. Ares wants Gabrielle."

The attention of the dark warrior has been captured. "Why?"

"The same reason he wanted you. Granted, while you were gone, he had a better chance at getting her... and he almost succeeded. Now that you're back... well, he's hoping to kill two birds with one stone."

"How?" Xena's senses are now on high alert.

"Get you both into battle... allow that warrior blood to take control, then-- Wham!"

Xena is baffled, "... 'Wham?' ... What?"

The Amazon Goddess leans back and sighs. "Well... I honestly don't know."

Xena stares at her in disbelief. "You don't know?"

Artemis snorts, "Like I can read my brother's mind."

"You seemed to be doing pretty well up until 'wham!'"

"If I knew what Ares was planning, I'd take care of him myself."

"You know, that sounds like a great idea. Why don't you do that? He's your brother. You two started all this."

"Correction. He started all this. I'm simply being reactionary."

"No. You're being a pain in my ass. Now go away."

"Fine." The dismissed Goddess stands on her branch. "But don't say I didn't warn you." With that, she steps off her perch and disappears as she descends.

Yet, as quickly as she disappears, the Moon Goddess reappears behind the tree truck next to Xena. "But you see..." Xena once again is nearly startled off her seat. "The thing is, I know how to stop him."

That 'Warrior Princess glare' is unmistakable, "You couldn't have just told me that in the first place?"

"Yes, but... I'm not sure you're going to like my plan. It'll require a great sacrifice."

Xena is nearing the end of her rope. "Try me."

*** ***

THE BATTLE:

"Well, Goddess of the Amazons. Thanks to you, I got my wish. Xena's back in full force. Which makes me now wonder... did you bring her back for me, or for you? You certainly didn't waste time plunging us into your little family feud."

The well-toned muscles of the Amazon Queen flex with each blow she bestows on her enemies. Yet, her attention remains on her leather-clad partner fighting several feet away.

Did she just call out to Ares?

Xena's foot makes its way to the face of her present opponent. He flies backwards into two comrades. They all land in a heap on the ground.

She did. She called Ares' name.

An elbow whacks Xena in the nose. She grabs the intrusive arm, twists it to the breaking point, then-- snap!

She thinks I don't know, but I do. I know him. I know them both... better than they know themselves... or each other, for that matter.

A double fisted punch to the face and another soldier hits the dirt.

"He has the power to destroy you, Xena. Why can't you see that?"

Swords clash.

"I hoped things would be different this time. That your experience with death would make you see... But you can't. Ares is in your blood, making him more dangerous now than--"

A flip in the air, then two slices of the sword and one thrust...

"He has to be stopped, Xena. No matter the cost."

"Aaarrrreeeesss!"

"Ok! Enough with the summoning already!" Ares appears and waves one hand emphatically.

The battle stops in mid-motion. All participants, save two, freeze.

"WHAT!" The God of War stands in the middle of it all, hands on hips, staring at the two female warriors he can never have.

In a flash, Artemis materializes a short distance away. "Uh, ladies? Now would be a good time."

The women look at each other, then at the freeze-frame surrounding them, then at their mutual nemesis. Gabrielle holds up the chakram and gives one last inquisitive look at her partner. Xena nods her approval.

"What is this?" His patience is wearing thin. This is not part of his plan.

The blonde-haired Amazon focuses in on her target before, without batting an eye, she throws the circular weapon straight at Ares. However, seconds before impact, the metal ring separates and each half takes its own divergent path on either side of the God, passing one another behind him and circling back around to their respective recipients - one to Xena's hand, the other to Gabrielle's.

This brief display leaves Ares a bit bewildered.

Gabrielle looks at her half of the chakram. "Why do I always get the Yang?"

Xena looks at her and shrugs.

Suddenly, Ares' befuddled state turns to annoyance as the two warriors simultaneously prepare to disengage their metal halves in his direction.

"Not again!" The War God prepares his defense.

However, instead of throwing the sharp, yin-yang weapons at Ares, the women turn and hurl them at each other. The chakram pieces crash into one another mid-way, and create a blinding explosion.

When humans and gods are able to see again, what their eyes look upon are the two, separate, original chakrams. One is broken into two pieces and the other is whole... both lying on the ground, lifeless. Xena looks at Gabrielle, who looks back. Then together, they look at Ares.

"The chakram of light!" Ares is unable to take his eyes off it... until Xena picks it up.

"Good. Then I don't have to explain to you what it can do."

Gabrielle picks up the two pieces of the dark chakram. "As I see it, Ares, you have two choices. To live or to die."

"Which will it be?" Xena holds up the god-killing weapon.

"You wouldn't..."

Xena points her chakram of light in the direction of the God of War. "Wouldn't I?"

"I wouldn't test your theory if I were you, brother."

Ares throws a vicious snarl in his sister's direction. "This is your doing, isn't it?"

"I'm sure they would have figured it out eventually. I just gave them a friendly push in the right direction." She gives her thwarted brother a grin, followed by a wink to the winners. "I think we're done here. Don't you, little brother?"

Another disgruntled vocalization from the War God, and then a second later he's gone.

"Ladies, I thank you." Artemis gives the victors a bow of her head. With the snap of her fingers, she disappears as well. This is instantly followed by the remobilization of the battle already in progress.

Amid the newly restored fighting, Xena and Gabrielle look at each other in disbelief. They shout in unison to the absent minded god:

"Aaaarrrreeeesssss!"

In a matter of seconds, shouts of "Retreat!" are heard for miles. Gradually, the fighting subsides as Ares' army takes flight into the hills. The remaining Amazons burst into sounds of victory.

Gabrielle looks down at the chakram pieces in her hand. "So, now what? Put them back together and restore the balance?"

"I don't know. By keeping the chakram of light we have the upper hand. Ares will think twice before causing trouble again." Xena tosses the light chakram in the air and catches it as they start walking through the field of bodies.

"True. But then there's still the chance it could fall into the wrong hands."

"Yeah, but this way we can each have a chakram."

Gabrielle is unamused, "This one's broken!"

"We can fix it," Xena flippantly suggests.

"How?"

Their discussion continues as they join their sisters in collecting the dead and wounded.

"I don't know. Ask Artemis. She seems to have all the answers..."

**** ****

EPILOGUE - 20 Years Later:

"Did you honestly think I'd forget about you?" the Warrior Princess looks at the God of War with suggestive eyes as she holds the chakram of light at his throat.

Although Ares hasn't changed, Xena has begun to show her age with strands of gray hair salting her long dark tresses. Her aqua blue eyes are surrounded by wrinkles, while her hand isn't as steady as it once was.

Nevertheless, she is in incredible shape, despite a few more scars here and there. Black leather trousers and boots, and a blue, long-sleeved tunic and leather vest have replaced the brown leather and breastplate. But then, her warrior days have been getting fewer and farther apart as the years wear on.

The two nemeses face off in the central chamber of the Halls of War.

"There's no getting out of it this time, Ares. I'm tired of cleaning up your messes. You're through." As she speaks, she is forcing him to back up closer and closer to his final resting place. Once there, he stumbles backwards and topples into the open coffin. With the chakram of light pressed to his chest, he slowly shifts his body and lies down on his back inside his new home.

"Sweet dreams." Xena starts pushing the lid into place.

"Dreams of you... and what I'm going to do to you when I get out of here."

"Assuming I live that long."

"Don't worry. I'll find you."

"Till then."

THUD! The lid is shut and Xena throws the chakram of light at the Eye of Hephaestus, which hangs on the wall above the coffin. She makes a dash for the chamber opening, whose stone door is quickly descending.

Having successfully reached the other side before the entrance is completely sealed shut, Xena yells, "Now Gabrielle!"

In a front chamber of the temple, an older, yet equally fit Gabrielle, dressed in a long, red silk tunic, baggy, rust colored pants and sandals, thrusts one half of the dark chakram into its new position as key to Ares' tomb. The lock being a half-moon shaped rock containing a dozen or so of Gabrielle's scrolls protruding from strategically placed holes. The moment the key is in place, the rock swivels around in order to hide its treasures.

"It's done!" the Bard shouts to her companion, before making her departure through the passageway to the front entrance.

As Gabrielle emerges from inside the temple, the bright sun glistens on her short, golden-gray mane. She turns to face the doorway when footsteps are heard making their approach. Her soulmate joins her on the steps. Xena proudly puts her arm around her.

"Mission accomplished."

"And the other half of the chakram?"

"Locking the back door." The statuesque woman looks down at her beloved. "Now... how 'bout some fishing?"

"What about the chakram of light? We can't just leave it lying around."

"Don't worry. I know the perfect home for it." She leads Gabrielle down the steps. "Ever hear of the ocean? ..."

THE END

SaM - Copyright 5/1/02; Edited 12/1/04

DISCLAIMER: Here in lies a piece of FAN FICTION based on Renaissance Pictures/USA Studio's
XENA: WARRIOR PRINCESS. No infringement of their rights of ownership is intended in any way.

No copying of this story is allowed without direct permission from the author.

THANKS: To Cath for your beta support and helpful suggestions.

Well? How did you like it? Let me know.