With Friends Like These...

Written: 1996
© Julie Ruffell 1996
Timeline: Sometime after "A Necessary Evil"
Disclaimer: Xena: Warrior Princess is the copyright property of Renaissance Pictures, Universal Studios and Studios USA. This fan fiction story was written for entertainment purposes only.
Description: Ares and his sister Eris battle for the God of War title by each creating an army. Ares corrupts Xena to make her his commander, while Eris takes over the Amazons by putting Gabrielle under her control. It's best friends in a fight to the death for the Gods.

"With Friends Like These..."

"Ares! I should be God of War, not you!"

Ares, the great and powerful God of War laughed loudly. "Oh really?" he questioned.

"Yes really. All you care about is that warrior woman, Xena. You've been so busy with her, you haven't been doing your job."

"And you think that you can better, little sister?"

Eris, younger sister to Ares stood before him in one of his many temples. Her hair was jet black, her eyes chestnut brown and her lips rose red. She wore dark armour and carried a sword on her side. A deep scowl darkened her beautiful features. "I know I can do better."

"Then prove it," challenged Ares.

"Fine. An army of my choosing against an army of yours," she began.

"A battle to the death. The winning army is the one with men left standing," Ares continued.

"And the god of the winning army is the new God of War," finished Eris.

"It's a deal."

The two shook hands and then Ares vanished. Eris smiled. "You can use men all you want, brother. I prefer women warriors. I want the Amazons."

* * *

Ephiny, the blonde Amazon with the baby centaur, Queen in the absence of Gabrielle, stood with Eris in the early afternoon. Ephiny's Amazons surrounded her, ready to do battle.

"Make the world fear the Amazons again. Show that you are the greatest warriors. Defeat the army of Ares, God of War and give birth to the Goddess of War," Eris offered.

"Only fools make war," Ephiny responded, "and it's not my choice to make."

"You dare to challenge me! Believe me mortal, this is far from over!" Eris vanished, leaving the heavy words of her threat, hanging in the air like a cloud of doom.

* * *

The sun began to sink behind the mountains, spreading darkness over the Amazon village. The Amazon on look-out searched the forest for any movement. Something caught her eye, and she watched as three Amazons stepped out of the woods with two other women and a horse.

The first was tall, with raven hair and eyes like ice. She walked with feet firmly planted, her shoulders square. Her brass breastplates caught the light of the torches, allowing one to see the brown leather, one-piece outfit she wore. The woman's sword hung on her back and a deadly weapon called a chakram hung on her side. She led the palomino horse behind her; a war horse, a mare with grace and fire. The woman was known by many names, such as The Harpy, The Lioness of Amphipolis, or the Destroyer of Nations, but her most common name was Xena, the Warrior Princess.

Xena's companion was only as tall as the warrior's shoulders. She walked with more bounce in her step, and while Xena remained silent and focused, the younger one talked with their Amazon escorts. Her hair was orange like the setting sun and her eyes emerald green. Her clothes were simple; a short, swampy green tank top of cloth and an orange-brown skirt. She was a bard, but the Amazons saw her as Queen Gabrielle.

The Amazon on watch put her hands over her mouth and yelled loudly to the nation, "All hail Queen Gabrielle!"

Amazons looked to see Gabrielle and Xena enter the village, and they began to loudly beat their drums. Ephiny stepped out of the Queen's hut and walked over to join Xena and Gabrielle. When she saw Gabrielle, she smiled and hugged her friend. "It's good to see you again," Ephiny said.

"You too," Gabrielle replied.

Ephiny looked over and up at Xena. She held out her arm and Xena clasped it firmly, just above the wrist. "So what brings you here?" questioned Ephiny.

Gabrielle opened her mouth to speak, but Xena beat her to it. "I'm on my way to Argos. I got urgent word and I travel faster alone."

"We always welcome our Queen. I have something to discuss with Gabrielle anyway."

Xena raised a single questioning eyebrow. "Oh?"

"It's nothing serious," Ephiny responded a little too quickly.

Xena stood silent, but then turned to Gabrielle. "If I head out now, I should arrive at Argos in a few days." She mounted Argo, her faithful mare, with more intelligence than any other horse and some people. "I shouldn't be more than a few days."

"Take care," said Gabrielle. "I'll see you later."

Xena smiled, revealing her perfect white teeth. "Count on it." She turned Argo and then urged the mare forward.

Gabrielle waited until Xena had disappeared into the forest before looking at Ephiny again. "So what did you want to talk to me about?"

* * *

Xena and Argo shot through the dark and silent forest. Stars twinkled overhead and a slight breeze chilled the air. Argo breathed heavily as Xena pushed her on. As they shot past a tree, a figure appeared and watched them ride off.

Ares smiled. "I love it when things go according to plan."

* * *

Inside the Amazon Queen hut, Eris appeared. She looked about, seeing that no one was inside. She smiled an evil smile and then pulled a small vial out of her belt. Gabrielle and Ephiny stepped into the hut. Unfortunately, Eris remained invisible to their mortal eyes, so they couldn't see the danger that lurked within.

"So what's going on, Ephiny?" Gabrielle asked. "You seem a little tense." Gabrielle picked up a jug of water on the small table in the hut and poured herself a cup.

"Early this afternoon, we received a visit from Eris," Ephiny told her.

Gabrielle set down her cup. "Eris? The sister to Ares, Eris?" Ephiny nodded. "I don't like this. Then again, I don't like anything that has to do with Ares. What did she want?"

Eris moved from her spot in the corner, over to the little table. She removed the cork from the vial and poured its contents into Gabrielle's cup.

"She wanted us to fight for her against an army of Ares. The winner of their little battle is the new God of War," Ephiny explained.

"What did she offer us to help her?"

"Glory."

Gabrielle shook her head. "No. Ares is up to something. This is probably some scheme to get Xena back." She picked up her cup and raised it to her lips. "And you know what Xena says, 'Only fools make war.'" Gabrielle took a drink from her cup. She coughed, blinked and shook her head. Then her eyes darkened and the look made Ephiny shiver involuntary. Gabrielle smiled, something truly wicked, like the old Xena. "But then again, I'm not Xena. I accept Eris' offer. We're going to war."

* * *

Xena finally arrived in Argos, three days after leaving Gabrielle with the Amazons. It was late in the evening, the moon high overhead. Xena dismounted Argo and patted the horse's nose. She whispered softly in the mare's ear and Argo nipped at Xena's hair playfully. Xena smiled and then lead Argo over to the village tavern. She tied Argo up near a trough of water and the palomino bent down to drink the cool, refreshing liquid.

"Good idea girl. I could use a drink myself." Xena patted Argo's side and then stepped into the tavern.

The first thing she noticed was the smell of drunken, sweaty men. She wrinkled her nose slightly at the stench. Someone whistled at her, but Xena ignored the comment. She stepped up to the bar. She was about to order something, when a mug of wine was dropped in front of her.

"Didn't expect you here until tomorrow," said a cracking voice.

Xena turned to look at the one who had given her the drink. He was an aging man, probably in his late seventies. His head was bald, except for a few white hairs around the base of his skull, while the whiskers on his chin were small and rough, only a few days old. His eyes were a tired gray, along with his plain clothes.

"I take it you're the one who sent for me?"

"Nope. It was just my turn to watch for you. We know your reputation for stopping warlords."

"What's his name?"

"Don't know. All we know is that a huge army has been collecting in a camp not far from here and it keeps getting bigger. Haven't seen any leader as of yet. We're just farmers, Xena. You're our only hope."

"Show me where they are." Xena took a swing from her mug.

"This late?" he questioned.

"Why not? It's the perfect time. They'll either be sleeping or drinking. No better time to check it out," Xena replied, after she had finished her drink.

"All right. This way."

* * *

The moon cast a pale glow over the silent earth. Crickets chirped quietly and a single wolf howled somewhere in the distance. Fog had fallen and it covered the ground up to Xena's knees. Xena could feel an ominous presence, something truly evil nearby. She moved slowly, all her senses searching in case the evil presence came anywhere near her.

She had a feeling it already was.

She dropped down behind a large rock near the camp. Xena watched as armed men moved about. She counted fifteen men guarding the camp, but there was no telling how many were holding up in the many tents. Xena quietly disappeared back into the mist from which she came.

The old man watched as Xena jogged lightly over to him, not making a sound. "You saw it. You've seen what we're up against. Will you help us?"

"I'll help, but I want to return to the city. I don't know how many of them there are, and I want to find out before I do anything."

Xena was about to leave when the old man grabbed her wrist. His grip was strong and tight, like a python's. Xena was surprised, but not alarmed or scared. "I wouldn't do that if I were you," she warned.

"Well you're not me," the old man replied, but the voice was no longer that of the old man. Now it was young, deep and all too familiar. "You can't leave yet Xena."

"Give it up Ares."

The old man transformed to reveal the god who plagued Xena's existence. "You know I won't. You will be mine." Ares brought up his other arm, only it wasn't an arm, it was a snake. Xena's eyes filled with fear. Not fear of death, but the fear of being controlled by Ares. She knew that the bite from the snake would fill her body with a poison that wouldn't take her life, but those of others as it filled her with hatred and blood lust. She couldn't let that happen.

Xena twisted herself free of Ares' grasp and then ran up his body, her foot landing firmly on his face before she pushed off, flipped and landed on her feet.

"I do love watching you fight," said Ares, "but right now, it's just a nuance." Ares lunged forward, the snake shooting out with its dagger-like fangs.

Xena ducked and kicked out Ares' legs from under him. He landed on the damp grass and Xena drew her sword. "Can't you just give it up? Can't you just leave me alone!?"

Ares rose. "No, I can't. You're a part of me Xena, and I'm a part of you. Besides, even if I could leave you be I wouldn't."

Xena flipped over Ares and kicked him in the back before he could turn around. He drew his sword, just in time to block the blow of Xena's. The clang was loud and rang throughout the night, shattering the peaceful silence. Ares swung his sword at Xena's chest, but she jumped over it and somersaulted as she landed, before getting back to her feet. She held her sword tightly, with both hands wrapped around it. The thrill of the battle seized her and she chuckled under her breath in amusement. Her adrenaline pumped and her muscles flexed. Ares brought his sword over his head and then down at Xena's, but she laid her sword flat and blocked it. Xena pushed her sword up and Ares stumbled back. Xena leaped into the air, while her war cry, that could freeze a man's blood, ran out from her lips. She sailed over Ares, but the snake arm flew up and struck Xena on the right leg. She fell down on the wet grass and the mist rolled over her.

* * *

The Amazons stepped over the grassy hill to the field below, dark thunder clouds rolling across the sky. Gabrielle rode on the back of a mighty, dirt brown steed. She carried a spear as thick as a staff in her right hand. Ephiny rode beside her on a black mare. Ephiny still couldn't understand why Gabrielle wanted to go to war for Eris, but an Amazon must follow her Queen. Still, Ephiny had a bad feeling.

Ares' army rode over the opposite hill. The Amazons could hear them coming as the many hooves of the horses connected with the ground. Ephiny looked for the leader of the all male army and nearly gasped in surprise. She knew that horse. She knew that hair. That leather. Those breastplates.

Now Ephiny was sure that something was wrong.

* * *

Xena held up her hand to stop her army. She scanned the Amazons and then spotted their leader. She turned to her commander. "Stay here. Don't attack unless I give the word." She urged Argo forward, but the horse whinnied and refused to move. "Come on, girl. I don't have time for this. You've been in battles before."

Xena clicked her heels into Argo's side again. Argo walked a nervous circle, but then moved forward, not one to question Xena. They moved towards the center of the field.

Gabrielle watched as the dark haired leader of the other army moved forward, alone. "Xena," she snarled. "If she wants a challenge, I'll give it to her." Gabrielle kicked her heels into her horse's side, moving it into a gallop, out to meet Xena.

Xena stopped Argo as the blonde haired Amazon Queen joined her in the middle of the field. "I am Xena, Warrior Princess. I'll give you one chance to surrender before I slaughter you all."

"I am Queen Gabrielle and I will never surrender to the likes of you, Xena. I fear no one."

Xena drew her sword and twirled it around three times. "Then I'll teach you fear, just before I send you to Hades!"

The two dismounted their horses and sent them off. Gabrielle twirled her spear-headed staff around her body. "The only thing that's going to be killed today is you and your reputation as the greatest warrior!"

* * *

Ephiny watched the confrontation between Xena and Gabrielle. She was confused. Xena and Gabrielle were as close as any two people could be, bonded deep by something unknown. Now they stood at the head of two separate armies, ready to kill each other. It wasn't normal. It wasn't human. Almost as if some third party were playing a part.

* * *

Gabrielle lunged at Xena, but Xena stepped aside. She grabbed the staff and pulled Gabrielle forward, followed by a punch to the face. Gabrielle stumbled back, holding a bloody nose. She was a good fighter, but no match for Xena. Gabrielle swung her staff up at Xena's head, the spear point sharp enough to slice open flesh, like it was soft fruit.

The Warrior Princess was too fast however, and she held up her sword, which sliced off the spear head. Xena ducked down and removed Gabrielle's feet from under her. Gabrielle's head connected with the hard ground. Xena flipped up into the air, her war cry blaring. She landed, looming over Gabrielle like an angel of death. "Looks like I win."

Xena held her sword over Gabrielle, ready to plunge it into Gabrielle's heart, but something stopped her. Something in her gut twisted painfully. She froze. She couldn't kill the young girl before her. She filled with overwhelming emotions and images of chaos flashed across her mind. A girl with an arrow in her back, falling over Xena. Her, surrounded by the enemy, and a giant coming to her aid. A Roman with a dagger at her neck. A burning village, with a young, blonde girl. Then, this girl, the one whose life she now held in her hands, her face filled Xena's sight; from warm moments around a camp fire, to tearful hugs, to shared joy. This was her friend!

"Gabrielle?" Xena's hateful eyes filled with sorrow. She shook her head, as she broke free from Ares' control. She tossed her sword away. "What have I done?"

"Let your guard down." Gabrielle kicked Xena in the back and the warrior fell forward. Gabrielle got to her feet and held her staff ready.

Xena scurried to her feet, just in time to have Gabrielle's staff, slam into her side. Xena almost fell, but she held her ground. "Don't do this Gabrielle. Something is going on. I won't fight you."

"Then this should be easier than I thought." Gabrielle sent her staff into Xena's stomach, dropping Xena to her knees. She quickly followed it up with a blow to her face. Xena lied flat on her back, and Gabrielle's staff sat on her neck. "Now you die."

Xena knew that she could easily stop Gabrielle, but she wasn't about to kill her best friend, not to mention there was a thunderous pounding in her head from the blow Gabrielle dealt her. She only had one chance. She had to reason with Gabrielle and get her to break Eris' control, like she had with Ares'. "Listen to me Gabrielle. You're not yourself. You're stronger than this. You are meant to go somewhere in life, but this won't get you there."

Gabrielle hesitated, her staff hovering just over Xena's throat, ready to strike.

"You're being controlled by Eris. I'm your friend, Gabrielle and I'm telling you that you don't want to kill me." Xena paused. "Don't lose your innocence."

Gabrielle's eyes glazed over. She held her head in her left hand and then fell to her knees. Xena got up and held Gabrielle in her arms. Gabrielle fell into them and silently sobbed. "It's okay. It's okay. It's over."

Suddenly, Ares and Eris came into existence over the two friends. "Oh this is just sick!" Eris hollered. "Why aren't you fighting!?"

"This is a sorry display, Xena," Ares added.

Xena stood, staring Ares right in the eye. "We've broken your spells; both of them. You have no power over us."

"In the name of our father, Ares! You just can't do anything right, can you?" Eris mocked him. "If you had just picked another general, there would have been no trouble."

"Me!? What about you? You didn't need to pick Gabrielle! This was your fault, not mine," Ares replied.

"Oh please! I picked the Amazon army! To have their army I needed their Queen! It would have been easier for you to pick a different general! Not to mention that it was your general who ruined this fight, not mine!"

Xena helped Gabrielle to her feet. "Let's go," she whispered.

As Ares and Eris continued to fight, Xena walked Gabrielle over to the Amazons. Xena and Gabrielle kept walking, and the Amazons followed, leaving two arguing Gods and an army of confused soldiers.

* * *

Xena hissed in pain as Gabrielle wrapped a bandage around her ribcage.

"Xena, I'm so sorry. I can't believe I did this to you! And your eye." Gabrielle looked at her feet. "I'm sorry."

Xena took Gabrielle's chin in her hand and turned her face up so she could look into Gabrielle's eyes. "Stop apologizing, Gabrielle. You weren't yourself."

A tear rolled down Gabrielle's cheek. "Now I know what it's like for you, when you lose control. It's scary to see what I became."

Xena stared deep into Gabrielle's eyes. "I know, but now that you've walked that path, you're not likely to find it again." Xena wiped away the tear rolling down Gabrielle's face. "Follow your trail, Gabrielle...not mine."

Gabrielle smiled and then hugged her friend.

FIN