After the Power

by Lissia

Disclaimers:
The characters aren’t mine, except for Lissia. The story is. Story takes
place before season six starts, but a time after Motherhood. No profit and
NO
subtext. X/A story(of course). Okay people, this is like, my first shot at
actually
haven an enemy, ya know a warlord..I’ma tryin!

Summery:
Xena and Ares travel together along with Gabrielle, Eve and Lissia. He’s
still mortal and they are now taking on a warlord that used to serve Athena
who’s
now attacking Amphipolis and it’s up to them to save the town.


Chapter 1:
My cousin was now traveling with Xena, Gabrielle and Eve. When I found
them, they
were headed towards Amphipolis. I walked into the camp hopping that Xena or
at least Ares
would recognize me. Suddenly there was a chakram being held to my throat, I
knew not to test
the owner of it. “Who are you?” The Warrior Princess asked. Stepping into
the light, I asked,
“Don’t you recognize me Xena?” “Lissia,” she breathed, “I thought you were
dead.” “She’s
been in hiding ever sense you left me,” my cousin explained, “What are you
doing here?” I
sighed, “Always to the point, huh Ar? I’m here for two reasons. One, in
two days Amphipolis
is going to be attacked by Pillias, a warlord. And two, I figured cuz here
would like some
ambrosia..” She was laughing, “How did you find out about his situation?”
“Dite, “I replied
simply, knowing that was all an explanation they would need. “Xena,
shouldn’t we be going
to Amphipolis?” That was the bard, although she seemed more of a warrior
sense their
resurrection by Eli. She replied, “We’ll be there tomorrow afternoon. We
need rest.” I was
now staring at Ares, “Do you want the ambrosia?” He looked at Xena, then
back at me, “No,
I think I might like being mortal.” I laughed, the God of War, mortal all
because of a mortal
woman. “You can leave now Lissia,” the warrioress was saying. “Oh please,
I at least want to
stay and help with Pillias, he’s tough. Athena’s best and neither him nor
his men care if they
die. they wasn’t revenge Xena and they will have it without my help. You
need me.” Xena
shrugged, “I beat Alanis, I’ll be fine. He’ll be just as easy.” “This guy
is smarted and his
tactics are better. He doesn’t have Athena to pull him back either.” She
sighed, “Fine, you can
help.” “That’s better. I’m glad you’re seeing things my way now.” Xena
rolled her eyes at me
and I could tell that Ar didn’t find my comment constructive. I think I’ll
go talk to Eve, after
all she’s the one that caused the deaths of my family members, “What’s up,
Champion of
Rome?” Oh, evil look, “Shut-up. That’s not who I am anymore. And nothing
is up, you of
all people should know that.” “But, I’m not a people, I’m a goddess.”
“Whatever.” Attitude,
I like her, she could some good work, just direct that attitude at Pillias
and his men. Gabrielle
saw us talking, oh great, she’s gonna come yak away like always, “How long
have you known
Xena?” I knew it, questions, “Forever, sense she was still an innocent.”
The bard looked quite
interested, “What was she like?” “Full of hatred, go ask her. I ain’t
sayen anymore.” Well,
that got me another dirty look. Oh where did Xe and Ar go? Ah, there they
are, other side of
the camp, can’t kill me for listenin on, they will never know the
difference. Xena was talking,
“So, think we can beat this guy?” He was smiling, “Of course we can.
Together we can beat
anyone.” She smiled, “I guess we can. After all, we beat Alanis and Athena
together.” “And
the other gods, if it weren’t for me you’d be dead.” “Of course, not to
mention Dahok and even
Eve, I guess.” “Eli,” he added bitterly. Oh, he still doesn’t like that
peace preachen guy, oh
well, neither do I, neither does Xe for that matter. “So what are we going
to do after we save
Amphipolis?” Ah, Ar’s hinting that he wants to stay with her. “Oh, I
dunno, travel..maybe,
settle down, maybe, both..probably.” He laughed, “Settle down and travel?
Interesting.” I
couldn’t help it, I had to laugh, there as just no choice in the matter.
Both turned to stare at me
as did Eve and Gabrielle. “What’s so funny Lissia?” Why does she always
give me That look,
it’s so not her, “You two..hilarious.” Ares raised an eyebrow, “Keep your
little self out of our
conversation.” Well, they leave me no choice, I have to add my opinion now,
“Get married,
have kids, travel around. That’s what the original plan was in the
beginning, right? Go back
to it!” Eve looked up, “Married? You two?” Oh, Xe doesn’t look
comfortable with this
conversation and boy does the bard look mad. “Yeah, they were gonna, but
then Jerkules
butted in and Xe changed sides and refused to get back together with him.”
“There was more
to it Liss.” Why must he but in, of course there’s more, “I was getten to
that Ar. Anyways,
like I was sayen. Ya see, he went about it all wrong. He tried to bribe
and trick and force her
back. Then when he went for the truth, she had YOU to protect and wouldn’t
trust him.” Eve
stared back at me, she’s given me the same look Xe is..cool. “I think it’s
time to turn in for the
night.” Dang bard, I was enjoying the tension between everyone, it was
gettin fun. “I agree.”
Oh, of course ya do Xe, anything to end this conversation.

Chapter 2:
I’ve noticed something about Eve. She’s quite the mixture between Xena and
Callisto,
looks, past, attitude, everything. As we are walking towards Amphipolis, I
notice that she
walks with that confident stride possessed by her mother. The other thing
I’ve noticed is that
Gabrielle isn’t happy with the closeness between cuz an Xe. “Hey Xe, what
ya two talkin
about? I think your lil friend here wants to hear it too.” I get a dirty
look from the bard and
Eve snickers. I just smile sweetly. “Dang girl! Get a life Liss, I’m
serious.” Oh Ar, no fun, “I
had one, then it was taken away from me.” There I can be evil too, ha!
Xe’s smile fades and
she turns to me, “Look, I was protecting the people that are important to
me! I didn’t Want to
kill anyone!” I laugh at her, “Kill? No, I was talken about Ar, he used to
be all mine, now I
have to share him with you.” Even Xe laughed there. “You two don’t have to
share me. I’m
all Xe’s.” Ah, that would be my cousin alright, at least mortality hasn’t
changed him too
much, “Thanks cuz! I feel loved.” “Don’t worry Liss, you can join me an
Gabby back here
with the unwanted.” Xe fakes an apologetic grin and Ar just wraps his arm
around her,
“Mine.” We all laugh. Gabrielle motions to Xena, ut-oh, she looks too
serious. “Xena, I
don’t like this. I want them both to leave now.” “Gabrielle....I love
Ares, he’s staying with
me. And Lissia and I go back a long ways, she stays too. She’s amusing.”
“Ya,” Eve chimes
in. “Here that peeps? I’m amusing!” I get dirty looks from them all, “Too
loud?” “Duh!”
Ar shouts. “Usen Aphro’s words now, are ya?” He laughs and Xe glares at
him, “Don’t turn
into your sister.” “Don’t worry about that.” There’s that suggestive look
on his face again,
“Hey Ar, ya gonna need a cold shower? Don’t forget, we got a battle today.”
He smiled, a
cocky smile, great.
Walking, I hate walking. “We need to get there. Pillias will be there in
less than an
hour, we need to get there now!” Xe glared at me, “What do you want me to
do about?”
Short temper! “You? HA! Nothing. I want to transport us all there.”
“Then go ahead!” I
love it when she gets mad, I get what I want then. “Everyone hold hands and
think happy
thoughts.” I got doubting looks from everyone, “Okay, just hold hands
then.” Within minutes
we were all in the center of Amphipolis, people were starring. I could see
anger as they saw
Eve, then shock when they saw Xe and Gabby. “What’s up peeps?” They ran
into their
homes quite quickly. “Hmmm..what’s their prob?” “Think ya scared ‘em Liss.
They think
I’m dead and then here I am with Livia, Gabrielle and Ares. Then you yell
at them!”
“Xena?” Ut-oh, I shoulda told her.... “Toris?” she asked, turning to see
her aged brother
behind her, sword in his hand. “Your death killed mother!” He struck at
her, hitting her arm
slightly, then I stepped in front of him. “Don’t do that,” I warned, a lil
too late though, his
sword went right through me, “That wasn’t very nice. Move that please.” He
stared, then
passed out. “Get him someplace safe, Gabrielle, put the rest of the older
people and children
with him.” “Right.” At least the bard is gone. “Eve, go with her, try to
make friends with the
people.” “K, mom.” Yes, they’re both gone. “Okay, Xe what’s the plan?”
“Don’t have one.”
“Ar, go get all the abled bodied men, bring them to me. Liss stay with me,
I want your
opinion.” Special me. “What is it Xe?” “would the army back down if I
killed Pillias?”
Shoulda known, man she aint gonna be happy, “No, they’ll fight ta the last
man.” “Put up a
defense, a natural defense, I’m gonna help Ar get weapons and men to use
them.” I nod, at
least I got something to do that’s worthy of my powers. Goddess of War,
putting up a defense
system, well, maybe not exactly worthy, but, the best I’m gonna get around
here. This is too
easy.

Chapter 3:
“Xena, the villagers are ready!” Ha, how nice of the bard to inform us,
she is so slow,
we needed to know that awhile ago. Xena is irritated too, I can sense it
and Ar is sneering at
the girl, “Bout time.” Xe just shot him a dirty look, “Good, because in a
matter of hours we’ll
have company, we have to have everything in order if we are to win.” Oh
joy, Eve is running
towards us, “Bad news mom, he’s here.” Xena looks shocked, but recovers
quickly, “Okay, it’s
begun then. Let’s get to work.” Work, yeah that’s what war is..work, at
least to her, not to me
or Ar though. Xe sees my look, “I know, you two love to fight and so do
I, but not when my
village is at stake.” She admitted it, by the gods, she admitted it! To us
at that! Wow!
“Don’t look so surprised Liss, you should have known what’s in Xe’s heart, I
always have.”
Sarcastic know it all, always has to ruin my mood. Oh well, the battle is
about to begin! Even
Eve looks like she’s going to enjoy this...Everyone of us does, except
Gabrielle, she looks grim.
Then again, that might not be because of the battle, Xe and Ar are kissin
right now, that could
explain it. “Focus you two!” She yells. Xe moves away for a minute, “We
are.” Nice one
girl! The warrior is back with us now, face it bardy, you lost her!
They’re kissing again and
me and Eve share a look. Cool! Me and Xe’s brat are agreeing, she’d never
let Gabby know
that, but she’s letten me...Cool! Maybe that kid isn’t half bad.
Pillias has attacked us now, his stupid men hitting my defense and falling
backwards.
Xe glances at me, laughter playing in her gaze, but she knows that it won’t
last long. She’s all
focus now, so is Ar. Gabrielle looks over at me, “When this is over, you
and Ares better get out
of here, that’s a warning.” “What bardy? You gonna try to hurt us? I
don’t think you
could!” She lunges at me, maybe I pressed the limits a little. Someone is
pulling us apart,
“Enough you two! Save it for Pillias and his army!” It was Eve, now
there’s someone to lead
an army...might have to hook her up with one of mine. “You just watch it
Liss..” That was
bitter, I’ve heard hate from the bard before, but that was strong. Ar
glances at me, he looks
irritated, “It wasn’t me!” I yell. He roles his eyes, but believes me, Xe
is laughing beside him.
Even Eve is giggling. We’re all in a good mood, except the little ‘warrior’
bard. She shooting
daggers at me now, “Ya know girly, Xe does that much better. you just look
like a little girl
about to cry because she didn’t get her way.” she lunges again, but stops
when my defense up
front goes down. The army is into the village now, fighting with the
peasants. This could be
good, real good. I prepare, none of my hits will kill, I know that much.
I’ll hit hard enough to
get them to back down and if they’re stubborn, there’s always Ar to kill
them off.
I didn’t think the battle would go on this long. Xena and Ares are
fighting back to
back, fluid movements, it’s like they’re one. It’s entrancing. Eve is to
my right, close by and
the bard is on her other side, a bit farther away. What does blondy have
against me anyways?
I didn’t do anything to her! Ooppsss, forgot to fight, good thing I’m
immortal. Eve stares at
me for a minute, the sword is still in my gut, “Lucky,” she yells, then
kills a man quickly. I
smile and remove the sword from my gut, I stare at it, then fend off a
soldier with it, smiling the
whole time. “Liss, behind you!” That would be Ar, he needs to focus on
himself, I throw the
man backwards, “Don’t go for the back coward!” “Fight! Don’t talk! You’re
going to get
yourself killed!” “Xe, I’m immortal..worry about the others not me!” She
rolls her eyes, then
shoves her sword threw a mans gizzard, “Gorgeous!” She smiles, “EVE!” I
spin around, Eve
has no weapon, I throw her my sword, but she’s already down. I transport
myself to her and
hurl the man backwards into a building. He took a few of his comrades with
him. “She’s
okay,” I call to Xena, who is about to come over. I hand Eve the sword.
“Thanks Lissia.”
“Call me Liss, we’re family.” She smiles and flips the sword to hit a guy
in the head with it. I
grimace, then turn to Ar and Xe. There are dead bodies all around
them..several dozen I’m
sure. They smile at each other and kiss briefly, then fight some more. I
never would have
imagined Pillias having an army this large. He must of picked up a few
hundred men from
somewhere. Eve is fine now, fighting like she was born for it. I don’t see
Gabrielle though. I
spin around and come face to face with her. She’s hurt, but not bad, just a
scratch on her arm
and a gash on her head, she’s smiling. “I’ll get you, when this is over.”
I just smile and nod
my head, “Count on it.” Right, I’ve been doin this how long? She can’t do
anythin to me..She
can’t touch me! I laugh as the mental picture of her trying to fight me
pops into my head.
Pillias and Xena are fighting now, she’s winning very easily. One more good
hit and he’ll be
down and dead, at least if she wants him dead. Ah, she does, “Nice one
Xe...Looks like
Athena’s army just isn’t around anymore.” “Sure they are,” she starts,
“What ya think your
standing on?” We all laugh, sick humor, but it was funny. Gabrielle looks
at me and smiles,
“You never went through my head to find out if I was serious or not.”
“You’re not a threat to
me little girl. Maybe in a few years, but right now, I’m more afraid of Eve
than of you.”
“Uh!” She jokes a bit, pretending to be hurt. Eve throws an arm around
her, “Ya can’t blame
her, look at my parents! The Great Destroyer of Nations, Xena, The Warrior
Queen, Callisto
and the God of War, Ares. Very intimidating.” We all laugh.
The village is fine, a few reapers, nothing too serious though. We didn’t
even lose
anyone. Quite an impressive outcome. A few days later we left Amphipolis.
Gabby and Eve
came with me to Olympus. They’re helping me and Dite fix up what’s left,
we’re trying to get
it back in order and connect the rest of the remaining gods. Xena and Ares
are married and
traveling now, trying to help those in needs during the day and themselves
at night. It’s a
pretty good thing I have the ‘children’ with me.




Back to the Bards' little Tavern:)