“c1″> 

“c1″>"Suddenly Temi’s senses picked up the
distinct hissing of a crossbow-fired arrow and she reacted on pure
instinct. Her blade reflected the first bolt and she caught the
second with her left hand. A third found its way in her right
shoulder causing her to drop the sword. Something knocked her to
the ground when a fourth was only inches away from her heart. She
hit the ground with her injured shoulder and a wave of pain washed
through her body. There was blood everywhere and a familiar weight
was pinning her to the ground. It was then that she realised where
the blood was coming from.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Pallas had shielded her from the forth arrow with
her own body. Her breathing was shallow but there was a smile on
her face when she looked into her eyes. Temi held her lover tightly
while the arrows continued without finding their target. With her
last strength, Pallas whispered. 'Love you so much, protect
them.' Temi placed a gentle kiss on the cooling lips of her
mortal lover determined to do all in her power to keep the warrior
women save, and when she looked up she saw Ares himself a crossbow
in his hands. A wave of white-hot fury washed over her and she
began to cut her way through the enemy soldiers towards her
brother, oblivious of the hits she received
herself.

“c1″> 

"A
voice all of a sudden was next to her, it said. 'Grandmother is
waiting for you, my love. You have to live to protect them, Ares is
mine to deal with.' Artemis’ mortal body collapsed and
she found herself at the edge of the clearing, protectively wrapped
in Gaia’s arms. The Amazons who now were easily dispatching
the remnants of Cantor’s army saw their Queen finally facing
the warlord himself. They didn’t know at the time that this
wasn’t a battle mortal against mortal. Ares now was fighting
in Cantor’s body and Athena in
Hippolyta’s.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Sister was fighting brother and for the first time
in history a god was fighting a god in earnest. Ares soon had to
admit that he was largely outclassed. Every single one of his
thrusts and strokes was deftly redirected against him and though he
used a mortal’s body, he certainly could feel the blows. The
God of War was no match to Athena’s speed and superior
swordplay. He was swept from his feet, a sword pierced his heart,
and he felt the anguish of dying. When Ares regained consciousness,
his sister was looking down at him. She said. 'Dear brother, if
you ever interfere like this again, I’ll use your own sword
to gut you. What you did was without honour and the act of a
coward, not of a god. Get out of my eyes before I forget the
promise I made to father and kill you right
now.'

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Ares disappeared in a blue flash and Athena turned
to Gaia and Artemis. The Goddess of the Hunt made a tentative step
towards her and quickly was enfolded in strong arms. The voice that
only moments before had been icy and filled with contempt now was
deep and soft, loving and caressing. Though Pallas’ death had
left a blank space in Artemis’ heart with her immortal lover,
she once again felt whole and safe.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"The funeral ceremony for the fallen warriors took
place the next day. Both goddesses were there when Pallas’
pyre was lit. Athena chose this instant to give a present to her
lover that reaffirmed the unbreakable bond between them. She told
her that from now on her name no longer would be Athena but Pallas
Athena to commemorate the love and the courage of Artemis’
mortal love. Artemis then appeared in front of the mourning Amazon
nation and vowed to always guide them and protect them against
mortals and gods alike, and since this day she watches out for the
nation and every single Amazon."

“c1″> 

When
Xena ended, her public took some time to regain their composure.
Finally, Theano said with a smile Gabrielle later on would describe
as proud.

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Thank you, Xena, the story was well told, and you
finished just in time for the party to
begin."

“c1″> 

“c1″>"Thank you; it always was one of my
favourites."

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

class=”c1″>To be continued in Chapter Six: Family
“c1″>Reunion

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

“c1″> 

“c1″>