Notes 1: Notes Part 1: The characters from “Forever Knight” belong to Sony Tri-Star. The characters from “Xena Warrior Princess” and “Hercules the Legendary Journeys” belong to StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. The characters from “Smallville” belong to DC Comics and Tribune. Spider-Man belongs to Marvel. The characters from “Mutant X” belong to Marvel and Tribune. The characters from “Dark Angel” and “Gene Roddenberry’s Andromeda” belong to Tribune. All other characters and scenarios are fictitious and belong to me. Please send any questions or comments to dante0220@yahoo.com.

Notes 2: The incident between Hercules and Serena happened in “Encounter,” “When a Man Loves a Woman,” and “Judgment Day” from Season 3 of “Hercules the Legendary Journeys”. Xena and Gabrielle intervened in the last installment noted above.

Introduction
[Amazon Village]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes….

In cases of past pain, one hopes to put the past behind them. However with Clark and Lana undoing Deirdre’s spell, Hercules and Serena are once again vulnerable. Worse still, Ares still holds a grudge after two millennia. And Xena won’t back down either.

[Tucson]

Lana Lang-Kent writes….

Dear Diary,

I wanted an adventure and we certainly got it. After journeying throughout Greece, we found Dr. Miles’ archaeological site. Who was to know that it was the grave of Hercules and his wife?? Given too that Ares wants blood, we’ll need to be ready for anything.

The Professor’s really ticked off about the situation and who can blame him?

<sigh> Clark and I really need to be more careful.

Chapter 1

[Hell]

Deep beneath the everyday hustle of Earth, a series of caverns reverberates with doleful wailing. A harsh orange light washes over the suffering victims as the harsh odor of brimstone burned their noses. In addition, demons whipped them mercilessly with razor-tipped cat-o-nine-tails, eliciting bloody streams down their arms, legs and backs.

In the center of this wallow and filth, a dark demon sat on a granite throne. Two intense eyes stared from a dark skinned head. A pair of wings protruded from his back and fangs threatened anything near to his mouth. Lucifer groused at his state of affairs, recalling his former status as an archangel and how Xena had brought him to this state. Filthy sack! He slammed his fist on the armrest.

“It sucks, doesn’t it?” Ares inquired, appearing in a fiery flash off to the side.

“Have a care, Olympian! You have no power down here!” the Devil hissed. “I thought you said that Hercules would be imprisoned for all eternity.”

Ares shrugged, allowing a whimsical expression onto his face. “Yeah well, who knew Aphrodite would screw things up? Besides…now we can go after Xena directly.”

The dark one smiled, allowing himself to imagine her torture down there. Still, he had to be careful. Best to wait for a face to face chat until it’s on my terms. “You take care of things, Ares. I will observe here.”

The former war god quirked an eyebrow. “Huh? I thought you’d want a shot at them personally.”

“Oh I’ll take it, all right—when I’m good and ready. Meantime, I want to watch Xena and her new friends. The vampire and demon child intrigue me, I must say,” Lucifer declared. “I await news of Xena’s fall.”

Ares frowned. Siding with this scum bag really sucks. With that, he vanished the way he had appeared.

Lucifer growled to himself. He despised the Olympians…any Olympian. Still, he knew Ares would be a useful ally.

Useful indeed.

****

[Heaven]

Raphael observed the events occurring far below with grave concern. While Michael had contented himself with watching events for the last few months, he knew the respite for Xena and her friends couldn’t last.

“Anything new?” Lorenzo asked with concern.

The dark haired archangel turned to find the junior angel standing behind him with a younger boy. “Neither of you need be concerned right now.” They don’t need to know about Lucifer’s designs. Not yet.

“What are you hiding?” Ryan demanded. “Please tell us.”

Michael sauntered in with a sarcastic smirk on his face. “You heard the boy, Raphael, do tell.” The blonde chief archangel clearly enjoyed toying with mortals and especially, Xena and Dave.

“Michael, how could you let Lucifer know about them?” Raphael asked, staring intently at him.

“Lucifer?” the two newer angels asked; the shock clearly on their faces.

“Yes. I believe you call him the Devil or some such nonsense,” Michael replied rather flippantly. “I told Dubois he would walk through the fire and he shall at one point or another.”

“Michael, you can’t do this!” Lorenzo disagreed.

“Really? I have. Oh…and Ryan, you might want to advise your friends to be careful of what they touch next time. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to attend to other matters.” Michael turned and left the other three angels to their concerns.

Ryan stared in surprise at the doorway. “I can’t believe he hates them that much. What did my friends ever do to him?”

“It wasn’t them. Rather, it’s between him and Xena. Recently, the feud has extended to David Dubois as well,” Raphael reported grimly. “You both should go to them.”

“What about Michael?” the boy wondered, clearly anxious about defying the archangel.

“Your duty is to your friends, Ryan. As their guardian, you need to warn them. Lorenzo, accompany him if you would,” Raphael pointed out.

“It shall be done. Thank you, Raphael,” Lorenzo expressed, as he and Ryan vanished from the scene.

Hurry, my friends. He stared toward the doorway. Michael, you overstep your bounds once more.

****

[Faerie Realms]

The Faerie Empress turned from her view portal, feeling uncertain how events would unfold. From afar, she had observed the battle at the gravesite and beckoned Deirdre to bring the spirits to her.

“The strands of time weave together,” she declared.

Deirdre took a deep breath and nodded. “I thought we finished this when we buried Hercules.”

“Death is not an ending, my dear. Rather, it’s only a beginning,” the elf-queen declared. “Soon your father will have to deal with the past…or rather, the remaking of it.” She smiled coldly.

“Remaking of it?” the priestess asked. “Should we mess with the time stream?”

“If it messes with itself, as you put it?” The Empress walked across the room. “Come. We need to speak with our guests.”

*****

Hercules’ spirit paced about the back room, trying to make sense of the situation. In the past two hours, he and his wife been released from the clearing but he wondered what Ares’ next move would be.

“Hercules, please relax,” Serena requested.

“I will once we know what’s going on,” he retorted. Seeing the Empress materialize by them, he asked, “What’s going on?’

The Empress replied, “You and Serena are caught between worlds. If you pass on to the Other Side, you will be separated. If you stay here, you will disrupt the past and future. If you separate, you will disrupt everything as well. Thanks to Ares, there is no clear way out.”

“No clear way out?” Serena asked.

“At least as things stand right now,” the Empress added. “An adjustment needs to be made at a certain point in time.”

“But you can’t separate us!” Serena protested. “I don’t want to lose him!”

“Not to worry, my Dear, you two will remain together. Trust in that,” she declared, willing up a burst of energy. “Now for one more thing. What the goddess wishes, it shall be done!” She blasted the two spirits.

“What are you doing?” Deirdre demanded.

“Watch.”

A minute later, Hercules and Serena stood in front of them…and among the living once more. In the former’s case, he was once again a young man.

“How?” he asked.

“I told you,” the Empress noted. “I am the goddess’ vessel. She wishes you to be together. Serena, concentrate, become your other self.”

“What?” Serena asked incredulously.

“Become the Golden Hind,” the Elf-Queen bade.

The guest focused, willing the change. Her skin turned golden; from the waist down, a deer’s anatomy replaced hers. Small horns sprouted from her forehead. She looked at herself. “I can’t believe this! How?”

“I’d ask the same thing,” he agreed.

“You two are meant to be as you were. The gods would fear everything that could stand up to them. Alas, they are few now. I can answer more of your questions later. Right now, we have a meeting to attend. First, Serena, please change back,” the Empress instructed.

Serena changed back to her human form and smiled. “Thank you.”

“You’re quite welcome. Follow me,” Deirdre instructed her and Hercules. She opened a portal and waved them inside. “My father and your friends await.”

As soon as the two newest revivals stepped through, she followed them, closing the portal.

And so it begins. The Empress smiled, hoping for the best.

Chapter 2 [Ruthwen, Hall’s End Palace—One day after “Digging Up Old Matters”]

For the past twelve hours, a buzz had run through the students’ heads, leading them to anticipate what would be happening next. Just two days before, Clark, Lana, Kyla and Nick had returned from their expedition to Greece with some intricate grave markers. Now Professor Dubois had summoned them all to his castle for an urgent matter of some sort.

As Genaria guided them, Spider-Man and Mutant X through the portal, the visitors gawked at the lavish tapestries and decorations.

“David really rules this place?” Mikhail asked in disbelief.

“That he does,” Adam noted. “The main hall is this way.” He led the group toward the large audience area.

Genaria cleared her throat. “I have instructions from the King. Clark, Lana, Lex, Chloe, Jasmine and Miranda are to come with me. He wants to see them first.”

Spidey looked at her curiously. Now what?

“What is it?” Jasmine asked, not certain of why he would want to see them.

“Apparently it is a matter of royal prerogative,” the priestess mentioned, signaling with a wave of her hand for them to follow her. “Right this way. Everyone, follow Dr. Kane to the main audience chamber. We will be right back.”

After they had left, Brennan remarked, “Wonder what he’s going to say to them?”

Emma frowned. “He’s ticked about something…and concerned. I feel a real lecture coming on.”

“Maybe we should step in,” Spidey presumed.

“Nyet,” Darkstar disagreed. “They’re to talk to him. He won’t hurt them.”

Glad you think so. “And what if Big Ugly gets loose?” The wall crawler fought a spasm of nerves.

“He won’t hurt them either,” the psionic responded. “Come on; we need to join the others in the main reception area.

*****

[Royal Chambers]

Dave sat at his desk, going over his intended words in his head. He wanted to make a point but not get too hard with it.

Off to the side, Angie and Cybelle observed his deliberations with experienced eyes. They knew he weighed his words carefully. They wanted to make sure the kids weren’t too intimidated by his lecture.

“Are you sure that this is necessary?” Angie wondered.

He glanced at her momentarily before returning to his reverie. A minute later, he concurred, “Absolutely. The kids need to understand something about responsibility.”

“As if you can talk,” his sister disagreed skeptically. “You’ve endangered yourself more than once, Pal.”

“But I don’t go blundering into trouble,” he countered. “At least not any more.”

“You don’t have to. Trouble finds you well enough on its own,” his wife pointed out.

He sighed, knowing she was right but that he had to deliver the sermon nonetheless. Then he saw Genaria guide the group into the room. “Hi, everyone, take a seat, will you?”

“What’s going on, Professor?” Jasmine inquired, admittedly in awe of their surroundings.

Lana studied their mentor, feeling the Child’s vibrations coming from him as she did so. It’s as Emma said, he’s concerned about something.

Dave scratched his scalp for a second and then started, “Thanks for coming. First of all, this isn’t going to be a fire and brimstone lecture. You can put that out of your minds.”

“Then what has you so concerned?” Chloe asked.

He looked at her and then at the others with a sense of urgency. “We’ve all picked our share of trouble by rushing into situations. Clark, there was the meteor dust and the red kryptonite incidents. Then you and Lana took down the force field just on Aphrodite’s say-so. Jasmine, your insistence on going it alone nearly got you killed. I guess I’m saying we all could stand to be more careful.”

“As if you had a choice,” Jasmine countered. “The Magi do things on our own.”

“And without help, you’ll be killed one day,” Lex indicated. “I think I understand what Dave’s getting at.”

“Enlighten us, Luthor,” Chloe requested.

“We stick together and watch each other’s backs,” the billionaire continued.

“And we all have something else to think about too,” the medievalist offered. “We’re all royalty in this room. We have a responsibility to our followers as well.”

“Royalty?” Lana asked.

“Technically, we’re the bloodlines for our respective lineages. You, Clark, Lex and Chloe are the Kandorian Founders. Jasmine is a royal princess. Cybelle, Dr. Dubois and I are part of this kingdom’s royal line,” the Professor noted.

Clark shrugged, hearing Jor-El’s words echoing in his head over and over again. You are our last hope. “You’re right, Professor, I guess. But don’t we have a responsibility to protect those around us?”

“We do,” Dave agreed without hesitation. “I won’t tell you to stop using your gifts for good or to help others. I would caution you to assess your options before doing so. Admittedly, I could use some practice in that regard too.”

“Glad to hear you say that, Chief,” Angie interjected, arching her eyebrow at him saucily. “Still, kids, he has a point. Just be careful. There are a lot of people counting on us to keep being here.”

“And if tradition asks us otherwise?” Jasmine inquired.

“I’d change it or make sure you have back up,” Cybelle replied.

“You’re the Magi leader and a princess, Jasmine,” Dave pointed out. “You can change tradition. Remember what happened when we all got involved?”

“Just like when you and the Child nearly killed yourselves on Kandor?” Clark interjected.

“Not to mention your spat with the Overmind,” Angie interjected.

“The Child was the only one who could take the Abyss, Clark. And he was the only one who could deal with tall, dark and ugly. Still, having you all there to clean off the Magog pulled me out of the fire. Well…except for my back that is,” Dave replied.

Lana looked at Clark and then at their other friends. “You’re right. We’ll try to be more careful.”

“We appreciate that, Lana,” the oncologist expressed. “We want both of you around for a long time to come.”

Dave rubbed his hands together. “Now that we’ve settled that, onto the big meeting. We still need to deal with Ares and potentially, the other Olympians.” He got up and led them back toward the main audience hall.

Here goes. The others thought while following him down the hall.

****

[Main Audience Hall, Five minutes later]

Nick looked around the area, trying to see if his friends were coming into the room. I wonder what they’re talking about.

“I suppose that lecture won’t go on too long?” Max wondered. “What did you get them into?”

“What lecture?” the Elder wondered. “And no, I didn’t want to get them in trouble. It just happened.”

The others considered how often things ‘just happened’ to them in the desert. Sometimes trouble seemed to know exactly where they were.

At that moment, Dave led his family and friends into the area. “Take your seats, everyone,” he advised, guiding Angie to her seat beside him. “Thanks for coming. I hope this won’t take long but I wanted to alert you to a possible menace. Ares, the former god of war, has struck twice at us in the past week—once in Tucson and once in Greece. As always, I’m proud of all of you for working together as a team to deal with him. However, we have to presume that he won’t give up.”

“Good guess,” Xena replied knowingly from the front row. “He’ll continue to hunt Hercules and Serena now that they’re free.”

Adam and Mutant X looked at her curiously. “Hercules? As in the half-god?” the former asked, trying to understand the exact identity.

On cue, the mists formed in the corner of the room, allowing Deirdre to enter. “Hi, everyone. Might I present Hercules and Serena?”

The revived couple stepped through, looking around in surprise at the castle reception chamber and its décor.

Xena jumped out of her seat and ran over to embrace her friends. “You’re alive!”

“Uh yeah,” the demi-god replied, albeit in confusion, as he hugged her.

“Thanks to Deirdre’s glowing friend,” Serena added. “And they are?”

“They’re our friends,” Gabrielle added, following Xena’s example. “This is the kingdom of Ruthwen. David?”

The Professor-King stood and walked over to their new friends. “Welcome to this kingdom, Hercules and Serena. You’re among friends. I’m David Dubois, the ruler here.”

“Thank you. We appreciate that. We’re trying to understand how we can be flesh and blood again,” Serena commented.

“The Faerie Empress made it so,” Deirdre explained. “The goddess’ will favors you and your companion, Hercules.”

“And she is glad that you are both back among the living,” Cybelle added.

“As are we all,” Xena concurred; her eyes shining at them.

Dave put his hands up. “How about three cheers for our friends?”

The group gladly complied, shouting a ‘howdy’, cheering and clapping for the two newest visitors.

Then Spidey’s danger sense went off. “Uh, guys?”

“Well, ain’t this sweet?” Ares scoffed while appearing in the back of the room.

Hercules looked to Dave skeptically. “You invite him too?”

The medievalist shook his head. “Not hardly. I meant what I said, Hercules. Just a minute.”

“Oh, I think that’s all it will take!” Ares snapped. “Serena’s mine!”

“You have no claim on anything or anyone here, Ares,” Dave pointed out, drawing his sword.

“Cute, Dubois. And what do you think you are?” the former war god snorted.

“In this realm, I am the king and save for God and goddess, Vox Legis!” Dave retorted, pointing his blade at the intruder.

“You’re outnumbered,” Xena hissed, stepping between her newly revived friends and Ares. “And I’d listen to David. Here, he’s king. Besides, you forgot somethin’. Eve, he and I can kill ya! You won’t touch Hercules or Serena again!”

Ares shook his head. “Xena, you know the spell can’t be broken. Give it up.”

“I’d listen to him,” Clark insisted, getting up.

“Clark, thanks but I’ve got this one,” Dave told the student.

“That hayseed is annoying, Dubois. Almost as much so as you,” Ares hissed.

The king grinned sarcastically at him. “I live to annoy garbage such as you. Go play in a manure patch before I have to deal with you myself. As for Clark and Lana….” He walked over to their side and gave them a pat on the shoulder and a smile apiece before looking at the insolent challenger again. “I heard they dealt with you in just under a minute.”

“Forty-five seconds actually,” Kyla gibed. “Professor Miles and I didn’t even get a shot in edgewise.”

“And we’re waiting to finish our match,” Byron added, allowing his eyes to turn black.

Jasmine drew her scimitar and waved it in the air for emphasis. “Bring it on.”

“You’re slipping, Little Brother! Hiding behind these mortals like an old woman,” Ares challenged.

Hercules took a step forward but Dave shook his head at him before countering, “He’s my guest, Ares. As such, he and his wife are under my protection. As I said, there’s no more claim on her. And you have no business here in Ruthwen. Leave now or I’ll have you dealt with.”

For two minutes, the ruler and intruder locked glares. Neither would back down from the other.

The former war god scowled. “You can hide here—both of you! But you’ll never be able to return to Earth again. That I can say. This ain’t over!” With that, he vanished.

“I owe you an apology,” Hercules declared.

“Forget it. I’ve been there. Now come—I can get you something to eat,” Dave assured him.

“The banquet is ready,” Rev added, entering the area.

“Ah great! Thanks!” the medievalist cheered. “I hope you all are hungry. Hercules and Serena, please join Angie and me at the high table if you would as our guests.”

Serena nodded. “We’d be delighted. Thanks.” Taking her husband’s hand, she walked over to Rev. “Can you show us the way?”

“I would be most delighted to do so,” the Wayist concurred. “Follow me.”

“Let’s join them,” Dave urged, allowing the others to do so. After his friends had left, he took a deep breath, knowing what would come next. Great. We’re going to have a commando raid to the past. Why do I have a bad feeling about this?

Chapter 3 [Royal Counsel Room, Several hours later]

After the feast concluded, Dave sent the majority of the students and their allies back to Tucson. He wanted to plan the next move with the inner circle of his closest friends. Around the table, Xena, Gabrielle, Angie, Cybelle, Deirdre, Emma, Ferali, Clark, Lana, Chloe and Lex looked expectantly at him.

“What’s the plan, Bro?” The High Priestess asked expectantly although she suspected what it would entail.

“Ares spoke about a curse. I don’t suppose there’s any way that the Empress can break it?” Dave wondered.

The two priestesses exchanged looks before the elder replied, “Unfortunately, just as with you, she cannot free them from it.”

“That puts us back at Square 1,” Angie supposed.

“Or Plan B,” Dave indicated.

“Which is?” Emma asked.

“We go back there and deal with the mess ourselves.” Dave looked around the table at the others’ incredulous looks. “What?”

“You don’t just change the past and not expect it to affect everything else, Papa,” Deirdre indicated.

“Maybe we can,” Xena supposed, arching her eyebrow. “We can stop Strife from messing with Hercules’ mind, he won’t kill her.”

“What exactly happened?” Cybelle inquired.

The two Amazons thought for a minute before Gabrielle started, “According to Hercules and Iolaus, Ares bothered them almost from the minute they met. They gave up their powers to be together. Then Strife manipulated him, turning him violent and ultimately into a murderer.”

“We got there just in time to save them from the village mob,” Xena recalled. “Zeus gave Hercules back his powers but refused to bring her back to life.”

“But if they settle down, that’ll change everything! He won’t continue to fight with Iolaus,” Gabrielle pointed out.

“Maybe if we can get their powers back, they could keep fighting,” Lex supposed.

“I suppose if we ask Ares really nicely, he’d do it?” Chloe supposed snarkily.

Xena snorted. “Pigs will fly first.”

“Let’s save them first. Then we’ll get their powers back,” Angie suggested.

“You say the attack happened in the dreamscape, right?” Emma asked.

“That’s right,” the Warrior Princess concurred.

“Perhaps Sarah can help,” Lana suggested.

“Diana could take us back there,” Clark added.

While I can do the same thing with the crystal necklace, perhaps it’s just as well that they do it—to emphasize Dave’s teamwork speech. “Deirdre and I will be ready in case you need help.”

“Sounds great. We’ll go with Xena, Gabrielle, Sarah, Diana, Clark, Lana and myself. Everyone else will be on standby in case anything happens,” the medievalist declared.

“Bring them to Althanor as soon as you pull them out. Bring his friend, Iolaus, as well,” Cybelle advised. “That way, we can protect them.”

“Protect who?” Hercules asked, walking into the room. “Sorry to barge in but I heard my name and Iolaus being mentioned. You’re not thinking of going back there, are you?”

“And if we were?” Dave asked.

“I’d have to stop you,” Hercules pointed out.

“Sometimes you’re too stubborn for your own good,” Xena admonished, stepping between the king and his guest. She stared at him, declaring, “I’m not about to let you go through that if I can help it.”

“There’s nothing you can do,” he argued.

“Thanks to David and his students, there is,” the Warrior Princess argued. “I won’t let her die, all right? Besides, don’t underestimate us.” She smirked.

“You’d be going up against the gods,” Hercules pointed out.

“Been there, done that,” Dave stated, gripping his wife’s hand. “I’ve killed most of them single handedly.”

“Most of them? You’re mortal! That’s impossible!”

Dave snickered and allowed himself to change, releasing the Child.

“There ain’t nothin’ Ah can’t do, Bub,” the Dark One rasped, glaring at the questioner through his one open eye. “Yer goddies, Ah can kill ‘em. So can Xena. So can Evie. And the kiddies whupped ‘em too. ‘Nuff said. Lissen to Big Bro.” With that, he allowed the change again.

Hercules stared at the king incredulously. “Xena, he’s….”

The Thracian Amazon arched her brow. “Different? Yeah we know. Thank Alti for that.”

“And you trust him?”

“With my life,” Xena retorted firmly, giving him the ‘I mean business’ stare. “Trust me; ya don’t wanna piss him off.”

“And we want to help you,” Dave reinforced, taking some herbs for the headache and his moods.

“You said we,” Hercules said with an air of uncertainty.

“I did. News flash; we both hate Ares.”

The half god rubbed his chin, not certain of what to think of this situation. “And you all trust him?”

“Absolutely,” Ferali ascertained. “If he says you’re safe then you’re safe.”

“One more thing though,” Angie pointed out. “Xena, be careful you and Gabrielle don’t run into your past selves.”

“You and Francesca could alert them to meet you there. Meantime, we’ll wait in the Amazon village,” Gabrielle suggested.

“I can do that,” the oncologist agreed. She focused for a minute before telling them, “They…well both of you…just got the message.”

Hercules stared at the group again. “Message?”

“Angela and I have a link. What she knows, I know…and vice-versa,” Xena noted.

“I…see. So about us, she knows that too?”

Angie sighed, “Relax, Hercules, I don’t pry into Xena’s private thoughts. Besides, I’m married to the king here.” She held up the ringed hand for emphasis.

“Thanks for that,” Hercules expressed, turning red from embarrassment. “I think…I’ll turn in before I put my foot in my mouth any further.”

After he left, Dave shook his head. “This really has him shook up. I can’t say I blame him.”

“He’s really a great guy,” Xena assured everyone else.

“We know,” Emma agreed. “He’s scared is all. Guys, good luck.”

“I think we’re set. Ferali, hold the fort. We have a job to do. Let’s go,” Dave concluded, ending the meeting. Opening a portal, he ushered the rest of them through and sealed it behind them.

Ferali and Rev looked at the spot for a minute before returning to the throne room. Guests and business always awaited and this was no time for an exception.

Chapter 4

[A/N: In the Duboisverse, “Judgment Day” takes place after the events in “The Crystal Necklace” and “Climax”. Therefore, the past Ares knows Dave well enough to despise him already.]

[Several hours later—Clearing, Greece]

Dave opened a portal, allowing the designated team members and Byron to step onto the grass. He looked around. “Nice place.”

“Yeah, it is,” Xena agreed. “It’s weird that it hasn’t changed much.”

The students surveyed the peaceful surroundings as well, trying to get their bearings before they did the next ‘jump’. While Clark and Lana had participated in the planning stages, Sarah and Diana hadn’t been there.

As such, the latter felt more skittish than usual. “Are you sure about this, Professor?”

Dave inhaled deeply, trying to keep his patience. “Diana, you’re our best chance to pull this off. Just pop us back there, all right? You can do it.”

“Hopefully we’ll be back before you know it,” Lana assured her.

The slender red-head nodded nervously. While she had practiced both on Earth and in Althanor, her talents still proved unnerving for her. “Xena, do you have a date?”

“Yeah. Try August 15, 60,” the Warrior Princess advised.

The student nodded and focused. Between her outstretched hands, the air glowed, forming a bubble. As she released it, the bubble grew into a full sized portal. “There it is, Professor.”

“Excellent work, Diana,” Dave complimented, rubbing her shoulder. “When your watch hits 10 PM, open another one. Be ready. Come on, everyone.” With that, he entered the glowing portal.

The others did so as well, leaving Diana and Byron to themselves.

As soon as the gateway had vanished, she asked, “So what do we do now?”

“We wait and hope that Ares doesn’t show up again,” the Poet retorted, keeping a look around for trouble.

*****

[60 AD]

After what seemed like a ten minute fall down a kaleidoscopic tunnel, the group regained their bearings.

“It looks the same,” Clark pointed out, scanning the area with his x-ray vision. “Nothing around.”

“We’re back in the past all right,” Dave indicated, pointing to the spot where the stones had been. “The area hasn’t been touched yet. I think Diana’s got us in the right spot.”

“Yeah,” Xena concurred, raising her eyebrow. “Follow me; Hercules’ hut isn’t far from here.”

*****

Ten minutes later, the group crouched at the edge of the forest, staying out of sight from the little cabin on the lake side. While the night’s darkness helped to conceal them, they wanted as little attention as possible.

“Anything yet, Sarah?” Dave whispered.

Sarah shook her head. “No, Sir. They’re dozing away peacefully.”

A shadow swept across the cabin’s back yard.

“I’m feeling some static now. Something’s happening on the dreamscape,” the dreamer indicated.

“That had to be Strife,” Gabrielle assumed.

“Who or what is Strife?” Lana wondered.

“Strife’s Ares nephew, the god of chaos,” Xena explained, shaking her head. “Blast! We’ll never get there in time!”

“Yes we will,” Dave assured her. “Sarah, can you get into their dreamscape?”

“Sure. I can make sure they know what’s going on,” Sarah agreed.

“Just wake them up,” Xena told her. “I can get them out of the cabin.”

“What about Strife?” Clark asked.

His wife noted the Professor’s sudden mood shift. “I think our dark friend will deal with him.”

“Right ya are, Toots. Ya both watch Sarah,” the Child snickered darkly. He wanted to send Ares a message and this would be just the ticket. “Git movin’.”

The others moved into their positions.

“Good luck,” Clark wished.

The Child smirked at him. “Luck ain’t got nothin’ to do w’ it.  Ah’m huntin’ twits.” Then he slipped into the brush.

“Watch me, guys. I’ll be back as soon as I possibly can,” Sarah told the Kryptonian couple before nodding off and entering the dreamscape.

Noting his apprehension, Lana soothed, “It’s going to be okay.”

Clark shook his head. The Child’s having way too much fun over this one. Why do I get the feeling this is about to be a lot more complicated than it looks?

******

[Dreamscape]

Since falling asleep at his wife’s side, Hercules had slept uneasily. For the past several nights, nightmares seething with anger had filled his slumber. While he loved his wife, he resented her for some reason. After all, didn’t he give up his powers to be with her?

The area around him was gray and warped. He saw himself arguing with Serena and his best friend, Iolaus, in the marketplace again. Both sides went at it heatedly.

“Hercules,” a voice called. “Stop it.”

“Who?” he asked. Seeing Sarah appear, he inquired, “How did you get here?”

“My name’s Sarah and I can enter dreamscapes. Trust me; you’re in danger,” she advised him.

“How do I know I trust you? And who’s endangering me?” he pressed.

“Ares is plotting against you. As for how you can trust me, I’m a friend of Xena and Gabrielle. Now come. Wake up and all of the answers will be waiting for you,” Sarah explained.

Despite the anger brewing at the intruder, he forced his eyes open to find himself back in bed. “What the?” he queried.

His wife did the same. “Hercules, did you just receive a dream warning?”

He nodded. “A girl named Sarah, right?” Seeing her stare at him, he assumed, “You too?”

“What do we do?” she inquired anxiously. Without their powers, they wouldn’t be able to defend themselves.

Then there was a knock at the door.

“Who’s there?” she called.

“Hercules?” Xena called back.

He squinted in that direction. “Xena, what are you doing here? It’s open.”

The Warrior Princess rushed into the area and looked around the scene. “Good, Ares ain’t here.”

“Strife’s close though,” Gabrielle assumed from the doorway.

“Yeah, I can smell that weasel,” Xena concurred. Seeing the couple together, she reminded herself to act as though they had got there normally. It’s tougher than I thought. I wish I didn’t still have feelings for him. “We gotta get out of here.” She turned around to give them privacy.

“So that dream-girl was with you?” Hercules asked, pulling his pants and top on.

“You mean Sarah? Yeah,” the Thracian warrior concurred. “Ares is up to somethin’.”

“But we gave up our powers!” Serena protested, getting dressed in her brown top and skirt. “He should leave us alone.”

Xena sighed. “When it comes to Ares, should and will are two different things.”

“She has a point,” Hercules declared, taking her hand. “I’d like to give Strife a piece of my mind though. How will we get by him?”

Xena smirked at them. “Oh, we brought a friend to handle him.”

“A friend?” the newlyweds asked incredulously.

“Trust me; Strife’s about to be the one with a bad nightmare,” the Amazon queen pointed out.

*****

[Outside—ten minutes earlier]

In the deepening gloom, a slender hooded figure skulked around the cabin, plotting mayhem for the inhabitants. Strife loved mischief and mayhem. As his Uncle Ares recognized this talent and incorporated it into his plans, he wanted to prove himself.

Too bad he was about to run into Chaos’ majority stockholder.

“Ooh yeah. They’re asleep,” the god noted. Drawing his cape over his face, he pranced around like a demented rooster. “Come on, Morpheus, send Herc a dream. Make him wild, make him scream.”

“Purty words, Stringbean,” a menacing voice scoffed from the darkness. “New dance?”

Strife wheeled to see the Child glaring at him. “And who are you?”

“Jus’ the one ta whup yer skinny ass,” the Dark One countered; his left eye glowing yellow. “Them folks in there are mah friends. Git lost!”

Strife cackled at the mortal’s threat. “Yeah? Not!” He delivered a blow to the intruder’s midsection, forcing the latter backwards.

The Child scowled, allowing his hands to glow with dark energy. “Now Ah’m pissed!”

Strife took another swing but this time, the Child caught the fist and twisted it behind the attacker’s back.

“Now it’s mah turn!” the Dark One asserted. He sent three fire bursts through his victim before smacking his face hard a few times and rubbing it in the dirt for good measure.

The god couldn’t believe this turn of events. However, he couldn’t do anything about it. “Who?”

The Child sniggered at him. “Okay, Goth-Boy, tell Smutsky ta stay ‘way from mah friends!”

“Smu…tsky?”

The Child rolled his eyes. “Pay attention, Jackass! Ah’m talkin’ ‘bout Ares! Tell ‘im Ah did this.” Delivering a pulse at close range, he knocked his victim unconscious. “Damn twit!”

At that moment, Xena and Gabrielle led Hercules and Serena out of the cabin. Hearing a whistle, they headed toward the Child.

“Howdy!” the Dark One greeted, holding up the unconscious Strife. “Lookie what Ah got!”

Xena turned to the newlyweds. “Now you see what we’re talking about.”

“But why would Ares go back on his word?” Serena insisted.

The Child scoffed. “Smutsky don’t care ‘bout crap, Sweets! Now ya’ll need ta git! ‘Mon!”

“We need to get Iolaus though,” Gabrielle reminded them.

“Yeah. We’d best do that,” Xena agreed. Turning to the Child, she asked, “Can you let David out? We need him.”

The Child rolled his eyes but reluctantly did as she asked.

A minute later, Dave rubbed his forehead. “Wow. Did we?”

“Yeah you did,” the Warrior Princess told him, pointing to the unconscious Strife. “We need to get into town and get Iolaus.”

“Done,” the medievalist agreed, opening a mist portal. “Follow me.”

“Don’t worry,” Xena assured Hercules. “It’s safe.”

Hercules nodded and guided his wife through.

Then the others vanished before Dave sealed the doorway behind them.

*****

[Ten minutes later]

Clark and Lana kept a careful eye on their surroundings. Even though Sarah was awake, they wanted to leave nothing to chance.

“I wish they would get back,” he expressed.

“Take it easy,” Sarah assured him. “Lana, he’s such a worrywart.”

“This time I think he has a reason,” the former cheerleader replied. “We need to get this wrapped up.” Seeing the portal forming beside them, she continued, “That’s them now.”

On cue, their companions along with Hercules, Serena and another blond man appeared next to them.

“That’s everyone, I think,” Dave presumed, closing the portal. “How’s it looking, gang?”

“Nothing. I can’t believe Ares wouldn’t have a reception committee for us,” Clark replied. “I know those are Hercules and Serena but who’s your other friend?”

Gabrielle introduced, “Sorry. Clark, Lana and Sarah, this is Iolaus, Hercules’ best friend. Everyone, these are Clark, Lana and Sarah.”

“Good to meet you all,” Iolaus told them. “What do you think, Herc?”

“Don’t look a gift horse in the mouth,” Hercules advised, knowing his half-brother well. Seeing Sarah there, he asked, “You’re the same Sarah from my dream?”

“That’s right. Are you both all right?” the dreamer asked.

“We are thanks to you and your friends,” Serena replied, smiling warmly. “Thanks to you all.”

Dave opened another portal. “Don’t thank us yet. We still have another stop to make before we’re completely safe.” Guiding them through, he teleported them all back to the meadow.

“Just in time,” Lana noted, looking at her watch.

“In time for what?” the blond adventurer asked.

“In time for our ride,” Xena noted, as the glowing bubble portal appeared in front of them. “Come on.” She entered it followed closely by Gabrielle.

“Where does that go to?” Hercules inquired.

“A safe place,” Dave assured them. “Go on.”

Following Clark, Lana and Sarah, Hercules led his two companions through the portal.

Dave walked through last just before it faded.

*****

[Cabin site—an hour later]

Ares appeared by the cabin, wanting an update on how his plans were proceeding. He observed the empty structure, wondering why his half-brother wasn’t suffering from his beloved’s murder. The Fates assured me it would happen! Why is the cabin empty? “What is this?” he bellowed, frustrated at his plans’ failure.

“Un…cle?” Strife coughed weakly.

The war god frowned at the sight of his accomplice crawling in the dirt. “What in Tartarus happened to you?”

The scrawny god climbed to his feet. “Your girlfriend, Xena, and her friends jumped me. One of them screwed up the dream works. And there was this one dude. He took my best shots and still kicked my tail. Mean bastard too.”

“Mean bastard? You let a mortal beat you?” Ares lectured.

“He called you ‘Smutsky’ and warned you to stay away…from his friends. He was white with brown hair. His right eye was closed and he throws a nasty power burst. Talks with this weird accent too,” Strife reported.

Ares frowned. “Dubois.” Bad enough he helped Xena to kick me outta Althanor an’ that desert place. Now he does this! “Come on. They got Hercules and Serena outta here. First point to them but the game ain’t over. Not by a long shot!”

“They’re gone though,” Strife pointed out. “What can we do, Uncle?”

“I have a card to play myself. And after our last trip, she’ll want a shot at him and Xena,” Ares indicated, thinking of a possible alliance for help against his dark adversary and the Warrior Princess. “I know just where to find her.” Then he teleported them away; his mind thinking of ways to get his revenge.

Chapter 5 [Althanor—some time later]

Cybelle looked into the water in her scrying pool with concern. I wish they would have let me use the necklace to take them back there. Not that she had any doubts about Diana’s abilities but she would have rather handled the transportation herself.

Deirdre hustled into the room. “Auntie, Papa’s here!”

Thank the goddess. “Is he now?” she asked, putting on her calmest façade. “Show him in.”

The younger priestess nodded and headed back out of the door. A minute later, she led Dave, Xena, Gabrielle, Hercules, Serena and Iolaus into the room. “Here they are.”

“Where did you go, Dave? Stop to take in the sights, did we?” the High Priestess inquired sarcastically.

The medievalist shook his head. “Actually, we ran into one of Ares’ stoolies. I let the Child deal with him.”

“We dropped the students off in Tucson on our way,” Xena added. “When’s the Empress going to meet us here?”

“Your guess is as good as mine,” Cybelle noted, shrugging her shoulders. “Who’s the stoolie?”

“Strife,” Hercules replied. “And you are?”

“I’m Cybelle, the High Priestess of Althanor. Welcome to the Hidden Realm,” Cybelle greeted. “Although if the mists on the lake are any sign, we can expect company soon enough. Still, it is an honor to meet you, Hercules. And I trust this is your wife, Serena, and friend, Iolaus?”

The blond sidekick asked, “How?”

“The Empress told me to expect you here,” Cybelle noted, producing a tall and slender flask. “This water is from the enchanted lake outside. Hercules and Serena, she wishes you to drink of it. If you do, your powers will be restored.”

“Just like that?” Serena asked.

“Yes indeed,” Dave assured them, recalling Nick’s experience with this type of situation.

“Very well,” Hercules agreed, drinking from the flask.

After he had done so, his wife followed suit.

For a minute, they felt nothing. Then a charge surged through each of them, restoring their previously lost abilities—his strength and her true nature not to mention her abilities to change form and her archery skills.

“You’re back!” Iolaus realized.

“Yes we are,” his best friend concurred, giving his wife a hug.

“It feels good to be whole again,” Serena concurred after changing back to her human form. “Thank you, Cybelle.”

“It was my pleasure,” Cybelle told them. “Now, Dave, you need to take them back. Keep in mind though; you’ll need to go yourself. That time’s Xena and Gabrielle are there.”

“That time? Aren’t we still in our own time?” Iolaus wondered, feeling confused.

“It’s a long story,” Hercules told him.

“Hurry back, Bro., before you get yourself in more trouble,” the High Priestess advised, creating a unique portal combining her abilities and the necklace.

“Gotcha!” Dave agreed, guiding the three guests through.

As they disappeared, Gabrielle turned to Xena and asked, “Why do I get the feeling they’re about to run into trouble?”

A flash of insight made the Warrior Princess frown. “Yeah, they are running into it. Big time trouble.”

Cybelle scowled. I knew it. Dave, you really have to go attracting trouble, don’t you?

Chapter 6
[Village]

[A/N: This parallels the point in “Judgment Day” where X and G jump in.]

Xena rode Argo hard down the dirt path and over the hills. Ever since she and Gabrielle had spoken with those two old men in the tavern outside of Myroketus, her single minded attitude drove them further.

“Xena, do you think he’s all right?” Gabrielle asked from where she sat behind the warrior.

“Don’t know. I smell Ares all over this!” the warrior retorted, as they turned the corner into the village. “Whoa!” Turning to her partner, she advised, “Be ready for anythin’!”

“Right,” the Bard concurred, hefting her staff and looking about cautiously.

The duo entered the hamlet, staying alert for the first sign of trouble. While there wasn’t any notable property damage, a band of armored thugs could be seen patrolling the area, looking for someone.

“Who are you?” the leader, a well-built brown haired man, wanted to know.

Xena smirked. “Name’s Xena. My friend and I are looking for some people we know.”

From the back, one of the thugs realized, “Hey! They’re friends of Hercules! Get them!”

Here we go. Stupid. Gabrielle frowned, tensing for the inevitable fight to come.

Xena drew her sword and twirled it in her hand. Her eyes narrowed to slits. “I wouldn’t. Where is he?”

“Too bad! You’ll see him on the Other Side!” the head goon yelled, urging the village mob forward.

However, Xena was already on the move, flipping herself through the air and rationing out punishment to her adversaries. Her boots broke several jaws. Her sword tasted blood from arms and legs. Her chakram whistled through the air, breaking blades and bashing heads.

Gabrielle swung her staff, clubbing those around her and dropping them like flies.

Within minutes, they had polished off all of the opposition.

“Now let’s get some answers,” Xena hissed, grabbing one goon and putting the Pinch on him. “All right. I just cut off the flow of blood to your brain. You’ll die in 30 seconds unless I release ya! Where’s Hercules?”

The thug gasped and choked; blood dribbling down his face. “He disappeared….He…lost his powers and…vanished.”

“Vanished?” she asked menacingly.

“Y…yeah, there were…noises around…his cabin last night. We’re…sick of him making trouble.”

She smiled saccharin-sweetly at him. “Don’t go there. Where’s the cabin?”

“W…woods. Two miles…down the path,” the goon whispered.

She released the Pinch and knocked him out. “Come on, Gabrielle!”

****

[Fifteen minutes later—Hercules’ house]

Xena and Gabrielle found the cabin fairly quickly. After looking around, they were still puzzled. While the residents had obviously left in a hurry, everything seemed undisturbed.

“Somethin’ stinks here,” the Warrior Princess declared, surveying the situation. “If there was a struggle, he would’ve accounted for both of ‘em!”

Gabrielle glanced out the door at a nearby tree with a scorch mark in it. “Xena! Look!”

The duo ran outside and around the back of the house. There they saw some damage and knew a fight had happened there.

“The grass torn up, a scorched tree and there’s a mark in the dirt. Almost as if….” Gabrielle supposed.

“Almost as if somebody’s face had been rubbed in it,” Xena realized. Fearing the worst, she guessed, “They must have dragged him out here and did their dirty work.” Then she saw the dried blood on the ground. Sniffing it, she made a face.

“What is it?” her companion inquired.

“This is Ichor, a god’s blood. What in the name of the gods is this doing here?” Xena asked, trying to wrap her head around this latest riddle.

“But if Hercules is all mortal, he couldn’t beat a god. That isn’t his blood,” the Amazon princess asked.

Xena looked again at the scorched tree and felt the vibrations around them. She frowned. “If I didn’t know better, I’d say our friend from the future was here last night.”

“You mean David Dubois? What would he be doing here?”

“Probably his sister sent him to help out. Yeah, I’d say he lapsed and dealt with the scum attacking Hercules,” Xena supposed, recalling the mess outside of Althanor. “And he did give Ares quite a fight even while he was wounded.” Xena looked around; her senses giving off the familiar warning signs. “Gabrielle, get ready.” She drew her sword and turned. “There’s a rat nearby.”

In a flash of fire, Ares appeared. “You are so good, Xena. In fact, you already have the whole deal figured out.”

“What deal? Where’s Hercules?” she queried, holding her sword out in front of her.

He shrugged, playing coy with her. “Oh gee…I wouldn’t know. Oh yeah, your buddy, Dubois, he was here last night with some friends. His dark brat beat the crap outta Strife an’ they took Herc and Serena with them. My guess though…they’re in his sister’s place there. That’s my next stop after I deal with you and the irritating blonde.” His eyes smoldered as he drew his sword.

“Ares, don’t I get to have some fun too?” a familiar voice asked while entering the clearing.

They looked to see Callisto stroll over with a big smirk on her face and her sword already in hand.

“Gee, a party and nobody invited me?” the blonde berserker supposed. “Hello, Xena.”

“I didn’t know you cared. This is a private affair. Beat it,” Xena snapped, still facing Ares.

“I invited her as insurance against you and your buddy,” he revealed. For a minute, he laughed wickedly. “Too bad he was so wrapped up with Alti before. That would have been some fight.”

“I want him,” the goddess cracked.

“Too bad for you. He’s already spoken for,” Xena countered, turning to face her other adversary.

“Back to basics then, Dear? Good!” Callisto accepted as they began to clash swords.

As they did so, the portal opened again, allowing Dave, Hercules, Serena and Iolaus to return to that time.

“Look who the cat dragged in,” Ares cracked. “Hello, Little Brother, nice of you to show yourself.”

Hercules shrugged. “I had to go out and get something that I needed. Get lost!”

“Ooh, the mortal tells me to get lost. I’m scared!” Ares threw a punch at his stepbrother.

Hercules ducked and delivered a haymaker of his own, knocking the war god into the scorched area of the tree. “Guess what? I’m back, Ares!”

“And so am I,” Serena stated, shifting into her Golden Hind form. She fired three arrows quickly, pinning him to the tree.

“This is your work, Dubois!” Ares hissed.

Dave nodded. “I can’t take all of the credit but anything to mess with you, Smutsky. Cybelle and the Empress send their best though.” He smirked. “Speaking of parties, sorry we’re late. Can I jump in?”

“Whatever, Dubois! Bring it on!” Callisto challenged.

He stared at the goddess for a minute, remembering their previous meetings. “Too bad I had to deal with Mommy Not So Dearest earlier. I’ve been waiting for you.”

That remark made both Xena and Callisto stare at him.

“What?” he asked, not understanding why they looked at him like that. “You know what I am, right?”

[Comin’ out, the Child declared.]

Go to it. He shuddered, allowing the change to occur.

The Dark One grinned at Callisto. “Yeah. Witchie-Poo made ‘er an’ ME!” He laughed ironically at the goddess. So yer Callisto. Ya don’t look so tough!”

“Xena, what’s he saying?” Gabrielle inquired, not understanding the meaning.

“You and Alti?” the warrior asked, sharing her partner’s concern.

“Yeah, she whupped me an’ Big Bro as kiddies. Ah’m ‘er dark kid! But Ah’m fightin’ her an’ her buddies!” the Child snarled; the rage clearly evident now. “This here girlie thinks life’s so bad with ‘er folks burnin’?” He glared at Callisto. “Try watchin’ ‘em suffer! Try watchin’ ‘em die long! Then watch yer friends burn!”

“You know then and you’re fighting with her?” Callisto wondered. “You should be with me!”

He chuckled. “Nah. Ah can’t stand the whinin’! Ooh, look at me. My folks burned up!” He scowled menacingly at her. “Git a clue, Ca-bitch-to, ya don’t know what Pain is!”

The goddess growled; flames shooting from her eyes and figure. She screamed angrily.

“Ya know pain?” the Child roared. “Git this straight! AH AM PAIN! Ya don’t know shit!”

“Oh I’ll surprise you!” Callisto hissed, releasing a fire blast at him and knocking him four steps back.

He shook his head. “That was so WEAK! Ah’ve already whupped Velasca! Come on, Sweets!” He took a shaft out of the quiver. “Big Bro’s toy.”

“That won’t hurt me. I’m a god,” she challenged.

Xena looked at him quizzically. What can he do with that?

“Whaever,” he scoffed, sizing her up with his bow and shooting her in the leg.

Everyone stared in shock as the goddess dropped to the ground; blood coursing from her leg.

“An’ to finish ya off!” the Child hissed, slamming her with a force pulse and knocking her across the clearing before letting out the banshee scream.

She hit the tree and slumped to the ground.

The Dark One advanced on his fallen opponent. “Wuss.” He dropped his unconscious opponent. Turning to Ares, he advised, “Stay ‘way from mah friends, Fool! Tell Blondie there tha’ Ah’ll really whup ‘er ass if she tries ‘gain!”

Ares glared at him. “As if I’d let a mortal tell me what to do.”

The Child grinned at him. “Lissen up, Buttwipe. Ah ain’t foolin’ ‘round w’ yer sorry ass no more! Ya come an’ Ah will WHUP YA! Git lost!”

Freeing himself from the tree, he shook his head. “This ain’t finished, Dubois.” He teleported Callisto and himself away from there.

“He’s like Croisie. ‘It ain’t finished.’,” he scoffed. “Wha?”

“You and Alti?” Xena asked, not believing what he said earlier.

“Yeah me an’ ‘er. Bitch wrecked mah life!” the Child ranted. “Least we whupped ‘er but ya should know that!”

The Warrior Princess nodded, recalling the shamaness and the damage she had caused her in the past. If I hadn’t turned back or if it hadn’t been for Gabrielle and Hercules, I might be like David right now. And what does he mean that I should know?

[Then Angie advised her, “We took care of it in the future, Xena. Is he okay?”]

[“Peachy. Everything’s fine here,” the warrior concurred.]

[“I’ll let Cybelle know. Thanks,” Angie concluded.]

This link with Angela is something else. She considered her ‘roommate’ and her words. Alti’s in the future too? If she’s responsible for David’s condition, we need to be on guard.

“What is it?” Hercules asked her.

“Nothing,” she fibbed, not wanting to retell the whole story at that point. “I think Angela’s waiting on you.”

“Yeah. The Little Woman’s always waitin’,” the Child hissed, shaking his head. “Ah’d best let Big Bro out ‘fore she has a hissie-fit.” He allowed the change to occur.

“Wow,” Dave remarked, rubbing his head. “I see His Darkness cleaned things up.”

“His Darkness?” Hercules wondered. “That happened last night too.”

“He took care of Strife, I guess,” the medievalist recalled. “Everything all right, Xena?”

“Now it is,” the warrior told him. “He’s getting nastier, I see.”

“He is but he’s also more cooperative these days,” Dave assured her. “So what do you do now, Hercules?”

The half-god considered his wife and friend. “I don’t know.”

Iolaus cleared his throat. “Too bad we can’t still be partners.”

“Why can’t you?” Serena asked. “If you don’t mind me coming along, I’d like to help too.”

Hercules started to object but reconsidered his options. “It would be a good compromise—at least for now. Let’s see how it goes.” He hugged his wife and their partner. “Thank you, Xena and Gabrielle.”

“It’s our pleasure,” Xena assured him, embracing him even as she dealt with her own feelings. “Best wishes to both of you.”

“Take care,” the Bard expressed. “Same to you, David.”

“Thanks, everyone,” Dave replied. “You’re great friends. Hercules, Iolaus, Serena, it’s been a pleasure. Long life to you all.”

“Thank you. Good luck with your issues,” Hercules expressed.

“If we can do anything, let us know,” Serena advised, kissing his cheek.

Xena cleared her throat. “I think your wife’s waiting on ya.”

He smiled at the prospect. “All right. You all take care.” He hugged each of them in turn before turning toward the lake.

The bubble portal appeared there.

With a last wave, he disappeared into it, heading back toward the future.

“And there he goes,” Xena stated, as the portal vanished. Back to his world and issues. Be safe, David, and keep fighting to make it a better place.

“Before we go, I’d like to make us a good meal,” Serena decided. “Does everyone like lamb stew? I managed to get some in town before that stuff happened yesterday.”

The others followed her into the house, not wanting to turn down a good meal.

Conclusion

[Hercules’ house location—Present Day]

The students watched the lakefront carefully for any signs of Dave. According to Deirdre, there had been a fight back in the past. They wanted to make sure he was all right.

Martin meditated off to the side, chanting in his native dialect. Then his eyes snapped open. “He’s ready. Diana, if you’d please.”

The redhead nodded and created another portal, allowing it to grow in front of them.

Less than a minute later, Dave stepped through it. “Hi, guys. I hope I wasn’t gone too long.”

“Long enough, Professor,” Clark told him. “Glad to see you back though.”

“I’ll say. So did Ares give you any trouble?” Lana wondered.

“A little. The Child dealt with him though,” Dave replied while opening another portal. “Everything’s falling into place. Come on; let’s go home.”

*****

[Kent Farm, Several Days Later]

With the latest activity behind them, Clark and Lana were more than happy to take a weekend back in Smallville. They had to admit that it was nice to be home even for a little while. Heck, even the haying and the other chores didn’t seem that bad.

“That seems so exciting!” Melissa exclaimed after hearing them tell their story over dinner one night.

Jonathan and Martha exchanged anxious looks. Granted, they knew that things would never be normal with them but for this to happen….

“How did Professor Dubois feel about this trip of yours?” the farmer asked.

“Well, he thought it would be a good one for us at first but he wasn’t too thrilled with the result,” Clark noted.

“I can’t imagine he would be,” his mother replied. “He did call today, you know.”

“He did?” Lana asked anxiously. “Are we in trouble or anything?”

Martha shook her head. “No. Apparently he’s already talked to you about this matter.” She poured coffee for them. “He would like you both to be more careful.”

“And so would we,” Jonathan concurred. “Just watch yourselves, all right?”

“We will,” Lana assured him.

The two parents looked at each other apparently satisfied with the response.

“All right then,” Jonathan responded. “Let’s dig in.”

At that moment, a knock came from the door.

“Who?” Martha asked, while answering it. “Why, Dave and Angie, you should have said you were coming!”

“Sorry, Martha, we didn’t know until just a couple of minutes ago. Can we come in? There’s some folks you need to meet,” Angie replied.

“Certainly. We were just eating supper. I could get you all something if you’d like,” the hostess offered.

“Thanks but we’re fine,” Dave assured her, walking into the farmhouse behind his wife. “Come on in!”

Hercules and Serena entered the room and looked at the lights and appliances in wonder.

“When they said the future was something else, they weren’t kidding,” the half-god admitted, looking around anxiously.

“Hey, how are you both?” Clark asked, getting up from the table. “Mom, Dad, Missy, these are the folks we…uh…”

Lana smiled warmly at him before continuing, “We resurrected so to speak back in Greece. He’s Hercules and she’s his wife, Serena.”

“Pleasure to meet all of you,” Serena noted.

“Likewise, welcome to Smallville,” Martha replied, taking her hand and Hercules’ hand as well. “You wouldn’t be the same Hercules of legend?”

“He is,” Dave acknowledged. “Tustles with hydras, lifts carts overhead. Has fallen from the sky. Doesn’t shoot fire from his eyes though.” He smirked and winked at Clark.

“I’ll leave that to your son,” Hercules concurred, smiling at them. “David’s given us the tour of the town. It seems like a great place.”

“There is a lot to learn though,” his wife admitted. “And we wanted to greet our neighbors.”

“Neighbors?” Lana asked.

“Actually, Lex just brokered a deal for your old place, Lana. Nell wanted out and they wanted a farm where’d they blend in. I figured why not? Besides, with you and Clark out so much, I figured Hercules and Serena could help here too,” Dave explained.

“If that’s all right with you of course,” Hercules added, extending his hand. “From what David and Xena say, you are the best folks for helping people."

Jonathan nodded. “Sounds good to us. We’d be delighted.”

“Absolutely. When do you move in?” Martha agreed.

“Next week, I think,” Serena told them, as they sat down. She took her husband’s hand. “Imagine! A place of our own!”

“Imagine that,” he concurred warmly, letting his eyes sparkle into hers. “And with great neighbors. I can definitely go for that.”

“Then it’s settled,” Dave chimed in. “We’ll help you move in when you’re ready.”

Serena cleared her throat and then started, “We do owe a thank you to Clark and Lana for all of this. Without them, we’d still be back at the clearing waiting for our opportunity. And to you, David, for dealing with Ares. Thank you all.”

The two teenagers exchanged looks and then grinned at their newest neighbors. Even with no words, the looks said it all.

*****

[Hall of War, Ancient Greece]

Ares growled to himself as he sat on his throne. How could this have gone wrong? How? Fortunately, Strife and Callisto would heal quickly from their encounters with the Child. I will get the upper hand in this matter.

“Lighten up, Ares,” Callisto advised, as she made her way into the room. “We’ll have another chance.”

“You bet we will. Next time, pay attention! I told you he was powerful!” the war god criticized.

She scowled at him, shooting her displeasure at him with a single look. “I underestimated him and the dear Xena. That won’t happen again.”

With the help of the Chronos stone, he looked at the view portal, watching his brother and sister-in-law enjoying their new surroundings. “We’ll let them get settled first. Then we’ll strike.”

She grinned wickedly. “Wait’ll they see how we warm up the place!”

They laughed together, plotting their revenge. What would come of this? What indeed?

THE END (for now)

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