Pt.15
The now fractured group of goddesses stood against each other. Due to Eunomia and Dike's treatment of her and with a little "encouragement" from Xena and Gabrielle, Eirene had decided that she was no longer going to allow the other two goddesses to treat her as their lesser. Now all three were preparing to fight. With Eunomia and Dike vs Eirene. Meanwhile Xena and Gabrielle were taking cover behind a large statue that was in the goddesses temple. They looked on as Xena's plan for their escape from the Abyss was now in motion. Dike and Eunomia were preparing to launch their attacks.
DIKE
This is your last chance to stand down Eirene.
ENOMIA
Don't make us hurt you.
EIRENE
Stop talking down to me!
Eirene yelled as she launched the first attack at the other two goddesses. As soon as she did, Eunomia and Dike unleashed their own attacks. All 3 balls of energy collided in the middle of the room. Sending a Shockwave throughout the whole large area. Xena and Gabrielle hunkered down, realizing that this fight was going to be very chaotic.
XENA
We need to make sure we stay low and out of the way.
GABRIELLE
Right.
Dike smirked at Eirene.
EUNOMIA
Wow you actually stopped both of our attacks.
DIKE
I'm almost impressed. But I think we've entertained your little temper tantrum long enough.
Every insulting and condescending comment only made Eirene become madder. But Eunomia and Dike knew this and continued to insult her.
DIKE
(Condescending tone) Oh is someone mad?
EIRENE
I warned you to stop talking down to me. I won't say it again.
EUNOMIA
Why don't you try and make us. Oh wait, you can't.
Dike and Eunomia looked at each other for a moment as if agreeing on what to do next. Then they both held out a hand, aiming at Eirene.
DIKE
Time to put an end to this.
Then both Dike and Eunomia began launching attack after attack at Eirene. They were relentless. It was all Eirene could do but fend off their attacks. As she did the orbs landed all over including just barely missing Xena and Gabrielle. And destroying the building around them.
GABRIELLE
If this keeps up too much longer we're gonna have come this far just to end up getting killed as collateral damage.
XENA
I know. I need to do something.
GABRIELLE
You realize that getting directly involved in this will only get you killed even quicker.
XENA
Oh I'm aware.
Xena took out her chakrum.
GABRIELLE
So what do you plan on doing?
XENA
This!
Xena threw her chakrum at one of the walls. It ricocheted off and came flying towards Dike, who at the last moment saw it and just barely dodged it. But this forced her to stop attacking. And with less incoming fire on her, this allowed Eirene to not only launch a defensive attack against Eunomia's. But an offensive blast that took Eunomia by surprise. The attack hit, sending her flying back and crashing into one of the statues, making it crumble on top of her. Dike looked over at Eunomia in shock as Xena's chakrum came back to Xena.
XENA
That should speed things up.
GABRIELLE
I thought we didn't want the building coming down on us.
XENA
Don't worry they'll destroy each other before then.
GABRIELLE
I hope so.
After a minute Eunomia rose from the rubble. And she did not look happy. All the fighting had stopped for the moment. She walked over to Dike and grabbed her by the shirt.
EUNOMIA
(Angry /annoyed tone) You know you could've just used your other hand to catch or deflect that thing.
DIKE
Sorry. It was in the heat of the moment. I didn't think of that.
Eunomia smacked Dike hard.
EUNOMIA
Are you seriously just as stupid as Eirene.
EIRENE
I can hear you.
The two goddesses looked at Eirene.
DIKE / EUNOMIA
Stay out of this!
Eunomia turned back to Dike.
EUNOMIA
We can finish dealing with her in a moment. But first you.
DIKE
I said I was sorry. And I don't appreciate you smacking me like that.
EUNOMIA
Well I don't appreciate being blasted by little miss peace over there. So keep it together.
Dike glared at Eunomia briefly, before turning her attention back to Eirene. And with that the fighting resumed.
GABRIELLE
I don't think that worked.
XENA
Oh it worked. Just give it a little time.
GABRIELLE
What were you trying to do anyway?
XENA
Exactly what happened.
GABRIELLE
Ooohhh. Now I get it.
Xena and Gabrielle continued to keep watch on the God's battle. Dike and Eunomia continued to face off against Eirene. Who dispite being out numbered was holding her own. This was beginning to seriously annoy Eunomia.
EUNOMIA
Why can't we beat her?
DIKE
I know. She shouldn't be this powerful.
EUNOMIA
Well maybe you should consider trying harder.
DIKE
Are you saying this is my fault?!
EUNOMIA
Well I know I'm putting MY all into this. And if we're going technical, you were the one who insulted Eirene way more than I did.
DIKE
(Sarcasm) Oh so it IS my fault. Then why don't you show me how it's done then.
Dike stopped fighting and backed off as she gestured for Eunomia to show her how she should be facing off against Eirene.
EUNOMIA
What do you think you're doing?! Don't just stand th... ugh!
With Eunomia distracted, Eirene landed a powerful hit on her and knocked Eunomia to the ground.
EIRENE
Not so easy when it's not two on one, is it?
Eunomia got back up. She looked at Dike.
EUNOMIA
What's your problem?! Why'd you stop helping?!
DIKE
(Sarcasm) Oh so I was helping.
EUNOMIA
Oh don't you use that sarcastic tone with me. You know full well what I meant.
DIKE
Give me a break. You know sometimes you're just as bad as Eirene. So winey over the most ridiculous things.
EUNOMIA / EIRENE
What?!
EUNOMIA
I'm nothing like Eirene. Take that back.
DIKE
Make me.
EIRENE
Are you both really going to keep insulting me?
EUNOMIA
I guess I have to knock some sense into both of you. Fine.
Xena and Gabrielle were still watching all of this as it happened. Gabrielle looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
Wow these goddesses seem really petty, even for gods.
XENA
Well they did send you to be punished just for being associated with me. So I'm not the least bit surprised by this. In fact I was counting on this happening. Now we just wait for the Horae to all destroy each other.
Pt.16
Eunomia, Dike and Eirene had begun to face off in an all out fight. And both Xena and Gabrielle were caught in the middle. The goddesses magic flew all over the room, as they launched an all out assault and deflected each others attacks. The intense battle was causing significant damage to the building around them. But being immortals and jut being to wrapped up in their fight, the Goddesses either didn't notice or just didn't care. But for Xena and Gabrielle this was becoming a serious problem.
GABRIELLE
This is getting out of hand. They're destroying everything.
As Gabrielle spoke a chunk of the ceiling right above them fell. Fortunately Xena noticed it just in time and quickly pulled Gabrielle out of the way. Causing it to just barely miss hitting her. Gabrielle looked back at it for a moment.
GABRIELLE
Thanks. But that proves my point. If this keeps up and we're still here, this fight is gonna kill us. We have to do something.
XENA
I know
Xena looked over at the goddesses as they fought, trying to come up with an idea to get Gabrielle and herself to safety. She looked around and saw the door that they had come in.
XENA
If we can get to that door we can get out of the line of fire. Ironically we're probably safer back out there than if we stay in here right now.
GABRIELLE
What about the portal back home?
XENA
We don't even know if there is one. And we can't really look for it in the middle of all this. So we leave for now until the battles over.
GABRIELLE
I beats being killed in here. Let's go.
Xena and Gabrielle quickly and carefully began making their way to the door. Avoiding any stray attacks or falling rubble. Gabrielle reached the door first and grabbed the handle. But just as she did a ball of energy struck the door and blasted her back.
XENA
Gabrielle!
Xena quickly ran over to her.
GABRIELLE
I'm okay.
Gabrielle slowly sat up.
EUNOMIA
You're not going anywhere. I'll deal with the two of you momentarily.
EIRENE
Did you just try and kill an innocent person?
EUNOMIA
Innocent? Oh please. I thought we went over this. Anyone who would ally themselves with someone like Xena could hardly be called innocent.
EIRENE
And the fact that you don't see anything wrong with that logic says everything. You're sense of order is severely warped. It's the same for Dike's views of justice.
EUNOMIA
Oh and I suppose your thoughts on peace are flawless.
EIRENE
No. I realize now that there are some things worth fighting for. And that's what I'm doing now. GAH!
Suddenly Eirene was hit from behind with a power blast. She dropped to her knees and looked over her shoulder. There she saw Dike with a smug smirk on her face.
EIRENE
That... was a cheep shot.
DIKE
It's not my fault you weren't paying attention.
Dike then launched another attack, striking Eirene again. Then another and another. Soon Eunomia joined in and began pelting Eirene with a barrage of attacks. Figuring taking out Eirene first would make things easier for her later. Xena and Gabrielle looked on at the brutal assult.
GABRIELLE
I can't watch this. We have to do something Xena. I know she's a God but she tried to help us. We can't just let them do this.
XENA
We're not. Stay here.
GABRIELLE
What are you...
Before Gabrielle could finish Xena lept to the side of the room as she let out her battle cry. She winsed as she landed, still very injured. She was running on pure adrenaline. She had been quietly preparing for this. Though she knew with her current state she wouldn't be able to keep it up for long. Maybe a few minutes at most. But hopefully that would be enough. Both Dike and Eunomia stopped attacking as they looked at Xena. Xena smirked at them.
XENA
What, you didn't expect me to join sit on the sidelines did you? I mean we are all here because of me. And now I think it's time for me to get in on all the action.
Xena readied her sword.
XENA
So, who's first.
Eunomia and Dike scowled at Xena. Then they both threw out an attack at her. Xena just managed to dodge. Then both of the goddesses began unleashing multiple attacks. Xena ran a took cover behind a broken pillar. She could see Gabrielle from there. Gabrielle gave her a questioning look, wondering what Xena was doing. Then Xena motioned towards Eirene. Gabrielle shrugged, unsure of what Xena wanted her to do at first. Xena pointed at Gabrielle then to Eirene. Then it clicked with Gabrielle what Xena had in mind. Gabrielle nodded confirming that she understood. Then she stealthily raced towards Eirene. Meanwhile Xena made sure to hold Dike and Eunomia's attention on her. Gabrielle got to Eirene.
GABRIELLE
Come on.
She helped Eirene up and they began walking back to where she and Xena were taking cover.
EIRENE
What are you doing?
GABRIELLE
Helping you.
EIRENE
Why? I'm part of the reason why you've even in this mess.
GABRIELLE
You didn't want any of this to happen. You were just doing what you were told.
EIRENE
But if I had taken a stand earlier.
GABRIELLE
Doesn't matter. You can't change the past. What matters is what you choose to do now.
Eirene glanced over at Xena who was facing off against the other two goddesses.
EIRENE
Something tells me that you've said that sort of thing before.
Gabrielle knew what Eirene meant.
GABRIELLE
Something like that.
EIRENE
I understand now.
Gabrielle got Eirene and herself back behind cover. Then she peaked out to see where Xena was. But just as she did Xena came flying back and smacked into the wall behind them.
GABRIELLE
Xena!
Gabrielle ran over to her. Xena struggled to move at all. All the adrenaline had worn off and she was now back feeling the full effects of all her previous injuries along with the pain of just being thrown into a wall. Gabrielle looked at her.
GABRIELLE
What were you thinking? You knew that you were in no shape to fight. Let alone against two gods. I get that you're an amazing fighter. But even you have your limits Xena.
Xena just smiled at her.
XENA
Everything's fine.I did exactly what I set out to do.
Xena looked over at Eirene.
XENA
I have another proposition for you.
EIRENE
What, I can't just take Gabrielle out of here right now. I'm sorry.
XENA
There'll be time for that later. But what if we make a deal, you let both Gabrielle and myself go free and I'll help you defeat Eunomia and Dike.
GABRIELLE
How are you going to do anything in the state your in? If you try to fight them like this you'll die Xena. You can't do this.
Xena smiled at Gabrielle.
XENA
That's where she comes in.
Xena looked at Eirene.
XENA
So do we have a deal?
Pt.17
Eirene looked at Xena, who could barely even stand at the point. She couldn't imagine what Xena could possibly do in her current state. Meanwhile Dike and Eunomia have resumed their fight. Deciding that Eirene wasn't a threat. So they focused on each other, both figuring they could just finish her off afterwards. Along with Xena and Gabrielle.
XENA
So what do you say?
Eirene looked at the on going battle between her former group. She might not have known what Xena had planned, but she knew that Xena knew what she was doing.
EIRENE
Okay. I'll do it.
XENA
Good. Now let's get started. We don't have much time, I doubt they'll keep each other occupied for long and they'll turn their attention back on us soon.
EIRENE
What do you need me to do?
XENA
Can you heal injuries?
EIRENE
My own no. But I can restore you completely.
XENA
Do it.
EIRENE
Okay.
Eirene put her hands on Xena and preceded to heal all of Xena's injuries. Gabrielle kept watch on the other goddesses as Eirene worked. Before long Xena was completely healed. All of her energy and strength was restored as well. It had been a while since Xena had felt this refreshed. Though she noticed that something felt different. Eirene could see the curious expression on Xena's face.
EIRENE
Don't worry, I merely gave you a small portion of my power. Temporarily of course. You won't have any actual powers, but you're already impressive abilities have been amplified. You're strength, agility, speed, senses are all increased. This should give you a much better chance at defeating Eunomia and Dike. But it won't last for long so we have to get started.
XENA
Understood.
Xena began to turn to face the other goddesses.
XENA
Oh Eirene.
EIRENE
Yes.
XENA
Thank you.
Eirene simply nodded in approval as she and Gabrielle stood beside Xena.
XENA
Gabrielle, I'm afraid you're not going to be able to do much right now.
GABRIELLE
Yeah, yeah I'll go get behind cover. Just be careful Xena. Remember you might have some more power, but you're still mortal.
XENA
I know.
Gabrielle went and ducked behind some fallen pillars and watched everything play out from there. And so Xena and Eirene prepared to fight Dike and Eunomia.
XENA
Hey!
The two goddesses paused their battle and looked at Xena.
XENA
Now don't go leaving us out of all the fun.
EUNOMIA
Silence, we said you'd be delt with shortly.
Using her powers, Eunomia threw large piece of a broken statue at Xena. Xena didn't move. Instead she held out her hand and caught it with ease. Leaving both Eunomia and Dike stunned.
EUNOMIA
How?
Dispite knowing that she had amplified abilities right now, even Xena was a little surprised at just how much more powerful she was. But she didn't have time to be impressed. She only had a short time to with this power and there was no time to waste. Xena dropped the debris and lept over to Dike and Eunomia, landing between them.
XENA
I think it's time to end this.
Before either of the Goddesses could respond, Xena quickly jumped up and kicked both of them, sending them flying back. They crashed to the ground.
DIKE
What in Tartarus?
Eunomia glanced at Eirene who had a satisfying smile on her face.
EUNOMIA
Eirene. She must've giving Xena some power.
Dike gave an annoyed grumble as both goddesses got up.
DIKE
Fine Xena if you really want to die so badly. Prepare yourself.
Dike and Eunomia began launching their attacks at Xena and Eirene. Eirene deflected their attacks, allowing Xena to close in to strike. Which was exactly what Xena did. She jumped in punching Eunomia,, dropping her to the ground. Then she quickly spun around and kicked Dike off her feet as well.
XENA
Not so good against someone who can actually stand up to you are ya?
Neither goddess was pleased with Xena's comment or the whole situation in general.
DIKE
Know you're place mortal!
Dike threw out a ball of energy at Xena, who quickly drew her sword and swung, knocking the attack right back. Dike dove out of the way. But Eunomia didn't react in time and the attack hit. The force sent her crashing into the wall behind them. Dike looked back at her.
DIKE
That was close. Too bad you're so slow Eunomia.
EIRENE
Pay attention!
Before Dike knew what was happening, she was hit with a powerful blast from Eirene.
DIKE
Gah.
Dike was also sent flying back and smacked into the wall, landing next to Eunomia.
XENA
You're out classed. If you're smart you'll just surrender now.
DIKE
I am a god. I will never yield to a mortal. Especially you, Xena!
And so the battle continued. Dike and Eunomia rose back up and continued to fight against Xena and Eirene. But Xena was right, neither of the goddesses stood a chance against them. And soon that fact became abundantly clear to both Eunomia and Dike. The tired goddesses stood before Xena and Eirene.
DIKE
It makes no sense. How can any one mortal best a god?
EUNOMIA
Clearly Xena's reputation doesn't measure up to the real thing.
XENA
Flattery will get you nowhere. Just surrender. You've lost. Now both me and Gabrielle are leaving this place. And Eirene is going to take us back. What you decide to do once we leave is up to you. But I highly recommend that you leave us out of it.
EUNOMIA
Very well Xena, you win.
DIKE
What?! I refuse to...
EUNOMIA
Just stop Dike. It's over. As much as I don't want to agree with her, Xena's right. If we keep this up we're just gonna end up getting killed. Okay Xena both you and Gabrielle are free to go. But be sure that we'll be watching you.
XENA
That's fine.
Gabrielle came out from where she was taking cover. She walked over to Xena.
GABRIELLE
Is it really over? You're finally free to go?
XENA
Guess so.
Gabrielle looked at Eirene.
GABRIELLE
Thank you for helping us Eirene. We couldn't have done this without you.
Eirene smiled as she nodded. Xena looked at Gabrielle.
XENA
Ready to go?
GABRIELLE
Do you really need to ask?
XENA
(Joking) Just making sure.
EIRENE
Okay you two ready for me to take you back?
As Xena, Gabrielle and Eirene spoke for a bit, Dike glared at Eirene.
DIKE
(Thinking to herself) Damn you Eirene. And you Xena. You think you can just defy the God's and do whatever you want. I am the Goddess of justice. And I will make certain that justice is served.
As Xena and Gabrielle spoke with Eirene, Eunomia was standing by, trying to determine what the group of goddesses would do now.
EUNOMIA
(Thinking to herself) Maybe Eirene was right. I suppose both Dike and myself have been a little harsh towards her. And perhaps we should look at how we judge those we punish. I think Xena deserves to be punished for her past misdeeds, but I suppose her judgment can wait until she dies. Given her life style how long can that take. Although it IS Xena. So I guess I'll just wait and see what happens. But in the meantime what do WE do.
She looked up the other goddesses. Wondering what these events meant for the Horae as a whole. We're they no longer a group or could they fix their problems and go back to seeing that justice, order and peace was preserved. As Eunomia thought, she saw Dike begin slowly raising her hand, taking aim at Eirene, who was completely unaware.
DIKE
Damn you Eirene, this is all your fault! No one escapes justice! You hear me, no one! Not even you!
Before Eirene, Xena or Gabrielle knew what was happening, Dike launched a huge ball of energy right at them. Eirene quietly shoved Xena and Gabrielle out of the way.
GABRIELLE
Eirene!
Just as the attack was about to hit, Eirene saw something get between the her and Dike's attack.
EIRENE
Eunomia?
Eunomia just smiled at Eirene as the attack landed. A bright light fleshed and then Dike's attack was gone, as was Eunomia. Eirene watched as only small particles of light came floating towards the ground and faded away. Eunomia, the Goddess of good order was no more.
EIRENE
No, Eunomia!
Xena and Gabrielle saw a look of pure anger in Eirene's eyes as she looked over at Dike. Who was also stunned by what had just transpired.
DIKE
Why did she... Damn it Eunomia.
EIRENE
Dike, why?
XENA
I guess she couldn't accept defeat. And in a rage tried to kill the three of us in one shot. Clearly Eunomia saw the attack coming and wanting to protect you, put herself in its path.
EIRENE
Eunomia did care. No...
Tears begin to fill Eirene's eyes.
DIKE
Well at least this time I won't miss.
Dike launched another attack at Eirene.
GABRIELLE
Eirene look out!
But the goddess didn't move at all. She just looked at the incoming attack.
XENA/ GABRIELLE
Eirene!
FINALE
Eirene stood in the path of Dike's attack that had just been launched directly at her. Tears still in her eyes after only moments earlier Eunomia had sacrificed herself to stop Dike from killing her. Xena and Gabrielle looked on, unable to do anything to help.
EIRENE
You killing Eunomia. And you don't even seem to care. She sacrificed herself to save me. We were a team. She was my friend. I thought she was yours too. And you killed her.
Xena and Gabrielle saw a look of both sadness and anger in Eirene's eyes as she just stood directly in Dike's attacks path.
GABRIELLE
What's Eirene doing? If she doesn't move she'll be killed.
Gabrielle yelled to Eirene.
GABRIELLE
Eirene run!
Eirene kept looking straight ahead.
EIRENE
No.
Gabrielle looked at Xena.
GABRIELLE
What do we do?
XENA
There's nothing we can do. It's up to Eirene now.
GABRIELLE
But she's just standing there. It's like she lost her will to fight. Or even live.
XENA
I wouldn't be so sure about that. Look.
Gabrielle looked back at Eirene as the goddess put out her hand aiming at the incoming attack.
EIRENE
I never wanted any of this. Stop it now Dike.
DIKE
Oh enough. Theres no escaping this time now that Eunomia's gone. No one's here to protect you. So just shut up and die. Just like Eunomia.
That final comment was the last straw for Eirene. It was clear to her that Dike didn't care about killing her or even really Eunomia. Eirene stared directly at Dike and let out a loud sad yell. And then the large orb of energy paused in mid air for a second.
DIKE
How?
Eirene let out a second yell. And then the attack was launched right back at Dike at a much higher speed. Dike didn't have any time to try to avoid it.
DIKE
Eire...
Before Dike could even finish speaking, the attack hit. Dike instantly disintegrated into small particles of light. Suffering the very same fate that she had caused Eunomia to suffer mere minutes earlier. No trace of the goddess of justice remained. Dike was gone. Eirene was now the last of the Horae that remained. The lone goddess stood there silently for a bit.
GABRIELLE
Should we say something?
XENA
No just give her some space.
After a little while, Eirene walked over to Xena and Gabrielle.
EIRENE
I'm sure the two of you are more than ready to go home.
XENA
That's putting it lightly.
GABRIELLE
We're sorry for your loss.
Eirene gave her a sad smile.
EIRENE
Thank you. I know this might sound ridiculous, but dispite everything I still cared about both of them very much.
GABRIELLE
Makes sense. You were a group for who knows how long.
EIRENE
So long I've lost track. I can barely remember a time when we weren't the Horae. I guess somewhere along the way we lost sense of what we as a group were supposed to be. And that's how we ended up here. If only we had seen it sooner. Maybe then things would have played out differently.
XENA
Well we can't change the past, as much as we might want to. All we can do is learn from the mistakes we've made and do what we can to be better going forward.
EIRENE
I suppose you of all people would know that. But enough idle chatter. I think it's well past time to take the two of you home. Close your eyes.
Xena and Gabrielle did just that as Eirene raised her hand and a bright, blinding light filled the room. A moment later Eirene told them it was safe. As Xena and Gabrielle opened their eyes, they saw that they were back in the normal world. They were just outside of Athens.
XENA
We're really back.
EIRENE
Yes. Both you and Gabrielle are completely free. You'll never have to worry about the Horae again. You know since I'm the only one left.
GABRIELLE
We can't thank you enough Eirene. But what will you do now?
Eirene smiled as she looked out into the distance.
EIRENE
The Horae might be gone. But I'm still the goddess of peace. There's more then plenty for me to do. And thanks to you and Xena I have a much better understanding of what peace can be and how I can better achieve it.
XENA
Based on everything I've seen, you have your work cut out for you.
EIRENE
Guess I better get started then. But I know it'll be a little easier with you two out here helping the people who need it. Keep it up. This world needs more people like you.
Eirene turned towards Xena and Gabrielle.
EIRENE
Guess this is goodbye. Maybe we'll meet again someday.
GABRIELLE
I'd like that.
And so Eirene bid a final farewell to Gabrielle and Xena, and then she vanished.
GABRIELLE
So what do you wanna do now? I don't know about you, but I could use a nice bath, a hot meal and a good night's sleep.</p>
XENA
Sounds like a plan to me.
And with that Xena and Gabrielle made their way into Athens. They were finally free once more. And had not only survived some of the repercussions of Xena's past. But put a stop to the vengeful gods bent on destroying the both of them. And found their way out of their prison. A place known as the Abyss.
THE END ❤
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