Xena: Warrior Princess are copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No copyright infringement was intended in the writing of this fan fiction. All other characters in this story and the story itself are the sole property of the author. This story can not be used or sold for profit in any way. This story has been written solely for the reading enjoyment of Xena: Warrior Princess fans of the internet.
Setting: This story takes place as an alternate ending to Xena's fifth season.
Note to Reader: This story can be read as a sequel to Fallen Demon or on its own. It takes place during the fifth season episode Kindred Spirits and explains why Eve was so interested in approaching the fire she saw.
Prologue:
Many things of importance can happen in the short span of a year. Great nations and kingdoms rise and fall in much less time and the wars of mankind renew themselves with each passing season. So it is with those who live beyond the mortal realms as well. Despite their ageless years and eternal conflicts, the passions of self-interest and changing goals create a chaotic pattern not easily controlled. Except for those strong enough and well supported to do so.
The woman standing silently before rows of loyal followers held a scarred sharpness in her eyes which conveyed such a focus. It was also an advantage for her to be as well supported in her family line. This was especially true in the dark, forbidding place which was now her home. It was a barren, desolate landscape of pain and suffering. Hope was comforted by that.
Her dark leather boots passed over the dirt of the caves with no sound. She was said to appear suddenly on many occasions and strike down those who opposed her. All who sat or knelt before her now believed in this. They knew to keep their eyes downward to remain faithful.
With a swift movement of her hand, the group of dozens stood at the same time and the sound of demon wings catching flight filled the air. Hope looked up to see her trusted warriors as they flew up to obey her command. They would go to the appointed place and await for the time of battle. It was a constant truth to life in Hell and even the newest of fallen souls was battle-hardened within but a few days. Hope preferred to recruit them as they first arrived. She found them more easily trainable to her will at such times.
A demoness of dark raven hair walked to Hope's side and stood there for a few seconds, saying nothing, waiting for permission to be given to her. Hope nodded her head slightly and the warrior demon spoke. "My goddess, all proceeds as planned. With but a small group of self-appointed, we shall contact the spawn of light once more."
Hope allowed herself the briefest of dark smiles. "Spawn of Light. I have always liked that."
The warrior demon near her stood at attention. "I thought it would prove amusing."
"Your thoughts as always have proven correct Angelique." Hope watched the demoness for any signs of insight of their current activities. Angelique held a beauty even in their tragic surroundings which rivaled Hope's own appearance. It was uncommon in these lands for the Fallen to retain their mortal appearance. Those who did were easily recognized by all who lived within Hell. Hope was reasonably sure that both of their appearances had secured the loyalties of more than one male demon in the past. A simple truth to this environment.
Hope stepped forward and prepared for the upcoming confrontation. She could sense rather than feel the concern in Angelique's tone but held less regard toward it. Unlike Angelique and so many others, Hope's family ties would prove useful especially in situations such as this. Her father was wise in many ways beyond her knowing to have chosen a pure mortal to give birth to her. It was that inherent light which would see her through this trial.
The army of demons needed for this task had been taken from their normal duties, several battles with other powers of darkness which thought to challenge the rule of the god of all fires and evils. This placed other interests as less guarded. Hope knew it was probably what concerned Angelique most. Angelique ruled the armies into battles and she was very capable of seeing many conflicts to a successful end.
"Shall I have them call for our messenger?" Angelique glanced out over the dark desert landscape with a questioning look. She was not much for the open terrain. She preferred the closeness of confined spaces where stealth was of greater use.
"Yes." Hope nodded her head patiently. "Bring him forth."
Two of the Dark Guard marched forward in unison, each holding a shoulder strap of the timid creature between them. Ellex stood as strong and confident as he could, but Hope still managed to unnerve him. That pleased her.
"Are you ready to make contact?" Hope asked as she made a point of looking to his shoulder to see if the previous scars had healed.
The young demon male nodded his head quickly. He was appearing more cooperative. Hope reminded herself that Angelique was to be complimented at a later time. She could see a certain willingness in his eyes which had not been there before. Sometimes the promise of untold pain and suffering was enough to make new demons submit to authority. Another advantage of taking in the new who had fallen.
Ellex fit that description well. His was a weakness born of tragic, uncontrollable circumstances. Hope remembered it had something to do with a raid of his home which killed many and in the ensuing rage he had avenged his blood relatives, but at a terrible cost. He had felt deep sorrow for that and the mark of his lesser crimes were visible.
Hope took a few seconds of free time to remain slightly impressed in the Light for its creation of Hell. For only the lesser of evils could pass through to the mortal realm and generally all they wished was silence or peace of mind on some level. Those who were of truly dark and powerful ambitions could not easily pass beyond this eternally damned prison except through the focused worship of the very misguided mortals they intended to harm.
This then was to be Ellex' purpose. He would open the door to the Spawn of Light's mind as he had done on a few other occasions. Hope would then step forward and focus the suffocating strands of light within her soul to contact the child. An elite guard of high demons with Angelique would create thoughts of such darkness and ill intent as to hide her activities. It was a desperate and faulty decision on her part should competing archdemons or archangels realize her intent, but she would proceed as before.
Hope was not to be so easily denied her destiny. Her father was not to be denied his rule of the mortal realm. Hope closed her eyes and thought of the pureness and elemental neutrality of fire. It would not remain pure or neutral for long if she had her say. With enough gentle persuading she would either entice or enrage Eve to her dark bidding. Soon it would be time to act.
THE END.