I recently rewrote most of this story. It has signifigantly more plot than it used to. It is meant to be a fun story, but I wouldn't call it a comedy. There are references to a slight Gab/Iolaus romance and since I'm a shipper I added a little Xena/Ares action too. So if any of you are Gabby and Iolaus or Xena/ Ares supporters, you might like this story. The time period for this is probably later season 2. It's around five pages long. Here it is! ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
"You Know, " Autolycus said to Joxer, Gabby,and Xena as they stood on the bow of a ship, "I think I need a challenge.I mean being the best in the business isn't all it's cracked up to be.I know how to pick EVERY lock with my trusty instument." "Yea well, don't flatter yourself." Xena said "I'm sure there's atleast ONE lock you can't pick." "Oh,I wouldn't be to sure of that Xena." ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
As they neared land Xena spotted chaos breaking out all over the city of Atlantis. There were people screaming and the seemingly golden paved streets were crowded with carts trying to evacuate the city. She had come there by the request of her semi-friend Salmoneus, who was in trouble. He hadn't said what kind of trouble in his letter, but since he sounded desperate, she'd come to investigate. Judging by the panic in these citizen's eyes, she doubted she'd be of much help now.
The boat docked at the harbor and Xena and her friends elbowed their way through the throng. Several yards away, Gabrielle spotted a chubby little man eaggerly hawking his wares to passersby. They worked their way toward him. "Salmoneus? Is that you?" Xena asked when she and her pals had safely reached him. "Xena! I thought you'd never come!" "What's happening?"Xena inquired loudly as she stepped out of the way of a rumbling cart. "It's rumored that Ares stole the Poseidon's Star." "What does that have to do with all of this?"Gabrielle asked. Xena said to her."If the Poseidon's Star is ever stolen, the sea will rise up and cover most of this land. Who ever posesses it will have three times their power." "But most gods really don't have a need for that kind of power."Autolycus said."Yes, MOST don't, but think how petty they are. They want it whether they need it or not." Answered Xena.
She thought for a moment. "But you're right. There could be some underlying reason for all of this." "I can see Ares pulling this off. There always seems to be something deeper to what he does, than what shows on the surface."said Gabby. "Well at least we're knocking in the right direction." Xena said. "The island seems to be sinking slowly enough that we might be able to save it." Salmoneues supplied hopefully. " We should get off this island quickly then, so I can find one of Ares' temples and figure out what he's up to."Xena replied. "Good plan! let's go!" Gabby said. She, Xena, Joxer and Autolycus headed toward the ship."Wait!" Salmoneus cried and tried to catch up with them as he dragged a small but heavy cart behind him. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
When they got to land they went to an inn to get some lunch and spotted Hercules and Iolaus talking at a table.The two friends called out to Xena and her companions to join them. Xena, with help from Gabrielle, told them what had happened on Atlantis. "Would you like to help us? We'll most likely be taking on Ares, and I'm sure he's done something recently you want to get back at him for." Xena asked. "Tempting offer, but I gotta say no. Iolaus and I are on our way to build mom yet another wall (he and Iolaus rolled their eyes). Family obligations, ya know?" Hercules lamented. Xena smiled. "Alright, but if something happens to me Hercules, I want you to try and put the stone back, and make sure Gabrielle gets home safely." Xena added looking at her best friend.Gabrielle gave her a dirty look."Of course Xena.But I doubt anything will happen to you." "Wait" Iolaus said."Xena can I please go with you? You can get along without me for a few days, can't you Herc.?" Iolaus looked at him pleadingly. "Fine, go help Xena. But if this takes less time than you think I'll still need your help. Mom won't stop pestering me until she's seen you, anyway." Hercules said. "And then she'll start pestering me." Iolaus grinned at his friend.
"So, can I come with you Xena?" Iolaus asked. "Alright (Xena said looking at Gabrielle's pleased expression),I suppose we could use your help." "Great" Iolaus said grinning at Gabrielle. She was looking particularly pretty today, and he told her so. "I'm going to go talk to Ares now so I want you ALL to stay here." Xena said."Fine with me." Salmoneus said while he started a sales pitch on some unsuspecting people."I'll work on my technique ,not that it needs working on." Autolycus replied. "Me, Iolaus,and Hercules will keep each other company."Gabby added. "Good." Xena called over her shoulder as she walked out the door. ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ More on page 2. The link for it is the button in the top right corner.