Convergence
By Kandis Glasgow
Disclaimers: Hideeho! Are we having fun yet? Gosh, I am! This is the part where I say the following....... Xena Warrior, sexy, hot mama, Princess. The ever delectable, yummy Gabrielle. Tall, dark and desirable Melinda. And the sassy, fiery, nasty girl Janice, do not belong to me. (With descriptions like that, I am breathing hard just thinking about what could happen if they did belong to me! Ow!) Candace, Taylor, Terra and Skye (both sets of them) Along with Jules, Giva, Lissa, Krista, Kimi, Mikaya, Delmar, and Senar are mine and reside happily within my twisted mind. (If you need to ask what's wrong with me.....:) Please don't borrow them without permission. They do play well with others for the most part. All except Terra. Watch your back if you piss her off!
Sex: If they do... It's hot, fast, slow, grinding, deep, passionate, wet, wild, tasty, nasty, and down right tingling sex between women who love what and who they do! If this is illegal where you live, I can't tell you how sorry I am. Don't read this 'cause it may have some of the aforementioned in it. If you are over sixteen and under eighteen, they tell me this is inappropriate. I personally don't think so, but try not to read this. If you are younger that sixteen, then yeah it's a little heated for you. Run outside and play. Put down the video game controls and get some fresh air!
Language: Yes.
Violence: Maybe.
Spoilers: I am going to diverge from the plot line of the show because I am not sure #1 where they are going with it and #2 I'm not sure why they would want to. So yes, there are spoilers sprinkled about like fairy dust. They are magical and you're never sure what kind of spell they will cast. (Huh?)
Thanks for taking this ride with me. Be warned: Keep your hands inside the car at all times! Please, remain seated until the ride has come to a full stop. Do not throw anything from the ride. You must be this tall to ride this ride. (And in my book....the taller the better! Hooo Ya!) It ain't over until the fat lady sings! What I'm getting at is that we have more fun in store! Have a nice day and thank you for shopping with us! E-mails will be happily received and answered at UgoXena@aol.com
Enjoy!
PS For an update on butch cards please go here www.geocities.com/Area51/Keep/8359/Butch.html
It'll kill ya!
Škg 4-28-00
Part 16
(Who thought it would go this far?)
(Not me!)
Five sojourners reached the shore of Styx after the uneventful remainder of their trip down the golden passageway. They stood silently lost in their own thoughts as the boat glided wavelessly up to them.
"Hi kids. Have fun while you were here?" Charon gave them a rotting grin.
"It was a fuckin' blast." Jan was under-enthused.
"We aim to please. All aboard." Charon waved his arm to his vessel. "Coins please."
"Oh no. Not until you get us out of here." Xena knew the secret to exiting Tartarus. Never pay until you're safely on the other shore.
"At least let me see them. Pleeeease." The decrepit being begged the group’s leader for just a glimpse of the gold that lay in store for him at the end of their ride.
Xena pulled the pouch open for the greedy being to get a look. "Happy?"
"You have no idea. Let's rock!" The vessel took off across the liquid.
Everyone was so quiet Charon decided it was time to liven things up. "So, anyone care to tell me how all my pathways are now paved in gold?"
Melinda looked as innocent as she possibly could.
"Yes, Mel. Can you tell us how that happened?" Jan prodded her lover.
"Ah could, Janice, but Ah choose not to." Mel inclined her head slightly, as if that would be the end of it.
"Ahh. C'mon Mel, tell him how you just wanted to try a little something fun." Xena poked a little more.
"Well, ya'll have ta admit it looks less drab now." The fine southern woman was pleased with herself.
"As much as I appreciate the gesture, and as much as gold means to me personally, Mel, this place is supposed to be a little on the drab side. I really didn't need any redecorating. Can you see about setting it back to normal?" He didn't really know what he was asking.
"Ah'm not sure Ah know how. " At least she was honest.
"Can you think on it and get back to me?" The Ferryman was amused, but serious in his request. What good did it do to be condemned to eternal torture if there was gold everywhere? Add to that the fact that they could suffer a Tartarus gold rush of sorts, if the word got out. Just what he didn't need was gold diggers taking up his precious time.
"Ah'll give it mah best shot."
"Much obliged."
Gabrielle smiled at her mother-like companion. Mel looked at her with completely new eyes. Here was a woman who was half God, but had never told anyone except Xena. It was no wonder Ares had kept going after her. If he could get his half niece to join him, even that small amount could sway the balance of power, and maybe get Xena in the bargain.
"Gabrielle, would you do us the honor of telling us a story?"
"Sure, Mel. What kind of story?"
"A love story Ah think. One about a God that falls in love with a mortal then produces a child out of that love. It was love wasn't it?"
Gabrielle knew what she was asking. She wanted to avoid it, but there was no chance. "As far as I know. There was a woman in my village that told me the story time and time again. I'll try to remember it." She cleared her throat.
"Some time back, there was a beautiful young girl born into a royal family. Her hair shimmered in the sun like spun gold. Her eyes were the color of the sea. The glow on her fair cheeks showed to the world the health, and happiness she enjoyed in her blessed life. She was a beautiful little princess, with great love to share. She loved to ride her Chestnut horse all across her father's land. Her days were filled with laughter and joy.
Her parents loved her with all that they had, for she was their only child. She would someday be heir to her father’s throne. It was unusual, yes, but her father was an unusual man. He ruled his land in fairness and the people prospered under his reign.
As the princess grew older, her beauty became legendary. By her seventeenth year, her hand was the most sought in all the kingdoms of the entire land. Her father held audience with many prospective suitors. None, in his opinion, were worthy of her.
Unknown to her father, the princess had already fallen deeply in love. Her beauty was such, that it was even noted by the Gods of Mount Olympus. Zeus had sent his daughter to find this splendor, then bring her to his side. Aphrodite did as her father instructed, only to be dazzled by the magnitude of not only her beauty, but also by her charm, wit and grace. The Goddess of love was herself struck by the arrow of Cupid. Their first kiss transcended all others before, and sealed their fate. Aphrodite had to save the girl from becoming a slave to Zeus. The only way to do this was to hide her away in the smallest corner of the world that could be found.
Aphrodite went to the king in all the glory of her God-hood, and explained to him Zeus and his desire for his daughter. Hidden from her knowledge was the fact that Zeus had already spoken with the king, and he felt that his daughter deserved marriage to the most powerful of the Gods. He saw no reason for the joining not to take place. The Goddess of Love pled with the king not to let his daughter go for he did not understand the truth of the matter. He would not be persuaded.
The night before the wedding was to take place, Aphrodite stole the princess away. She knew that it was only a matter of time before they were found. This time would be the last night the two lovers would ever share. If the Goddess stayed with her they would surely be found. If she ever visited the princess again, the chance that she would be discovered was great. They would never be together again. The depth and truth of their love produced a child that night. Aphrodite took the princess to a small remote village, that to this day goes by the name of Potadeia. The princess delivered a girl child nine months later. The beautiful princess feared that the Gods would find her, and thus find the child. She gave the girl up to a willing, and seemingly, loving family. The princess, now a woman, left the village never to return. The girl grew strong and brave, knowing all her life she didn't belong where she was. So, one day, when a strong warrior came to her village, she knew she must follow her or die a slow and boring death. The love of the girl and the warrior grew, becoming as true as the love of Aphrodite and the fair princess. This is the end of the tale for now. It is the story of me. It is the song of Gabrielle."
Mel had a tear running down her cheek, and a bad case of the sniffles. "That is so sad."
Xena and Jan shared rolling eye looks. Gabrielle was staring out over the bow, not really concentrating on what she had told the group. She was lost in her own thoughts.
"How do you know the story is true?" Janice just wondered.
"I asked Aphrodite. She acknowledged the fact, saying that she could never lie to me about it. I do know she still loves my mother. She loves me, too. Strange as it sounds."
Jan walked to stand next to the bard. "So, who is your mortal mother?"
"I'm not sure. But, if I had to make a guess, I'd say it was the woman that told me the story. Her name was Erianna. She came to live in my village when I was eight or nine. She was the most beautiful woman I had ever seen. She was so unusually kind to me. I would even say more than my mother. Maybe that's because she didn't have to live with my little stubborn streak." Gabrielle giggled.
"Little? Little? Did you say Little?" Xena laughed out loud.
"OK. Huge. I just had this closeness with her that wasn't just friendship. There was a special connection."
"Wheah is she now?" The professor's tears had dried somewhat.
"I don't know. She left Potadeia just before Xena arrived. When she left I thought my heart would break." Gabrielle spoke wistfully. She had begged Erianna not to leave her there, but woman had told her that Gabrielle's destiny was soon to arrive. She had been right.
"Do you miss her?" Jan knew the answer before she even asked it. Gabrielle started to respond when Jan interrupted her. "Duh. Of course you do. Have you ever tried to find her?"
The small Regent stared at the ground. "Not really."
"She's here." Charon stated the information as if it were second hand news.
"She's dead? How could someone so wonderful end up here?" Gabrielle didn't understand.
"She's not dead. Aphrodite made a deal with Hades-that she wouldn't tell who his daughter was, if Erianna could remain under his protection. This is the one place Zeus won't look."
"Hades has a daughter? Who?" Melinda queried the steer man.
"Can't say, but I bet you can guess." He smiled to himself. He just loved surprises.
"I hate guessing games." Xena sat hard to the deck.
"That's because the only way you can win is by cheating." Gabrielle reminded the Warrior of a time Xena had won a backhanded game.
"I did not cheat." She was adamant.
"You did." Jan got her two cents in.
"Foah suah."
"I remember that. And I say it was soooooo borderline." Skye smiled.
"You all can bite me." She crossed her harms in a huff.
"If we guess, will you take us to my mother?" Gabrielle wanted to make a deal.
"What if you don't guess?" Charon loved to barter.
"We pay triple." Gabrielle looked at her wife.
Xena rolled her eyes, and shook her head in exasperation. Of course she would do anything for her bard. "Alright. Do it."
"How many questions do we get?" Gabrielle was down with the bargaining.
"I'm feeling generous. 10." Charon stared across the bow.
"10? No way. 30." Gabrielle stood to her feet, crossing her arms in a classic stubborn pose.
"30? Are you out of your mind? 13."
"That's pocket change for you. 26."
"Still not even close. 15."
"HA! That's ridiculous! 23."
"Closer. 20."
"Deal." They would have started there anyway, but the bargaining was fun.
"No one asks a question after number five until it is approved by the major consensus. Agreed?" Gabrielle laid down the only rule.
They all nodded except Xena.
"I am not playing. I told you that." Xena was using her stubborn streak to her very best.
"Come on, Xe. It'll be fun." Her wife thought she could use some fun after the emotional shock they had gone through. She sat next to her on the deck.
"I'll listen in. If I think of a good question, I'll ask it. OK?" She looked deeply into the green eyes that peered into her soul. "I love you, by the way."
Gabrielle grinned at her wife. She tilted her head, in the way she had a tendency to do, while giving Xena the look that said all that needed to be said. Xena leaned in and placed a soft kiss on very sweet lips. "I mean that."
"I love you as well, my warrior. Don't ever change." She kissed her once more for good measure.
"Can we start this game? It's starting to get a little chilly in here." Charon kept the serious look on his face.
There was silence for several seconds until Jan started laughing. "Good one! Gettin' chilly. You're a damn straight hoot for sure." She suddenly became Melinda for a few seconds.
"I don't get it." Xena was confused. She looked to Gabrielle, who shrugged and shook her head.
"Hell will freeze over before you two are finished." Jan laughed and the pair was no closer to understanding.
"This isn't really Hell Jan. They don't get the reference." Melinda explained it to her intended.
"Whatever. Alright Gabs, this is your game you go first. Basic questions." Jan got the ball rolling.
"Is this person alive?" Gabrielle nodded.
"One. Yes."
"Is this person male?" Jan got the next question.
"Two. No."
"Alright. Living Female."
"Do we know this person?" Skye put up his question.
"Three. Yes."
"That was bad. We know tons of people. The better question is, have we ever met this person?" Gabrielle was trying her hand at logic.
"Is that your question?" Charon glanced back at the group.
They all nodded in agreement.
"Four. Yes."
"Wait. Is that we all of us we? Or only a few of us we. Because I have met many people and so have you, but they are all different people." Gabrielle was so good at deduction.
"Ooooh good point. Have we all met this person?" Melinda asked.
"Five. Yes."
"We all have? Well hell, the only people we have all met in common, besides Terra, is the five of us." Janice made the observation.
Melinda frowned. "Is it Terra?"
"Six. No."
"Well, it's not me." Skye laughed. "I'm a boy. Contrary to popular belief."
"It's not me. I know who my parents are." Gabrielle shrugged.
"I am pretty sure I know mine." Jan nodded at Mel who nodded back.
Xena stood up. The color drained from her face. "Is it me?"
"Seven. Yes." The Ferryman continued to stare ahead as he changed the direction of the boat.
=/~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
Several Amazons invaded the tent of the healer with various cuts and bruises. Julisa's large frame filled the doorframe. She shyly entered the enclosure. Cyrene nodded. What it was about warriors and their demeanor, she would never understand. They were fierce in battle, but when it came to being in love, they were as shy as rabbits.
"Commander." Cyrene eyed the tall woman and nodded a greeting.
"Cyrene." She nodded in return.
"Is um.....is. I mean, can I..uh do you..." It was a warrior trait.
"If you're looking for Giva, she is in the other tent." Cyrene smiled gently at the mighty warrior.
"Thanks." She dipped her head and hopped out the door.
Jules breezed past Taylor on the way out. The woman with the blue eyes stared after her. "Who lit a fire under her?"
"Giva. Seems she was injured in this little tiff you all seemed to want to have. Girls, isn't there a way to do this stuff without all the bloodshed?" Cyrene put her hands on her hips.
Taylor put a loving arm around the older woman. "Mom, if we did that you'd be out of a job."
"And I'd complain? I think not. Where's your girl?" Cyrene glanced around Taylor's shoulder.
"She's right behind me." Taylor turned her head toward the door. "Well, she was."
Candace watched Jules duck into the second tent. Out of curiosity she followed her. There didn't appear to be anything wrong with the Commander. Why would she be going into one of the healer's tents? Odd. Candace popped her head through the flap. She perused the gathering of injured, looking for her friend. She smiled when her green eyes landed on the sight of two women very much in love, kissing for all the world to see. It would seem that the brave commander had been conquered at last. Candace nodded her approval to Giva, who was now smiling at her over Julisa's shoulder. The Regent ducked back out, only to find a tall, strong warrior blocking her path.
"Excuse me, warrior. Can I help you?" She looked up at the woman standing in her way.
"Yes, your Highness. I am looking for love." She stood at attention before her Regent.
"Well, it is difficult to find, even harder to keep. What type of woman are you looking for?" She locked her hands behind her back in a very royal gesture.
"I prefer a woman as tall as myself, but would settle for one shorter." She looked down at the petite blonde.
"Is that so? You would settle? Take my advice soldier. Never settle." She frowned seriously.
"Oh, I won't." The warrior spoke with confidence.
"Um hum. Walk with me." She gave the instruction that she expected to be followed without question.
"Yes, your highness." She bowed slightly and followed the commanding Regent.
The shorter woman walked into the first tent. Candace nodded to Delmar. The healer gave her a smile and a nod. She noted with curiosity the woman following the Regent, but said nothing.
"Tell me, what other qualities do you seek in a wife?" Candace sat on a cot beside a wounded Amazon. She smiled at her while checking her wounds.
"A wife? I never said anything about a wife. No way. I am hardly the marrying type." The tall strong woman shook her head.
"Really? If you meet the right woman, trust me you'll want to marry her. If you don't she'll get away. Plus, any woman worth her salt wouldn't have it any other way." She stood to her feet.
"I'll remember that. I want a stunningly beautiful woman." The warrior stared off into the distance wistfully.
"Beauty can't bring you love. The most plain of women may have the biggest heart. Search for the beauty within her, and you will find what you seek." Candace walked to the next cot. She spoke sweetly to the injured soldier. "How are you doing?"
"I will live, your Highness." The woman tried a smile, but it came out more like a grimace.
"You're strong. I am sure that not only will you live, but you will thrive." She patted the woman's arm gently.
"I am glad you have faith in me, Your Highness." The warrior blushed slightly. It wasn't often that the beautiful Regent paid them this much regard.
"Heal quickly. You are needed." She stood and strode to the next cot.
Without looking back, she knew the warrior was still at her side. "So Warrior, what else do you seek?"
"I want a woman who will serve me well." The soldier puffed out her chest.
Candace grinned and shook her head. "You will be hard pressed to find that. Perhaps you should find a woman who will serve you as well as you serve her. That way there is no inequity within your relationship. If you share your responsibilities, it will leave you more time to spend together."
"I see. You are quite wise, your Highness. Where do you think I can find this woman?" The tall dark woman tilted her head.
Candace turned to face her. "I hope you already have."
Taylor swept the small regent into her arms. "I know I have." In the middle of the healing tent, the tall dark warrior placed a searing kiss on the lips of the Regent. Many of the women looking on smiled, while some cleared their throats and looked away.
"I love you, warrior."
"I love you as well, your Highness." Taylor bent close to her ear. "And I intend to prove it to you."
Candace grinned. "I will hold you to that. Now, where's Skye?"
"In the back." Taylor nodded in the general direction of Terra and Skye.
The lovers made their way to the bedside of their traumatized friend. She looked better than she had. Cyrene had cleaned the blood off of her face, and stitched some of the deeper cuts. The cut on her lip and the bruising would be around for a while. Skye was resting quietly with Terra holding watch over her.
Candace whispered to the young woman. "Ter?"
Terra turned to face them. When she saw who it was, she kissed Skye's forehead. She stood to her feet then, and threw her arms around the Regent, holding her for all she was worth. "Oh Miss Candace, please don't ever go again!"
"Go? Go where?" Candace was taken back by the ferocity of the embrace.
"Die. Don't ever. It hurts too much." She was truly crushed.
"Die? Terra, sweetheart, I'm not dead." She felt Terra was just upset about Skye.
"But you were." Terra had tears flowing freely.
"Taylor, what is she talking about?" Candace frowned deeply. She released Terra to look at her intended.
None of the three had told the singer what had taken place before she was pulled into the protection of the Glass. She had assumed that they had wanted to shield her from the remainder of the battle.
Taylor took a deep breath. She would try to control her emotions, but knew she would be unsuccessful. She stared at the canvas of the tent while her blue eyes filled with tears.
Candace wiped a stray tear away from her lover's cheek. "Tay?"
"You..uh." She paused to clear her throat of the words that were choking the very breath from her chest. "You were killed on the battlefield. Ares took hold of your sword so you were unable to defend yourself. The soldier....." She couldn't continue. She had watched her future wife die and the pain was too great.
"But, I'm alive. How did.....why...but. I don't understand." She was confused.
"Xena and her group found Time. They told us how to use the Glass. Terra and Skye took us back to the spot in time where you were killed. We took you into the guardianship of the Glass, and brought you back."
"You mean I died. Really died? As in dead?" She turned pale.
Taylor caught her before she fell to the ground. Taylor lifted her to the nearest empty cot. Cyrene rushed to their sides.
"What's the problem?" The concern was thick in her voice.
"She had a little shock. She'll be fine."
There was a sudden rush of noise at the front of the shelter as the Queen's Champion burst through the flap. It was obvious she was greatly agitated.
Cyrene made sure Candace was secure before she turned to the princess. "Your Highness, is there a problem?"
"Lissa. Have you seen Lissa?" The panic in her voice was deep.
Taylor and Terra joined the healer's wife with the Champion. Taylor spoke to her comrade. "She was with you."
"She was. But there was a nasty skirmish when their troops started to break rank. She was lost in the frenzy. I haven't been able to find her."
Taylor grasped her shoulder. "Let's go. Ter, you're with me." Terra looked back to the blondes on the cots. "They'll be fine. Come on."
The three warriors nodded their exit to Cyrene. She nodded back and grinned at their demeanor. They were so butch. It made her weak in the knees.
"Where did you see her last?"
"Up by the north ridge. There." She pointed to a spot on the cliff just above the tree line. "We were just below there when the men broke across the line. I searched the entire area. I found nothing." Krista had a deep scowl on her face. It told Taylor there was more to this than just looking for a missing soldier.
"I'm sure she's fine, your Highness." Taylor tried to reassure her.
"I hope you're right."
Krista picked up as many extra women as she could to search the area. Those not searching were hauling out the dead men to a mass pyre. The Amazons who had lost their lives were few, but their loss would impact the lives of the women with whom they had shared their lives. They would grieve as a nation, and a family.
"Spread out lengthwise. Leave nothing unturned. Understand?" Krista was very clear in her instruction.
The search lasted for hours with no results. Lissa was nowhere to be found. Krista was beginning to truly panic. "Tay, we gotta find her!"
"Calm down. She has to be here somewhere. Think. She wouldn't desert right? It's not her style."
Terra gazed around in the waning light. Her eye caught a curve in the rock face that one would miss in the full light of day. She elbowed Taylor and pointed. "Do you see it?"
"See what?" Taylor squinted in the evening sun.
"The cave."
Krista turned her body to face the cliff. "I see it. Come on!" She took off without looking back.
They rushed to the opening. Krista raced in, the darkness was pitch black to her unaccustomed eyes. "Lis?"
The sound of the cave was silent. They calmed their hearts and listened for the telltale signs of life.
"THERE!" Terra pointed again. She closed her eyes to be sure she was right. By instinct alone she followed the feint sound of the breathing. Her steps paused. She turned a few degrees. Her steps began again with the other warriors right behind her. She stopped and stooped to the floor of the cave. She opened her eyes as her hand touched a cold form. She waited for a sign of life. Lissa's chest rose slightly. "She's alive. Give me your cloak." Taylor pulled the short skin off of her back, handing it to the kneeling girl.
Krista knelt beside Terra. She blindly reached out a hand finding Lissa's forehead. Her touch uncovered the injury Lissa had suffered. Krista knew her hand was covered with blood, though she couldn't see it. Her eyes were beginning to adjust to the dark as she ripped a piece of cloth from her shirt. "Lis. We're here, babe. Hang on, we'll get you out."
There was no response from the injured soldier.
Terra froze. "Shh." It was a curt instruction. Taylor and Krista froze as well.
The young assassin made a sudden move to the back of the cave. Her hands wrapped around the collar of a rather frightened young man. He was dirty and his hair was long and wild. Terra pulled back to punch him. Her hand was stayed. Terra looked at Taylor.
"Hang on, Ter." She faced the ragged looking man. "Who are you?"
The man's eyes were as large as saucers. He was frightened by the strong woman that held him. His mouth made movements, but no words came out. His green eyes danced from one woman to the other.
Taylor looked closely at him in the darkness. His features were familiar. "Ter, hon. Let go of him. He's not going to hurt us."
Terra glanced suspiciously at her captive, then back to Taylor who nodded. She released his dirty collar.
"We won't hurt you. OK? Who are you?" Taylor spoke in soft tones.
"I..I...I. This is....I I live here." He calmed considerably, knowing that the strong women wouldn't hurt him.
"In the cave?" Terra asked.
He shook his head emphatically.
"Did you bring our friend up here?" Taylor nodded in the direction of Lissa and Krista.
"Uh huh. Ttthat man, he was trying to kill her, but I..I...I stopped him. I took her sword and I pushed it in his gut! Like this." He made a very fast thrusting motion with his hands. "I'm sorry. My mmmother always told me it was bbbad to kill, but...but....she's so pretty. I couldn't let him kkkill her." He became aggitated. His body began a rapid rocking motion and growling sounds came from his throat.
Taylor reached to him with soothing touch. "It's alright. You did a very good thing. Do you have a name?"
"Yesyeses. I'm Terran. I'm not from here. Thththat man. Very, very bad man, he brought me here, but I got away. HA HA! He won't hurt me again. No, he won't. He looked, but he can't find me!" His eyes shifted from side to side.
Taylor frowned, and Terra looked shocked. He had her name.
"Terran, where are you from?" Terra squinted in the dark.
"I'm from Mmmars. It's out there." He pointed straight up.
"Yes, honey. We know where Mars is." Taylor took in a heavy draw of air.
"I.I.I.I.I have a sister there. They don't know I know. I have secrets from them." He grinned a very happy grin.
"You have a sister on Mars?" Taylor wondered if Terra knew who it was.
"He shook his head with enthusiasm. "Uh huh. Skye. You should see her. Ohohoh She is so beautiful. He he he. That bad man. He hurts her. I want to kill him. I know what my mother said, but I don't care. I don't care." He growled again. "I want to kill him."
The two women stared at each other in total shock. Terra spoke to him. "I killed him, Terran. He won't hurt you, or Skye, anymore."
"Are you sure? He's crafty. He disappears and comes back. Yyyou have to be careful." He was very serious and obviously frightened.
"I'm quite sure. Terran, what did he do to you?" Terra placed her hand on his shoulder.
He became deadly quiet. His head dropped and it shook back and forth. "I cccan't say."
"You don't have to. It's OK." She knew without having to be told. Creighton didn't care where his cruel pleasure came from. He had been tortured, exactly the same as Skye. From his demeanor it may have been more brutal, if it were possible.
"Do do do you have a nnname?" He looked into the kind blue eyes.
"My name is Terra. I am from Mars." She wanted him to understand who she was.
His eyes grew wide. "An Owner. Oh, I forgot my place. Miss Terra, I am so ssoorry." He bowed his head to her.
"No, Terran. I am not an Owner. I was a slave just like you. I know your sister."
"You do?" His eyes filled with hope. "Do you know where she is? I I I nneed to ffind her."
Krista spoke up from Lissa's side. "She's got to be taken down, Taylor. I need some help."
Terra nodded at Taylor. "You go. I'll bring him down."
Taylor nodded her assent. She stood tall and strode to Krista's side.
"Nonononono. I..I can't go. They will find me." He was shaking so hard, it was difficult to see how he didn't hurt himself.
"They are all gone Terran. It's safe." Her words were confident and soothing.
His green eyes caught hers. "You promise?" His child like look touched Terra's heart.
"I promise. No one will hurt you as long as I'm around." She made the vow again. "Come on. I'll take you to your sister."
=/~~~~~~~~~~~>
"Xe, you have to admit, it would explain a lot of things." Gabrielle was trying to console her wife.
"But Gabrielle, you know how I feel about the Gods." She looked down at her lover with pain radiating from her eyes.
"Have you forgotten that I am part God as well?" The blonde was miffed, but tried to hide it.
"I didn't mean you. You're different. I, on the other hand, am just like them. It's no wonder."
"You ah no such thing, Xena Jean. You ah perfectly wonahdful!" Melinda put her hands on her hips.
"Xena who?" Xena had the look of total confusion plastered across her face.
"That's you young lady! You will stop puttin' youahself down rahght now!" She stomped her foot on the deck.
"Xe? When she does that, she's waaay pissed. I would watch my step if I were you." Jan whispered to Xena with her back turned on Mel.
"Gabrielle does the same thing." She whispered back from the side of her mouth.
"Stop that!" Mel was having none of it. "You listen heah, Miss Xena! I have had enough of you putting youahself down. You had a rahght yeahs ago to go on about the past, but the past is OVAH! You ah a wondahful lovin' woman with a heaht of gold! This pitty pahty will stop heah and now! Do Ah make mahself cleah?" She gazed at Xena with crystal blue fire in her eyes.
Xena and Jan stood helplessly in the aftermath of the outburst. Gabrielle crossed her arms in unison with Melinda, and Skye did likewise. He was such a girl.
"Yes ma'am. I understand" She had nothing more to say about the subject anyway, so she changed it. "So what kind of powers do you suppose we have?"
"Good question. You are obviously blessed with unnatural strength. I have no idea what mine could possibly be." Gabrielle had never even really thought that she could possess powers of any kind.
A shimmering starburst appeared on the deck.
Xena growled while Jan got her dander going. Gabrielle still had her arms crossed along with Melinda. They weren't moving. Skye had a look of hatred, mixed with lust, stuck to his countenance.
"Hi, Girls. Miss me?" The dark leather clad man grinned lasciviously.
"Shut up, Ares!" Mel had had enough of him when she met him the first time.
"Oh Melinda, it's good to see you, too." His sarcasm dripped venom from his words.
"What do you want?" The Warrior Princess stepped up to face him.
"Why Xena, I'm hurt that you don't know." He stepped close to her, putting his nose close to her cheek.
"Well, ya ain't gettin' any so back off!" She put both hands to his chest and pushed him back.
"You know, one day, Xena...." He shook his finger at her.
"In your dreams!" Gabrielle stepped up to the God of War.
"And what nasty dreams they are." His voice was low as he looked down on her.
Skye was trying not to drool.
"Clam down there, sissy man. You'll get your turn." Ares turned to Skye.
"What do you mean by that?" Jan didn't like the sound of it.
"It means he's coming with me." Ares pulled himself up to his full height.
"Ah don't think so!" Melinda was in it now.
"You can't stop me." He made a move toward the large blonde. Four women stepped in front of him. "Get out of the way!" He drew his sword, pointing it at Gabrielle.
Melinda grabbed Janice's hand, in an action without thought. She just knew. She thrust her hand out at the sharp edged metal. A sharp beam of energy flew from her hand, hitting the sword at the base of the blade. It flew out of Ares' hand high into the thick air landing with a thunk in the hard wood of the deck. Sticking straight up, it swayed back and forth.
"I think she means it there, Leather Boy." Jan smirked.
The War God grimaced in anger. He knew he couldn't fight this battle alone. "I'll be back." He vanished into thin air.
"That was interesting." Xena looked at Melinda with one eyebrow beneath her bangs.
"Yes, wasn't it though." Jan let loose of her lover's hand. "Any ideas where that came from, sweety?"
"My Gawd! He is soooo bad! Yum!" Skye was all over himself.
"Down, boy." Gabrielle patted his massive arm. "Mel?" The regent looked at her friend.
"It seemed the right thing to do at the tahm." She wasn't quite sure how they had done it, she just knew that they had.
"They are our protection. Ares threatened me, they did what it seems they were meant to do. Simple." Gabrielle looked at the other three of them.
"Oh yeah. That's simple. TOO simple. HOW did they do it?" Xena was always looking for answers.
"Does a bird ask how it flies? They do what they do, when they need to do it. Again, simple." Gab looked at Melinda for support. Mel nodded her head and gave her the thumbs up.
Xena started to argue the point when she was interrupted.
"She is wiser than you think, Xena." Charon spoke up.
"I never said she wasn't." The warrior became immediately defensive.
"But, you doubt her at almost every turn. Her pure heart, at times, leads her astray, but her wisdom will overcome that on most occasions. You should listen to her." Their guide made a slight course adjustment.
Xena felt the guilt build on her shoulders. She had never given her partner enough credit for her wise council. Gabrielle would give wonderful advice so naturally, it was easy to dismiss. She knew she had been wrong. "You're right of course. I guess I have to have answers to everything, rather than simply saying 'they just are'."
"It's that damn analytical mind." Janice snickered.
"Right. Thanks for stepping in back there." Xena gave Melinda her heartfelt thanks.
"Your'ah welcome." Melinda dipped her head.
"We're here." The boat slowed to a smooth halt. Charon turned to his passengers. "All a shore who are going ashore."
"I think I'll stay here." Skye wasn't sure he was welcome in the group.
"Oh no you don't. Family is family. In more ways than one. Let's go." Jan grasped the huge man's ear lobe, giving it a loving tug.
"I'm not really family." He blushed a sweet shade of pink.
"That's not true and you know it. Anything Xena's is mine. Anything mine is hers. You're hers. That means you're mine. Hop down." Gabrielle was direct.
"Right. I'm down." In one smooth motion he hopped over the edge.
"He moves just like her. Gazelles." Mel's eyes smiled her appreciation at the similarities.
"Yep." Jan hopped over.
After all were down, Charon once again left his passengers on the shore.
Jan looked up at him. "Same drill?"
"Ayah. See ya soon." He waved as his craft backed away from the shore.
Xena put an encouraging hand on the shoulder of her spouse. Gabrielle looked to her lover for support. She knew this woman well, but never as her mother.
"I'm ready."
The five travelers stood before the immense door waiting for Gabrielle to knock. She took a deep breath, then put her hand to the large ring. She let it hit twice. They waited a few seconds before the heavy doors swung open. Gabrielle went first. Her trepidation was overcome by the magnificence of the surroundings. There was no doubt that whoever lived there was well taken care of. The highly polished floors were of the finest Greek marble. Columns of the same material thrust to the ceiling several meters above their heads. There were lamps of a crystalline substance adorning the walls. They sent forth a soft glow of light across the huge entryway. There were several sculptures, and works of art, by several different artisans. Some were familiar to Xena. Many more were not.
"Jan, isn't that a Rembrandt?" Mel pointed to a painting on the wall.
"I'll be damned. I think you're right." The doctor stepped closer to the work. "I'll be damned."
"Who's Rembrandt?" Xena gazed at more of the work. There were drawings and paintings of things she had never seen before. A large object that appeared to be made of metal, yet it was pictured in the air.
"He is an artist that has yet to be born." Gabrielle answered her wife.
"Ah. What's this thing?" Her head tilted in question.
Skye walked up behind his many-great grandmother. "That's an airplane. No wait. That's the Space Shuttle Challenger. Seven astronauts died when it exploded. That was one I wish I could have gone back and changed." He sighed wistfully
"Space shuttle? I don't get it." Her head tilted in curiosity. Her mind tried to analyze the picture.
"Space, as in outer space. Out there. The Mystic Diamond, all the stars." Skye knew all of Xena and Gabrielle's adventures.
"You mean to tell me that people will really go out there?" She had heard Candace and Taylor talking about it one time. She thought they were kidding her.
"Uh huh. To the moon. Well, you know they went to Mars."
"You mean Mars isn't the Roman God of War, and that Terra and Skye are from another place out there?" She pointed out.
"Yep. Cool, huh?" He smiled at her.
"Yeah. Cool." She stood for a moment trying to grasp the meanings.
A silent servant walked into the room. "Erianna bids you welcome. She will be with you in short order. Can I serve you any beverages while you wait?"
"I'd love a Corona." Jan laughed thinking herself amusing. She was thrilled when she found it wasn't that much of a joke.
"Very well. Anyone else?"
Gabrielle got that look in her eye. "Chocolate shake?"
The servant nodded again.
"Anything?" The blonde man tested the servant.
"Of course."
"Frozen Strawberry Margarita! With an umbrella!" Skye was so very excited.
"Port is fine with me." Xena looked as if the others were speaking in tongues.
"Ah'd just die foah a tall glass of lemonade on the rocks." Melinda wanted to swoon at the thought.
"I shall return quickly. Please make yourselves at home." The androgynous servant bowed and walked out.
"I am beginning to think this is paradise." Janice looked around at the artifacts surrounding them.
"Hello. What have we here?" The doctor sat on the chair at the desk. Xena stood behind her as she grasped her hand to the palm shaped plastic object, moving it slightly. Janice grinned as the large picture before her eyes came to life. She pushed with her fingers on the plastic object and strange noises began to occur.
"Welcome!"
Xena jumped to the defense. Her sword swung about her as she sought the voice in the box.
"Woah! Xe, it's supposed to do that." Janice put both hands up.
"Really? Where's the voice coming from?" Xena was intrigued and wary at the same time.
"You've got mail!" The voice in the box sounded again.
"Alright!" Jan was soon surrounded by the three other explorers.
"The voice is comin' from inside. That is a computah. The boon and bane of modern man." Melinda patted Xena's back.
"What does it mean to have mail?" The tall warrior looked at her friends.
"I have letters from other people waiting for me." The voice from behind them caused them all to jump slightly.
The entire group turned as one, facing one of the most beautiful women any of them had ever seen. The resemblance to Gabrielle was unmistakable. The shimmering blonde hair set off her large sea green eyes. Though she was petite, her figure was hourglass perfect. The goodness in her heart permeated the room with its power. She was truly magnificent.
"Erianna?" The Regent to the Amazon nation was humbled.
"Gabrielle, even now you are as beautiful as a spring morning. How are you?" The small woman opened her arms wide.
Gabrielle ran into them. The embrace held a completion that Gabrielle knew could only come from her mother. "Oh, how I've missed you!"
"As I have you, my child." She released Gabrielle to arm length, soaking in a good long look. Taking Gabrielle's face in her hands, she pulled her in and placed a light kiss on her forehead. "Thank you for coming to see me."
"When I knew you were here, I had to. I have thought for a long time you were my mother. You are my mother, aren't you?"
"Yes, dear. I am your mother and very proud of it." She patted her daughter's face.
"Thank you. That by itself would have brought me here." Gabrielle blushed.
"I know dear. Now, introduce me to your friends." The petite princess turned her gaze toward the remainder of the group.
Gabrielle took her mother by the hand, leading her to her friends. "This is Melinda Pappas, Dr. Janice Covington. This is Skye. And this," She walked to Xena's side, "is my wife, Xena."
"Xena, we finally meet." The demure princess held her hand out to Xena.
The Warrior Princess accepted it, bowed, then placed a kiss on the back of the smooth hand. "The pleasure is mine, your Highness." Blue eyes sparkled brightly.
"You are quite charming, young lady. I can see why my daughter is so smitten with you. Were I not already spoken for, I might be tempted."
"Were I not, I might as well." She smiled showing straight white teeth.
"That's enough you two." Gabrielle pulled her wife away from her mother in a joking fashion.
Erianna turned to the only man in the bunch. "Skye, is it? Very handsome." She touched his muscular arm.
"Thank you, your Highness." He smiled at her with Xena's smile. "You are very beautiful. And coming from me, you can take it to the bank."
"Well, I thank you, Skye." She patted him sweetly.
She next turned her attention to the doctor and the professor. "Melinda and Janice. I have read much about your adventures. You two get around."
"That we do, youah Highness." Melinda curtsied.
"Melinda, you really don't need to be quite so formal."
"I just can't seem to help mahself. You are truly luvlay." She blushed despite her best efforts not to.
"I can see why Aph has the hots for you." It never seemed to matter who it was, Jan couldn't hold her couth to save her life.
"I don't have ‘the hots’, Janice." The Goddess of Love stood only a few feet from the group. She swayed her way to the side of her beloved. "Hi ya honey. Are these mere mortals bothering you?" She looked at them suspiciously. "I could have them surgically removed."
Erianna pulled the goddess to her side. "I don't think that will be necessary, my love." She kissed the shapely blonde sweetly. The love between the two was almost tangible.
"If you say so. So how's it going, Squirt?" Aphrodite addressed her daughter.
"I'm good. You?" Gabrielle grasped her hands in front of her and rocked on her feet. It was a nervous habit she knew, but she was always a wreck when it came to the Goddess.
"Ooooh so formal. Come here." Aph directed Gabrielle to join them.
The small blonde sunk into the embrace of her parents. The hug lasted several minutes. The rest of the group sipped on the drinks that the servant had returned with moments earlier. They browsed the room while the small family spent a few precious minutes together. When they broke from each other there were tears and smiles.
"Xe?"
The tall warrior turned at the mention of her name. "Yeah?"
Gabrielle motioned with her hand for her wife to join them.
"So there Hunka Warrior Babe, you takin' good care of my girl?" The Goddess was serious in her joking fashion.
"She's alive isn't she?" Xena couldn't help the smart remark. She didn't care if Aphrodite was her wife's parent, she didn't care for the Gods.
"Ha ha, Xena. I meant are you keeping her happy? If you get my drift." She elbowed the tall warrior in her ribs.
"I get it, and so does she, if you get mine." She wagged her eyebrows.
Janice burst out laughing. "Good joke there, Xe."
"Thanks for your support, Jan." Xena turned back to their hosts. "I hate to be forward, but have you got any food here? We weren't expecting to be down here this long."
Just as she spoke, Gabrielle's stomach growled with a passion.
The voluptuous blonde Goddess laughed. "You get that particular trait from her." She pulled the small blonde close to her side. Erianna's hand rested gently on the planed stomach of her lover.
"I have a tendency to eat a little more than most people consider to be normal." She cleared her throat.
"Now we know who started this whole thing!" Jan looked at her lover and nodded as if they had solved a great mystery.
"We have plenty of food. Anything you want. Tell Pat and it will be prepared. We should retire to the dining room if we are going to sup.
Pat stepped from the corner where the servant had been standing. Jan frowned at the person. She walked around trying to figure the sex of the being. "So, Pat. What are you?"
"I beg your pardon?" Pat eyed her strangely.
"Are you..." She was stopped in mid question by the professor.
"Jan?" Melinda spoke her lover's name softly.
"Hum?" Jan turned to find what her intended wanted.
Mel shook her head in a negative fashion. Some days she had to control her lover's curiosity.
Jan sighed. "Never mind."
"Very well. What would you like to eat?"
Jan grinned. "How 'bout a little pu...."
"JAN!" Melinda about jumped out of her skin trying to get to Janice before she embarrassed her completely.
Aphrodite laughed out loud. "You are so my people, Jan. I'm glad the genes got passed down somewhere." She threw an arm around the blonde warrior.
"I think sushi for me." Gabrielle hadn't had good sushi since she and Candace had shared a body. She took a long draw off of her shake. Ice cream was another thing she missed.
"Oh my gawwd! Me, too." Skye was all over the sushi thing.
"What is sushi?" Xena didn't even like the sound of the word.
"It's bait." Jan had to get her opinion in.
"Janice is almost correct. It's raw fish, ahtfully placed on rice that has been spiced with rice wine vinegah and wasabi. It is quite exotic." Melinda had the description down to a science.
"Bleah! I had something like it in Chin. Didn't like it then. Can't imagine liking it now." Xena shivered at the thought.
"I know what you would like." Jan slapped Xena on the back. "Xena and I want two Angus beef T-bones this thick." She held her fingers about an inch apart. "Medium rare. Bakers with the works. Hold the salad. Ruins the flavor of the meat." Janice grinned.
Xena shrugged. "I'm game. Just none of that fish stuff."
"Very well. Melinda what will you have?" Pat's hands were held behind the back.
"Southern fried chicken, fried okra and grits. Scratch that. Too much fat." She began to think of a different option.
"Mel there is no fat in anything you eat here. Go for it." Erianna smiled at her.
"Then mah original ordah stands." She clapped her hands together once.
"Good choice. It won't be long. This way to the dining room." Pat led them down a large hallway.
The dining room was as ornate as the entry way. Finely carved mahogany furniture completed the area. "Please be seated ladies. I'll choose the wine."
"Wow! You guys know how to decorate! This is simply fabulous." Skye appreciated the well-furnished dwelling.
"Thanks a ton, Skye. This is really just so cool, huh?" Aphrodite looked around at the home she had made with her wife. It was truly wonderful. But she knew she would give it all up for her love. Everything she had from her Godhood on down, was in the hands of the small blonde. She was as smitten as any warrior had ever been with a woman of her making. But she had the original.
"Way cool." Skye couldn't help but agree.
The group sat at the large table surrounded by several servants. Xena was thrilled with the steak, devouring it in its entirety. The bone was in trouble of being consumed. Gabrielle and Skye made out well with their meal. Gabrielle had her sinuses cleaned out a few times, but all in all survived. Mel savored her meal slowly. The food reminded her of her grandmother's cooking. Just like back home.
"So, Xena Babe. I hear through the grapevine that you have a new daddy. What's the scoop?" Aphrodite played dumb blonde. Not very convincingly either.
"I think you know the answer to that, Aph." Xena's reply was terse at best.
"I do for sure. How's it feel?" She tried to make light of the news.
"How should it feel?" Xena wasn't up for small talk or beating around the bush.
"More powerful maybe?" It was only an icebreaker.
"No. I feel the same." She told the truth as she knew it.
"You two don't understand what you have, do you?" The Goddess looked to her lover and then back to the women.
Jan, Mel and Skye quietly finished their meals, while keeping an ear tuned to the conversation.
"Care to share.......Mom?" Gab emphasized the last word on purpose. "What is it we have exactly?"
"You have the ability to defeat the Gods at any time you please. I should say, the four of you together do. What the others have is different. They can defend against the Gods, but they cannot defeat them. You guys though. Hoo!"
"Can we kill 'em?" Xena was beginning to like the idea.
The Goddess frowned. "I don't know. I am not sure if defeat means to rule over or destroy."
"I'll let you know." The warrior grinned. Gabrielle, Aph and Erianna shook their heads.
Melinda frowned in curiosity. "May Ah ask a question?"
"Certainly, Melinda." Erianna was allowing her wife to share the information. She saw no reason to exclude the rest of the group from the discussion. It was about all of them.
"What, if any, individual gifts do they possess?"
"Always to the point, eh Prof? People seem to forget that I am the Goddess of Fertility, as well as, Love and well, as you know....Sex. Miss Gabby here can get our girl Warrior preggers."
"You're shittin' me." Gabrielle had suddenly taken up speaking like Jan.
"Gabrielle, I will ask you to watch your mouth." Erianna gave her daughter the look.
"Yes, ma'am." Gabrielle was apologetic.
"To answer your statement there, Squirt. At the right time you can, if you so choose." She smiled. It was the same gift that had brought Gabrielle into the world to begin with. It was the greatest blessing Aphrodite had ever been given. Her daughter.
"How will we know?" The Bard wanted to better understand.
"When you are both ready, it will just happen." Aphrodite smiled at her lover. She knew Erianna would love to be a grandmother.
"Wow. Well, now we know how your side of the family gets started. After Eve that is." Gabrielle ribbed her wife.
"Wanna go practice?" Xena wagged her eyebrows.
"Later, babe." Gabrielle placed a sweet kiss on Xena's high cheek.
"What about, Xe? What does she have?" Skye wondered what her grandmother possessed.
"You have all seen what she has. Superhuman strength. Healing powers beyond the grasp of mortals. She practically flies. She can discern the Gods’ presence. She and Gabrielle will both live well beyond the days of normal mortals. Even after the crucifixion." The Goddess dropped her head.
"Nice reminder, Aph. Thanks." Xena cringed at the thought.
"It will all work out in the end, Xena. I swear." Aphrodite was serious.
"That coming from a God. Thanks, but no thanks." She shook her head.
"Xena, contrary to what you believe, I care a great deal for both of you. You are my daughter-in-law for goodness sake. I love both of you." The truth in her voice was obvious.
Xena raised an eyebrow. "OK I concede. It will be for the best, but it sounds horrid."
"It is."
"Dinner was scrumptious, Erianna. Thank you so much!" Skye knew a sensitive moment when he saw it. Time to lighten the mood.
"You are so welcome, young man." She stood at the head of the table and addressed the group. "Would you do us the honor and stay with us this evening? We have plenty of room."
"Oh, Xe. Can we? Please?" Gabrielle begged her wife.
"We really need to get Time back to the Glass." Xena wasn't too keen on the idea of spending more time than they had to.
"It's in good hands, Xena." Skye reassured her.
"Skye, Jan, Mel?" Gab asked approval of the others.
"I could use the rest. And a soft bed with my warm wife....well, soon to be wife."
"What? Jan you never told us! Mel?" Gabrielle smiled widely at her friends.
"Yes, Gabrielle. We ah goin' ta tie the knot." Melinda was proud of her
"When?" She wanted to be sure to plan ahead.
"We're not sure. It has to be before we leave. Well, if we leave." Janice was as unsure of the future as any of them. For all they knew, they could be sent back any time.
"You'll be returned to your own time eventually. May we come to the wedding?" Aphrodite didn't usually ask permission for anything.
"Well, hell yeah! Candace and Taylor are getting married, too. Hot damn! We should have a double." Jan slapped the table.
"Perhaps we should ask them first, sweetheart." Mel was always practical.
"I'm gonna do just that." The doctor had plans running through her head.
"Well, it seems we have house guests, Pat. Please prepare the rooms." The princess waved her hand.
"As you wish, your Highness." Pat disappeared down the hall.
The rest of the evening was spent over coffee and small talk. Janice surfed the web, while her lover read. Skye watched the cooking channel and Lynnette Jennings. Gabrielle, Xena, Erianna and the Goddess of Love and Fertility talked the night away. None of them knew that hell could be so peaceful.
=/~~~~~~~~~~~~~>
To be continued.........