DISCLAIMER
Joxer, Meg, and Autolycus belong
to Universal Studios/Studios USA. I'm only borrowing these characters for this
piece of experimental fiction. Everything else is from my incwedibwy scewy mind.
NYAH!! Uh-huh-huh-huh.
PARENTAL ADVISORIES
Be warned. This
story is VERY dark. There's extreme violence-physical and psychological. There
is also the discussion of a rape and its aftermath. If you are under sixteen,
GET OUT OF HERE NOW. THIS ISN'T FOR YOU. My writing is usually pretty intense.
This ain't Teletubbies.
If you're looking for the silly Joxer and
Meg-THIS ISN'T THE STORY TO READ.
THE GENESIS OF THIS PIECE
I
know, I know. I said I wasn't going to write another fanfic piece. But to my
great shock, my silly little story BRAVING THE INNER STORM got quite a reaction.
I was stunned by it. I'm STILL scratching my head in disbelief today. Or maybe
it's the lice. >:-P Anyway, I was humbled and flattered by the responses. So,
the wheels in my head began to turn again.
What could I do as a sequel?
I figured that I wanted to turn more people on to my writing talents. Reasoning?
I'm an aspiring writer-and hey, it worked for Melissa Good. I didn't want to
center the new piece around Joxer again. I don't like to repeat stuff I did
before. So, I began to think about Meg this time. Meg is a prostitute, and has
obviously had a dark past. Why not explore that? Nobody else has, either on the
show or in fan fiction.
So, I began playing around with ideas. BRAVING
THE INNER STORM was easier, because I was working in part off the episode THE
CONVERT. I was also using some of my panic attack experiences to help color the
story. This new piece required a LOT more thought. It REALLY was a challenge to
write.
I started writing August 26. I ended October 20. This is more the
average time for me, in terms of writing a story of this length. BRAVING THE
INNER STORM, by contrast, took 2 1/2 weeks. In the case of A TASTE OF DEJA VU, I
had a lot more to think about, and the writing environment was pretty stressful
this time around. The end result is a piece that is very different from STORM.
Despite what some of you may say, this really is my final Joxer/Meg
story. But it may not be my final fanfic. There may be one or two more. If and
when I do them, I'm planning on using Xena and Gabrielle.
However, it's
going to be quite a while before I write another fanfic piece again. I have to
get back to work on my novel.
Anyway-I'm outta here. Enjoy the sequel.
For first-time readers of my work, it does help if you read BRAVING THE INNER
STORM first, since there are one or two characters here that you will not be
familiar with. These original characters appear in the first story.
As
always, please tell me what you think of the piece-AND BE BRUTALLY HONEST. Don't
hold ANYTHING back. I can handle it. An artist HAS to take criticism, NO MATTER
HOW NEGATIVE IT IS.
Later.
Saul Trabal
October 20, 1999
A crisp wind blew through the morning air. It twisted
and turned, poked and pushed. Sweeping up a few stray leaves, the wind soared up
and on, towards the open window of a large wooden house. A beautiful woman stood
there, gazing out into the massive forest before her. The wind caught her hair,
sweeping it up until a great mane of black whipped in the breeze. Her brilliant,
ice blue eyes surveyed the forest, and then the ground below her. A warm smile
formed on her beautiful, angular face as she relished the caress of the morning
air. She closed her eyes, and took a deep breath, savoring the air's
cleanliness.
"Ahhhh..." she purred. "It doesn't get any better than
this."
"Really, Meg??"
The woman smiled saucily at the sound of
the man's voice. Then she felt two arms snake around her, hands gently cupping
her stomach. She readily leaned back into the man's embrace.
"Mmmmm..."
she purred again.
She turned around, and her companion lowered his lips
to hers. They parted, and soon, tongues began tasting each other eagerly,
caressing, dueling. After a few moments of this, the couple stopped kissing.
They placed their foreheads together. The woman smiled again, her blue eyes
glowing with love and passion.
"Morning Joxer." she said softly.
Joxer returned the smile.
"Morning Meg."
He leaned
forward, nuzzling Meg's neck. She pulled her head back to give him better
access.
"Joxie?"
"Hmmm?" he mumbled against her soft skin.
"Sweetie, we've got to get ready."
Joxer traced little circles
around her skin with his tongue.
"I want to stay here."
Meg
sighed.
"We can't. We've got a lot to do."
Joxer
nuzzled her neck a bit more. He sighed himself. Joxer pulled back, looking into
Meg's eyes.
"Gods, Meg. I want to spend some more time with you."
Meg smiled sadly, placing her hand on the side of Joxer's face.
"And I want to spend more time with you. Gods, that month and a half was
too long, Joxer."
She looked away for a few moments. Her eyes grew cold.
Her lips twisted into a snarl.
"Damn that Stamrus..."
Joxer
quickly placed his hand on her chin, turning her face towards his.
"Forget about him. Xena took care of him."
Meg's eyes narrowed.
"After what he tried to do to us, that ain't gonna be easy,
Joxer."
Joxer leaned in, pressing his lips against hers. His tongue
gently pushed against her lips, asking for entrance. Meg quickly complied, and
the two kissed each other deeply. Meg moaned into Joxer's mouth. She sucked
greedily on his tongue. After a few heated moments, Joxer pulled back. He smiled
devilishly.
"I get the feeling last night wasn't enough."
Meg
raised an eyebrow.
"Joxer, I was waiting on you for over a month and a
half. I wanted to ravish you last night."
Joxer's eyebrows went up
a bit.
"That...ya did Meg."
Meg smiled wickedly.
"Uh-uh. That, sweetie, was just a warm-up."
Joxer
swallowed hard. His eyes widened.
"W-W-Warm up??"
Meg chuckled
heartily. She traced Joxer's jaw with her finger.
"Oh yeah. I've got
plans for you later, sweetie."
Meg walked past him and over to a chair,
picking up some clean clothes. She sighed.
"Anyway, I'm gonna take a
bath."
Meg walked up to the door, opening it. She turned towards Joxer,
raising an eyebrow.
"Wanna join me?"
She left the room. Joxer
ripped off his clothes in seconds, chasing after Meg.
Maria took
a bite out of her piece of bread. She looked at Joxer with a sly grin. Joxer
stared at her, puzzled.
"What??"
The huge, muscular woman
chuckled, and shook her head.
"Nothing."
Joxer put down his
fork. He smiled uncertainly.
"C'mon. What."
Maria smiled
mischievously. Her eyes turned towards Meg, who was approaching the table with
her breakfast. Meg sat down next to Joxer, placing her food on the table. Maria
raised an eyebrow.
"Sounds like you enjoyed your bath, Joxer."
Joxer blushed, turning a deep crimson. Suddenly, the patterns on the
table cloth looked incredibly interesting. Meg leaned towards Joxer, raising an eyebrow. A gentle grin curled her lips.
"I know I did."
Joxer's brows knitted, and he let out a tight, nervous smile. He grew
even redder, if that was at all possible.
"Meeeeeeg...!!"
Maria laughed heartily. Meg kissed Joxer on the cheek. She nodded
towards Joxer's plate.
"C'mon sweetie. Eat your eggs."
Joxer
glared at Maria, then at Meg. He shook his head.
"Boy. You two are
bad."
Meg smiled devilishly.
"You betcha."
Maria
shrugged.
"Meg's a bad influence. What can I say?"
Joxer
chuckled. He took a bite out of his eggs. His eyes widened in surprise.
"Mmmph!! Hey, not bad!! Meg?? You made these?!"
"Yup."
Joxer turned towards Meg, pointing his fork at her.
"I'm telling
ya Meg, you've got a talent. I don't give a damn what anyone says. You're
really a gifted cook Meg."
Maria's eyebrows went up.
"I second
that."
Meg blushed, smiling shyly.
"Aw, c'mon."
"And I
third that."
The three looked up. A beautiful red-haired woman
approached the table, holding her plate of breakfast.
"Got room?"
Joxer waved her over.
"Ah c'mon. Join the fun, Francisca."
The woman smiled, curtsying.
"Thank you, Joxer the
Mighty."
Francisca got a chair, and sat down at the end of the table.
Meg smiled at her in gratitude.
"Fran's the one who's given me these
great cooking tips."
Francisca raised her hands, and shook her head.
"Whoa. Hold on there. Hold your horses. Meg, you had that talent in ya
before we even met. All I did was just add a little spice to the talent."
Joxer nodded in agreement.
"I agree. Meg, you shouldn't feel shy
about taking credit for your talent. You've always been a great cook. I believe
in you Meg. Don't sell yourself short."
Meg turned to Joxer and smiled
warmly at him. She was deeply touched.
"Thanks."
The four
friends dug into their food. There was silence for a few moments as they ate.
Then Maria spoke up.
"So! What's the plan? You guys are going to Kratos
then?"
Francisca nodded, swallowing her food.
"Uh-huh. That's
where we're going to pick up some furniture. Gods, Maria, you should've seen the
stuff I saw. I mean, really high-quality, classy chairs and tables. And the
prices are pretty darned decent!!"
Maria nodded.
"Yeah! I've
heard of Mirtos. That guy's developing quite a reputation."
"How much
furniture are ya planning to get?" asked Joxer.
Francisca sighed,
scratching her chin in thought.
"Weeeeeelll...I was hoping we could get
another four tables, and about ten chairs. The stuff we got to replace what
Stamrus wrecked is...well, it's not the best stuff we got."
Maria
grimaced at the mention of Stamrus's name.
"Bastard..."
Francisca nodded. Her eyes grew cold.
"Yeah. really."
Meg shook her head. She spoke up.
"Not to mention that the local
guy, Calios, makes crappy furniture." she mumbled harshly. "Crappy, expensive
furniture."
Joxer put down his fork. He sighed heavily.
"Ares' balls."
Meg turned towards him, eyebrows knitted.
"What?"
Joxer turned to Meg, eyes full of guilt.
"I
broke some furniture too. I should pay you guys."
Meg raised her eyebrow
in confusion. Maria stared at Joxer, bewildered.
"Joxer, what in
Tartarus are ya talking about?"
Joxer hesitantly looked at Maria.
"Well...you remember when I messed up my hand, punching out that
mirror?"
"Uh...yeah??"
"Well, I-I...before I did that, I messed
up a few tables and chairs...I-I was so upset about having to leave Meg. I-I
should pay you for some of those tables and-"
"Forget it." said Meg
firmly.
Joxer turned towards Meg, his face full of guilt and
bewilderment.
"But-"
Meg instantly clutched his chin. Her blue
eyes bored into his.
"No. Don't even think about it."
Joxer swallowed hard, seeing the anger and determination blazing in her
ice-blue eyes. He hesitantly grasped the wrist of the hand that held his chin.
"You guys...worked so hard for those..."
Meg raised her eyebrows.
"My problem. You let me handle that."
She moved in, and tenderly kissed Joxer on the lips. Meg caressed his
face lovingly. She raised an eyebrow.
"Now, eat. Before your food gets
cold."
Joxer sighed, and shook his head. He picked at his eggs. Meg
rubbed Joxer's leg with affection. She turned towards Maria.
"So-you
replaced the front wheel?"
Maria nodded.
"Yep. Runs like new."
Francisca chuckled, shaking her head.
"That's one durable
carriage."
Maria nodded in agreement.
"Yeah, really. About a good
half of the lumber we used to build this place was carried in that thing. They
don't make carriages like that anymore."
She sighed.
"Aaaaand
Mercury & Apollo finished up their hay this morning. They're filled up and
ready to go."
"They're nice horses." said Joxer. "And boy, does Apollo
love carrots!! He can't get enough of them!!"
Meg chuckled.
"Got that right. Sometimes, I wonder if that horse is a
reincarnated rabbit!"
The four chuckled. They soon finished their
breakfasts. Francisca turned to Maria.
"So-you're staying here?
Maria nodded, wiping her mouth.
"Mm-hmm. Got some fixing up to
do around here. Then I'm gonna see someone in town later."
"Gotcha."
Francisca turned to Meg and Joxer.
"So, it's gonna be the three
of us then."
Meg nodded.
"That's right."
Joxer stood up.
"I'll go get the horses."
"I'll go with ya." said Francisca.
The pair took their plates and walked into the kitchen. Maria turned to
Meg.
"How much you taking?"
Meg shrugged.
"Ehh...about
300 dinars."
Maria rose to her feet.
"So-I'll see you back here
in a couple of hours?"
Meg got up as well, picking up her plate.
"About that, yeah."
"All right then. You guys be careful out
there."
Meg smiled.
"We will."
"Whoa, guys.
Whoa."
Francisca brought the horses to a stop. They were now overlooking
the small town of Kratos.
"What's up, Fran?" asked Meg.
Francisca grimaced.
"Damn hole in the road. It's gotten bigger.
Must've been the rain several days ago. Let's see if I can get around it.
Yaaa..."
Francisca gently snapped the reins, and the horses drew the
carriage carefully around the hole. Joxer's eyebrows went up.
"Huh. That needs to be filled up. Don't want a horse or carriage getting
caught in that."
Meg looked around. She frowned. Joxer noticed
this, and his brows knitted.
"What's up, Meg?" he asked.
Meg
sighed.
"I was just remembering when you and I were here last..."
Joxer grasped Meg's hand. His eyes narrowed in pity.
"Meg..."
She lowered her head.
"Ya know, I cried a lot when I got home. I
missed you so much..."
Joxer wrapped his arm around her, and drew Meg
close.
"I'm here now."
He tenderly kissed her on the cheek. Meg
grasped Joxer's hand, and squeezed it tight.
"I hope you're gonna
stick around for a while." she said softly.
Joxer nodded.
"Yeah.
I am."
Meg turned towards him, smiling warmly.
"I'm glad to hear
that."
"Okay, you two lovebirds." teased Francisca. "We're entering
town."
Meg and Joxer looked up. The streets were filled with people. A
group of women were busy sorting and examining assorted fruits and vegetables.
In another area, warriors were haggling with a merchant over some weapons.
Children ran about, laughing and playing. Francisca steered the carriage towards
a large structure in the center of town. She pulled up alongside of it, bringing
the horses to a stop.
"Here it is." said Francisca. "Mirtos's
Furniture."
"Great!" answered Meg. "Let's get going!"
The three
of them got off the carriage, and entered the large wooden building. Meg gasped
in shock at the massive amount of furniture inside.
"Wow!!" she
exclaimed.
Francisca turned towards her, smiling.
"What did I
tell ya?"
Meg walked over to several chairs, giving them a close examination. A
saleswoman walked up to her, smiling.
"May I help you miss?"
Meg looked up, eyebrows raised.
"Huh? Oh yeah!! I'm looking
around for a few chairs and tables. How much do these chairs go for?"
"20 dinars. Finest quality chairs you can buy."
Meg nodded
slowly, scratching her chin.
"Hmmm...20 dinars, huh?"
She pursed
her lips, walking around several chairs, once again taking a close look at them.
The saleswoman spoke up once more.
"How many were you planning on buying,
miss?"
Meg's eyes narrowed in thought.
"Dunno yet. I'll let ya
know."
"And tables? You said you were interested in tables."
Meg
straightened up, rubbing her chin absently.
"Oh yeah...tables..."
She turned to the saleswoman.
"Where are they?"
The
woman pointed to an area just off to her right. An assortment of tables stood
before them. Meg raised an eyebrow.
"Price range?"
"From 45 to
75 dinars."
Meg nodded slowly.
"Hmmmmm....I see..."
She
looked around, and sighed.
"I'll let ya know. Thanks."
The
saleswoman nodded.
"No problem, Miss. My name is Daria. Call me if you
need me."
"Good enough."
The saleswoman walked off. Joxer and
Francisca walked up to Meg's side.
"What do ya think?" asked Francisca.
Meg's eyes widened a bit.
"Not bad! Actually, I'm pretty
impressed. Way better than that centaur shit Calios tries to pass off."
She turned to Joxer.
"Whaddaya think, Jox?"
Joxer nodded
slowly.
"Hmmm...I like it. Nice stuff!"
He turned to Meg.
"Listen, I'm going into town. Just going to look around for a few odds
and ends. I'll meet you guys back here in a little bit."
Meg nodded.
"Okay. Sounds good to me."
She gave him a quick kiss on the
cheek. Meg smiled.
"Later."
Joxer grinned. He turned and left
the building.
"For the last time. 25 dinars. Not one dinar
less!!"
Joxer growled in frustration. He looked up at the old man with desparation.
"Aw, c'mon!! Please!! It's for my girlfriend!! C'mon,
haven't you ever been in love before?!"
The old man's face remained
cold, impassive. Joxer bit his tongue, turning aside for a moment.
"...probably hasn't even been laid before..." he muttered under his
breath.
The old man's eyes widened in surprise and anger.
"What
was that?!"
Joxer turned towards him, smiling innocently.
"Aw
c'mon pops. Please. I can't afford more than 20 dinars."
The old
man growled. He walked around the counter, eyeing Joxer face-to-face. Joxer
recoiled slightly in fear. The old man suddenly reached out and grabbed his
nose, twisting it hard. Joxer cried out in pain.
"Yeeeeeooouch!!!!"
"Are you as stupid as you are deaf?!" began the old man. "Let me
make this clear then. For the thousandth time, the price is twenty-five
dinars. Twenty-five. Not twenty-two, twenty three, or even
twenty-four. Twenty-five. Got it?!"
Joxer struggled in his
grasp. His face was beet-red. A tear rolled down his cheek.
"Yeah,
yeah, yeah!! Let go my dose!!"
The old man smiled cruelly, taking perverse pleasure at seeing Joxer suffer. Suddenly, the old man felt someone grab his
right ear, giving it a vicious twist backwards. He shrieked in agony.
"Aaaaaiaghhhhh!!"
Meg drew close to the old man's ear,
her face twisted into a heated snarl.
"Let go of my boyfriend's nose!!"
she hissed.
The old man instantly let go. Joxer pulled back, rubbing his
nose.
"Ouch!!" he exclaimed. "He almost ripped it
off!!"
Meg growled savagely. She twisted the old man's ear again. He
cried out in pain.
" Aaaaaigghh!! I give, I give!!"
"I
tell ya what ya gonna give, ya scum-sucking sonofa-bacchai! Yer gonna
give my boyfriend an apology."
"I-I-I-I-I'm-I'm sorry mister!! I-I'm
sorry!!"
Meg snarled in disgust.
"Ya got that right."
She gave him a vicious shove backwards. He fell hard onto the ground. Joxer
couldn't believe the fury in Meg's face. It was frightening.
Meg turned
towards Joxer, her eyes ablaze.
"What was that about?!"
Joxer trembled in fear at the coldness in Meg's eyes.
"I-I-I
just wanted to buy you some perfume. I-I was trying to haggle the price down
from 25 to 20 dinars."
Meg's face softened a bit. She turned to the
old man, a dark scowl covering her face again.
"This how ya treat yer
customers, huh?!"
The old man stared at Meg in terror. Meg snatched a
perfume bottle from his table.
"Twenty-five dinars? For this?"
She opened up the bottle and poured all of its contents onto his head.
The old man screamed in pain as the perfume burned his injured ear.
"I
wouldn't pay one dinar for this horse piss." Meg spat heatedly.
She dropped the bottle onto the ground as the old man cried, clutching
his burning ear. Meg walked over to Joxer, slinging her arm around his.
"Let's get out of here."
The pair left, and soon they were near
the entrance to an alley. Meg pushed Joxer against the side of a building. Joxer
gasped.
"Meg, what-"
"Shhh! Let me take a look."
Meg
examined Joxer's nose. It was dark red, and an ugly bruise began to form
on the bridge. Meg's eyes narrowed in sadness and pity.
"Oh sweety..."
She tenderly kissed it. Meg pulled back slightly, She looked deep into
Joxer's eyes.
"Joxie, I don't want you spending money on gifts for me."
"B-But Meg-"
Meg quickly placed her fingers on Joxer's lips.
"There's only one thing I want. You. Nothing else."
She
pulled his head down, and tenderly kissed him. Her tongue caressed his with affection.
Meg pulled back, gazing at Joxer with a warm smile. He blushed, a shy grin crossing his features.
"I...I-I love you Meg."
Meg pressed up against him, rubbing her
forehead on his.
"I love you too, Joxer."
She kissed him
tenderly on the nose, caressing it with her lips. Meg pulled back, and took his
hand.
"C'mon sweetie. Let's go."
Meg led Joxer out into the
street. They walked along quietly for a few moments, holding hands. As they
passed another alley, Joxer suddenly heard the sounds of someone crying. He
stopped instantly.
"Hold up."
Meg looked at him, puzzled.
"What?"
"You hear that?"
Meg listened. She heard the
crying. It sounded like that of a young girl. Meg and Joxer looked at each
other.
"Let's take a look." said Meg.
The pair walked into the
alley. Soon, the sounds of crying stopped. Meg turned to Joxer, and placed a
finger to her lips. Joxer nodded. The two crept forward. Meg spotted a
small side door. She walked towards it, and suddenly spotted a young woman,
cowering in terror. She had been beaten severely, and her clothes were torn. She
stared at Meg, burrowing further and further into a corner. Meg gasped in shock.
"By...the...gods!!"
Joxer's face filled with pain and an
overwhelming sense of pity. He began to approach her.
"N-No!! No!!"
shrieked the young woman.
"I'm not going to hurt you." said Joxer
in a gentle tone. " I just want to help."
"N-No!! Go away!! "
Meg
turned to Joxer.
"Let me handle this."
Joxer nodded. Meg slowly
approached the girl. The girl cowered even more.
"P-P-PPlease
don't-don't hurt me!!"
Meg stared at her, puzzled.
"Now why
would I want to do that?" she said softly. "Sweetheart, you're badly hurt. You
need help. I can help you."
Meg crouched down, giving the girl a warm,
friendly smile.
"Don't be afraid. You can trust me."
The girl
sensed Meg was telling the truth. She straightened up somewhat, still eyeing Meg
cautiously. Meg, ever so slowly, approached her. She carefully outstretched her
hand, delicately touching the girl's face. Meg tenderly stroked it. At this, the
young woman broke down and began to cry. Meg took the young girl into her arms,
holding her close.
"Ssssshhh, sweetheart. It's gonna be okay. Don't cry.
Sssshhhh...."
Meg rocked the girl slowly in her arms. Joxer stared at
the young girl's injuries. Rage began to rise in him. What kind of monster would
do this to a young girl?!
Joxer knelt down beside Meg, smiling at the young woman with tender affection.
"Hi. My name's Joxer. This is my girlfriend, Meg. What's your
name?"
The young woman looked shyly at Joxer.
"G-Gladys."
Meg gently grasped the young girl's chin, turning it so they were
face-to-face.
"Who did this to you?"
The young girl swallowed
hard.
"M-Men. Tsao-Li's men."
At hearing the name, Meg's color drained from her face. Both Joxer and the girl noticed this
immediately. Concern filled Joxer's face.
"M-Meg? Meg, what is it?"
Meg stared out into space for a few moments, her eyes filling with
anxiety. She quickly turned back to the girl.
"Gladys, this is
important! Is this Tsao-Li a foreigner?? Almond-shaped eyes?? From the land of
Chin?!"
The girl's eyes widened in shock.
"H-How do you know
that?!"
Meg gasped. She swallowed hard, and began glancing around
nervously. Joxer grew alarmed at Meg's behavior.
"Meg, what's going
on?!"
Meg grabbed Joxer by the arm, and pulled him close. Her eyes were
full of terror.
"Joxer, we've got to get this girl out of here!!
Now!!"
"B-But who is-"
"I don't have time to
explain!!" snapped Meg angrily. "Just get Francisca and tell her to bring
the cart here!! Now!!"
Joxer nodded, and began to get up, but Meg
grabbed his arm again.
"Hold it!!" she exclaimed.
Meg turned to
Gladys.
"How many men are chasing you?"
"Four!!"
Meg
turned to Joxer.
"Alright go!! Hurry!!"
Joxer ran off.
Gladys stared at Meg in bewilderment.
"H-How do you know Tsao-Li?!"
Meg grimaced. She held the girl close. A tear ran down Meg's cheek.
"Because I used to be one of his women."
Part 2
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