RealmGen

"RETREAT!!!!!" Screamed the Warrior Princess. The Amazons were being overrun by a mysterious army and found themselves unable to cause a single fatality. Xena herself hadn't dealt out much more than random flesh wounds. The only thing left to do was run or die. "AMAZON�S RETREAT!!!!!"

Xena later returned to the meadow some of the Amazons were calling "The Battlefield of Death." She surveyed the aftermath of the day's battle; over half of the Amazon forces lay dead in the field. The fierceness of this new army was frightful, if you didn�t run you died. Their skill in battle was without equal. They had a style of fighting that she had never seen before and prayed that she never would again. She knew she wouldn't be that lucky. She bowed her head for just a moment in disbelief of the days slaughter then squared her shoulders and left the once pleasant meadow now littered with broken bodies.

Needing a moment to collect her thoughts, Xena walked to a small stream near the Amazon village. Flowers edged the stream like a colorful border and the early evening air was thick with their scent. The water flowed clear and free, unaware of the atrocities that war brings. Unaware that it had occurred only a candle mark's walk away. The quiet peace of this place had only just begun to calm her when a scent drifted in... the funeral pyres. Time to go back. Showing respect to those who had lost their lives was the least she could do. She'd have to try and think there... she had to find Gabrielle. Gabrielle thinks in terms of life, not pride or fool hearted bravery.

*****

With her own small wounds forgotten, Gabrielle set about helping tend the injuries of her sister Amazons. She also noted (as Xena did) that their numbers had dwindled to about half strength, only 100 left. They couldn't survive another attack. Runners had been dispatched days ago to the nearest Amazon villages to warn them and, hopefully, return with help. It would be weeks before they would get word. They could be dead by then. Gabrielle had considered seeking help from the Centaurs but was overridden by Varia, the Queen of this Amazon tribe. It seemed the Centaur numbers had diminished to almost nothing. A single battle could wipe them from the face of the Earth. Varia would not have their blood on her hands. If the Centaurs chose to fight it would not be at her behest.

The first of the funeral pyres were ignited; Gabrielle stood motionless, barley able to breath. There were so many dead. So many skilled warriors, friends, gone. Something had to be done. The days' battle replayed in her mind sending a shiver down her spine. She could see the death and smell the blood as if she were still there. She realized she was holding herself. She needed to find Xena. They needed to sit down with Varia and her second in command to discuss their alternatives. She only hoped that Varia would have a clear head when they spoke, being hot headed and stubborn was not an option. Xena had tried to help Varia with that; time to see of it paid off.

*****

"The Oracle said that the warrior that can and will defeat the head of this army would be found in the future." Revealed a panting Amazon runner named Merta.

"What else," asked Varia, rising from her desk. She had been going over maps of their territory with her second.

"She said that we had the ritual; that it had been done once before; that it had to be done again. The Oracle said that the warrior would be of both Xena's and Gabrielle's lines. That she would benefit not just from this lifetime but others as well. Their reincarnated souls would strengthen the bloodline. They would create an ultimate warrior." Merta finished, catching her breath.

Xena and Gabrielle were entering the Queens hut for their meeting when Merta had begun. They were staggered by what they heard. A warrior of their bloodline; but that was neither here nor there...neither of them would condone taking an unsuspecting soul from the future, no matter what the cost. Varia thought it was a relative thing. Xena and Gabrielle just didn't think it proper to mess with people's lives.

*****

The meeting was not going well. Varia was being quite obstinate, insisting that they go with the Oracle's advice. She freely admitted to not trusting every prophecy she heard, but she sensed they had run out of options. It was this or die. Xena felt differently. There were always options, you just had to look for them. Gabrielle, who had never run from anything in her life, thought that maybe it was time to run. Xena began to agree.

The three bickered and argued for what seemed like an eternity in Tartarus. The moon was high when Jana, Varia's second in command, came bursting into the room and was almost killed by three startled warriors. After all of the women regained their collective composure, Jana handed Varia an old, faded piece of parchment. It was brittle around the edges and had to be handled with the utmost care. The parchment was a copy of a stone carving. A carving made at the inception of the Amazons. It detailed the use of the Atma Dagger, the arrival of the first savior of the Amazons and how the ritual was performed. Xena and Gabrielle had known of the ritual for years, but had conveniently forgotten about it when faced with the prospect of its use. And now, Varia read through the parchment with great interest. Not one to dawdle, the Queen instructed Jana to begin the ceremony immediately. Gabrielle could barely contain her rage; Xena was forced to usher her out before she issued the Royal Challenge. The Amazons did not need an uprising right now.

*****

Friday evening and the last of her students has just departed. Angela locked the studio doors and prepared for her own workout. The training hall had belonged to her kung-fu master; Master Lao Chen. Master Lao had been able to trace his family back for well over 2000 years. "That's the Chinese for you," she said to no one. She couldn't trace her family back four generations. Westerners don't value family and history the way the Chinese do. "Terrible trait that." As she made her way back into the training hall she reminisced about her instruction with Master Lao. He had trained her the "Old Way." The way the Chinese had been training for centuries, hard, with no mercy. Master Lao had taken a five year old girl and turned her into a 5'6" 140 pound dynamo. She was proficient in every weapon in the Chinese arsenal, and then some. She had studied multiple forms of kung-fu. Northern and Southern styles. She had no equal. Master Lao had seen to that. Sometimes she thought that he was just a crazy old man with delusions of grandeur. But mostly, she really missed him.

Angela had been working out all day with her students but that barely resembled a warm up where she as concerned. Funny though, all day long she felt her adrenaline kicking in for no good reason. Her body just didn't do that. She'd been training and honing her body and senses since she was five when Master Lao took her in. She controlled her body, it didn't control her. That's what combining kung-fu, philosophy, and deep meditation will do. But today was different; and now she was on a full adrenaline surge that wasn't letting up. There was only one thing to do... use it. Angie decided she'd begin with some weapons forms to warm up with. She started with the Chinese broad sword and after about five forms she switched to the Chinese straight sword (also known as a Tai Chi sword).She was in mid form when something went seriously wrong...

*****

The flames touched the sky as the Amazons danced and chanted their way around the bon fire. Xena and Gabrielle were at the stream visited earlier by the Warrior Princess. Gabrielle needed to calm down and Xena knew of no other way but to remove the bard from the situation at hand. The distance from the Amazon village wasn't far enough though; they could still hear the drums and the chanting.

The sky was clear and the stream sparkled in the moonlight. Gabrielle took in the beauty of the night and used it to calm her soul. She was helpless against the serenity of this little piece of the Elysian Fields. It didn't take away her troubles but it did help her to sort them out. She thanked Xena for bringing her to this enchanted place. Xena was about to admit that she needed it just as much when the drums and chanting came to an abrupt stop.

"What the Hell???" Angela muttered in utter confusion. The chanting stopped and Varia approached the bewildered woman. Angela nervously told her to stay back but the Amazon Queen proceeded forward, not heeding the warning. Angela backed up into a defensive posture and gave the very last warning. Varia tried to calm her but it was too late; the queen never knew what hit her. Neither did fifteen other Amazons.

Xena and Gabrielle arrived quickly enough to see most of the fight. Since the newcomer wasn't actually killing anyone they decided not to interfere. Slowly, though, they both came to the realization that the Oracle may have been right. She fought like the men in that army, but quicker and with more precision. Xena usually fights anticipating her opponents move. This woman, however, manipulated her attackers with absolute ease. She created a situation that put her attackers where she wanted them; they didn't have a chance in Tartarus. She was amazing. Xena mused to herself that maybe they could learn from each other. She momentarily turned her gaze to Gabrielle only to find the bards jaw on the ground and her eyes opened wide in surprise.

*****

The Amazons finally decided to halt the attack. From the beginning it was more like a defensive maneuver for the Amazons and they were well aware of it. Xena decided it was time to try and talk down a very pissed off and frightened woman with very lethal fighting skills. She nudged Gabrielle and told her to do the "bard thing."

"What? Only if you're going with me!" whispered the bard. "She's up to 24 down, Xena!"

"Ok, I'll be right behind you but I don't want to seem too imposing. She's a loose catapult right now and I don't want her going off again. We don't need any more injuries; or deaths," the warrior forcefully whispered back.

With that, the two carefully made their way into plain view. Xena, not an arms length behind Gabrielle, remained very stoic in appearance, her warrior mask in place. Inside, though, was a different story. It wasn't fear. It was something else.

"My name is Gabrielle, this is Xena." The bard said. A genuinely caring sound to her voice, only the slightest hint of trepidation.

"Don't take another step." Angela said in a powerful yet frighteningly calm manner. Her sword was held low. She did not use it as part of the threat, she didn't need to... and she knew it. Gabrielle took it all in and continued.

"No one needs to get hurt. Just give me a chance to explain..."

"Explain what?! That I'm in the Fuckin' Twilight Zone!? That a bunch of savages were performing some sort of paganistic ritual... on ME!?" Angie paused from her tirade then continued on, flustered. "Ok... ok, so what's your version?"

Gabrielle took a step forward, "Well, first they..."

"I told you not to take another step." Reminded Angela, pointing at the bards feet.

"I'm sorry, I didn'�t realize..." Gabrielle noted that this woman had an authoritative air to her... the way she spoke... reminded her of Xena.

"Gabrielle... the bard thing," whispered the Warrior Princess, followed closely by a light nudge to the bard's shoulder.

Gabrielle went on to try and explain the entire situation; from the first word of this enigmatic army'�s approach to the very present. By this time Angela had stuck her sword into the ground and was standing with her arms loosely crossed and her head slightly bowed taking it all in; only sparing an occasional glance around at the Amazons. Her mind wandered for an instant to Master Lao. To his telling her of why he took her in, why he trained her so hard and why he sent her to China to train with the best masters in the world... he told her she needed to have the absolute best training if she were to survive her destiny. She wondered how much he actually knew.

Picking her sword out of the ground she walked up to the bard with a confident stride locking eyes with her. Xena, perceiving this as a possible threat, moved to place herself between the two. Angela, now only about five feet away, merely shook her head at Xena, gave a half smile and handed the warrior her sword. The Warrior Princess nodded and moved out of the way but stayed within reach. Xena had a pretty good idea of what this one was capable of, armed or not. As Angela stood there, Xena realized that she hadn�t even broken a sweat during the melee with the Amazons. Unbelievable!

"The name is Angela," she said as she held out her hand to Gabrielle. "I want to talk privately. Is that possible?"

"Yes, of course." Gabrielle said in amazement.

"Uh... do you mind if I come along?" Asked the warrior.

"Yeah, yes I just need to talk quietly and we can't do that out here," said Angela

*****

The three entered Xena and Gabrielle"s hut. Angela surveyed the hut and its accommodations, noting the placement of the beds, chairs, etc. She took a seat and sized up the two women before her. 'Xena' was tall, at least six foot, with long black hair and the most piercing blue eyes she'd ever seen. It was as if the warrior could see right through you; and her voice was like velvet. She wore a black leather bodice and skirt with a bonze breastplate sporting ornate scrollwork. The other, 'Gabrielle,' was shorter, maybe 5' 4", give or take. She resembled a fitness contestant in her build. Her hair was short, blonde, with a hint of red to it (bleached maybe?). And her eyes were the same emerald green as Angela's own. She felt as though she were staring into a reflection of herself when she looked into those eyes. The bard also had a very caring sound to her voice. It was real. Angela had picked the right people to talk to... and trust.

Gabrielle was amazed at the resemblance. Depending on the lighting Angela was a shorter version of Xena, the long raven locks, the presence, the way she walked... Xena was equally dumbfounded. Angela was a little taller than the bard, but her smile was the same, her eyes were the same bright green and she had the same look of innocence that could still be found in Gabrielle. She was also wearing what looked like... Pajamas? No, she'd seen similar garb before. Chin. Angela was dressed all in black. The pants tied around the ankles and at the waist. The top had long sleeves and buttoned down the middle. She wore a black sash around her waist with a tiger and dragon wrapped around each other in combat embroidered on the end. The footwear was another story. It was black also; laced up slippers maybe? Xena silently mused that this girl takes after her own heart... 'she likes black.'

"Now, let me get this straight. An Oracle told you to perform some ritual, get me, and fully expect me to fight for you?" Questioned Angela.

"Well... first of all, Xena and I were against it but they performed the ritual anyway. If you help, we live. If you don't... we all die. And that includes you. This army is sweeping across Greece... people are dying."

"Do I go home?" Angela interrupted.

"I don�t think so." Came a hoarse whisper from the bard.

"Great, that's just great." Angela was stranded with limited options. She put her head in her hands for a few moments and tried to think things through. She had to deal with the situation. Crying about it wouldn't help or keep her alive. She lifted her head up, looking Xena in the eye she quietly spoke, "tell me about this army."
Xena gave an accurate recount of the day's battle. She also went on to tell Angela that the battle lasted less than a candle mark.

"What's a candle mark?" Questioned Angela. "What is it, an hour, half an hour, ten minutes?" About an hour was her best guess after some more questioning. She still wasn't sure though; but did it really matter? An army that is outnumbered four to one and can win a battle without any losses is going to be tough to beat. Add to that, the Amazons are down to half strength and their morale is in the dirt. They will die tomorrow. Could she let that happen? For some unknown reason, she cared about what happened to the Amazons. Even after they dragged Angela back in time to... that reminded her... "what year is it?" she asked.

Xena and Gabrielle just looked at each other and simultaneously said, "year?"

"Yeah. Wait, you don't have a timeline yet, do you?" said Angela.

"A timeline?" inquired Gabrielle. "I know what a year is, but I don'�t understand..."

"Ok, let's see... has Jesus been born yet?" asked Angela

"Who? Not that I'm aware of... Gabrielle?" Xena Questioned.

"No. I've never heard..." replied the bard.

"Ok, The Great Wall of China?" Angela asked.

Gabrielle replied with, "You mean Ch'in? Yes, and it's huge."

"You've seen it? Ok, how long ago was it built?" Angela inquired further.

"By the gods, I don't know. Xena, I think it's been generations, right?"

"Yes, at least," said Xena.

"Ok." Angela thought about it and said, "Caesar?"

"Which one?" asked Xena, leaning against a table and folding her arms. "Julius was killed about 27 years ago, Augustus about one year ago and I killed Caligula a few months ago."

"Well, I have a pretty good idea now... your little Amazon friends have dragged me two thousand years into the past. Actually, it's a little over that, but who's counting." Angela finished and suddenly looked very depressed. Gabrielle looked over to Xena for some help on this one but the warrior was at a loss. What can you say to someone at a time like this?

Angela got up from her chair and began to pace the room. Her mind was back on the battle at hand within moments of her temporary lapse into depression. This was no time to feel sorry for herself. She had to remain focused; otherwise she would surely die and take everyone else with her.

Gabrielle noted the focus and determination in Angela's eyes; looking over at Xena, she saw the exact same look. 'This is too weird.'

Angela continued pacing for a few minutes when she suddenly took a swing at Gabrielle. It was a wild swing that the bard easily avoided, but more followed; each becoming more precise. Gabrielle fought back but was stopped at every turn. Xena sat down on her bed and watched. The warrior seemed to know that it just a test to see how much Gabrielle knew. To see if she would survive tomorrow.

After about two minutes Angela simply stopped and asked Gabrielle if she knew where her mistakes were. Gabrielle was speechless. When no answer came from the bard, Angela looked over to Xena and asked her the same question. Xena felt that Gabrielle fought well, that there were few mistakes, but that 98 percent of the time none would have been fatal.

"Ok, now, how many times do you think I could have killed her?" Angela probed.

Gabrielle, not liking this one bit, "All right smart ass, how many times?" She flinched at her own question. She never got like this.

Angela went over to her and recreated the entire fight for them. Gabrielle and Xena were in awe. They learned a lot in the next candle mark (hour?). Angela made a quick study of both of their fighting styles and pointed out ways to keep themselves alive in the morning. She told Xena to stay away from the flips. She needed to keep her feet on the ground, going in the air only created an opening that one lucky warrior would be hoping for. Angela then worked with Gabrielle on her hand to hand combat and showed her some moves from something called 'Wing Chun.' Angela told her it was developed as a fighting style for a woman who was smaller than she. It would work well for the bard. Angela then went on to show Xena and Gabrielle how to get down the timing of these new opponents and create openings. She didn't get very far when she realized that she should be teaching all of the Amazons, not just these two.

*****

By now it was well after midnight and many of the amazons were asleep. They needed their rest for the coming battle so Angela thought it best to leave them. She could fill them in early, before their encounter with this mysterious army. An army that, by all accounts, shouldn't exist yet. or rather, should not have these fighting techniques. They haven't been invented yet. Kung-fu's origins won't even begin for about 600 years. These warriors have skills that won't be seen for at least a thousand. 'Something is really wrong.'

Varia came to Xena's hut shortly after the three women had decided to retire for the night. Gabrielle welcomed the Amazon Queen in and introduced her. Angela saw that Varia was about the same height as she, black hair, brown eyes. A little more muscle than Gabrielle, but that could just be frame size. Her look was of determination and intelligence, though she seemed a little immature. A new queen perhaps. Angela apologized for the beating and informed Varia that the Amazons didn't have a snowballs chance in Hell of winning. Surviving... yes. Winning... no.

Varia took all of this in and agreed to an early morning briefing of the troops. She wasn't so sure of their chances of survival but she had no choice but to trust Angela. The Oracle said that Angela would save them; Varia had to believe that. She needed to believe that.

*****

When Angela retired for the evening her mind was racing. Unable to sleep, she meditated for a short time then tried again for bed. As she lay in her bed, staring into the darkness, a single tear escaped. She was alone and about to die. For the first time in her life, she prayed.

Angie watched the sun rise from the window of the hut. She never slept. Gabrielle, however, slept quite peacefully, as did Xena. 'They must be used to this,' she assumed. That, or they were tired from the previous days skirmish. Either way, they'd be rested. As would the remainder of the Amazons. They'd be wide awake when they died. Angela hated that she was thinking in those terms but it was reality. Most of them would die today. They just didn't have the training, and there was only so much she could do in an hour.

Xena awoke just before the rooster crowed. She yawned, stretched and told Gabrielle to wake up. She then went about her morning ritual of putting on her leathers; telling Gabrielle to wake up. Putting on her boots; telling Gabrielle to wake up. Putting on her armor; telling Gabrielle to wake up, and so forth. Each time she spoke to the bard she was answered with a grunt or half spoken reply that was indecipherable. Angela watched all of this in amusement realizing that it was a morning ritual that had to have been going on for years. It was the first thing she found entertaining since she had gotten there. She couldn't let them die.

*****

Varia was rallying her troops when Angela stepped up to speak. The warriors listened and took in everything she told them. She hoped these women were quick studies (good warriors usually were); they would need to be to survive. When Angela was finished Varia presented her with a scabbard for her sword. It had belonged to her mother. Angie accepted it with honor and stepped down.

The Amazons would be departing for battle soon and Angela needed some time to herself. She needed to reflect, to meditate, to work out. She needed to calm herself. Xena pointed the way to the stream and Angela headed off. It was only about a two minute walk through the woods but it was somewhat secluded. It was beautiful. She had never seen anything like it. The trees, the flowers, the crystal clear water of the stream... it was breathtaking. It was exactly the surroundings she needed.

Gabrielle made her way the small clearing near the stream where she and Xena had gone the previous evening. She needed to see it in daylight. When she arrived she found Angela doing something that looked like a dance but with powerful fighting moves. She wore a top that was very stretchy looking. It was smaller than Gabrielle's old green top and made with a much thinner black material. The bard also saw for the first time that this girl was built. Angela was more powerful looking than any other woman she�d ever met. She wasn't over muscled or blocky, but Angela was certainly bigger than the bard. She was very well proportioned. Gabrielle thought about how she had gotten many a compliment on her abs... she didn't hold a candle to Angela. Her stomach looked as though it were etched in stone. But there was more... when Angela moved her body radiated power. She had the grace and fluidity of a cat and power seemed to course through her freely. Gabrielle could almost feel it come off of her. Could the Oracle have been right? Could Angela be the perfect warrior? The Battling-Bard of Poteidaia, herself an Amazon queen, was thinking, 'yes.'

Angela finished her form and acknowledged the bard who was wearing a reddish burgundy top (armored bra perhaps?) and skirt. Noting that Gabrielle looked astonished, puzzled, something, she called her over. When Gabrielle drew nearer she saw burns(?) on Angie's forearms. One in the form of a tiger and the other a dragon.

"How did you get those?" Gabrielle inquired.

"I passed a thousand year old test. It hadn't been performed in over a hundred years but my master talked some Chinese Shaolin monks into giving me the test. It ends with lifting a 500 pound cauldron filled with burning coal from one pedestal and placing it on another. These marks are scrolled on the cauldron." Angela said as she extended her arms out, palms up to give the bard a better view.

Gabrielle seemed visibly shaken by this. "That had to hurt," she whispered, taking Angela's hand and examining the dragon. The detail was incredible.

"When one develops ones Chi, or internal energy, one can accomplish a great many tasks; you control your body." Angela quietly pointed out.

Gabrielle listened to this. She truly wanted to talk more but they had a battle to fight. And if they lived through it, Angela would probably crumble under the bard's questioning. She offered Angela some food but was declined; Angela said she was too nervous to eat. The bard understood and they walked back together. Both hoping that they would see this place again.

*****

All Hell broke loose on the battle field. Swords clashed, bodies fell; Angela froze. Fear had begun to tear through her. She wouldn't go through with this. She couldn't kill someone. She tried to back away from the battle forging on before her but she was attacked. She desperately fought off the soldier fearing for her life... then something inside snapped and her emotions left her. She felt nothing. Not pity or remorse; not love or hate. There was nothing... she made her first kill... she joined the fray.

The little talk Angela had given the Amazon warriors appeared to have paid off; they were surviving. Some were lucky enough to take out the occasional soldier. They just needed to keep it up for a little while longer and maybe, just maybe, Angie might make it to the upper command and take them out. Xena and Gabrielle kept close in an effort to cover her. Xena let her chakram fly. About a dozen men should have gone down but they avoided it. Only about four or five were hit. 'Some are better than nothing,' she surmised, but there was no sense in not letting it rip just one more time... six with the next one. Xena was a little happier. Then a wicked little grin formed on her face. She was starting to enjoy the brawl. She redoubled her efforts; Gabrielle did the same. Angela noted how they fought back to back and fed off of each other in battle. Together they were invincible. She momentarily wondered how they managed not to kill anyone the previous day. Their combined skill in battle was extraordinary.

The three women pressed on through the lines with a handful of Amazons at their backs. Xena searched the fray for anyone that even resembled a commander; she was unsuccessful. She told Angela that there was only one thing left to do; and Angela, with a distant look in her eye said, "no, we kill 'em all."

The advancing army had never lost so many; especially to one person. They were avoiding Angela like the plague. Some of the more brave tried to stand their ground but were quickly vanquished. Angela's wrath was terrifying. The enemy saw hate and loathing. There was none of that. She simply did the only thing she knew how to do... exterminate her enemies. She was a killing machine. Whether she fought face to face or stabbed them in the back, it didn't matter, they had to die. It was what she had been methodically trained to do. Master Lao Chen had trained her well. Somehow... he had known.

*****

The enemy called for a retreat when their ranks plunged to an unacceptable number. Angela was hard pressed not to slaughter any more of the men as they withdrew. Gabrielle had to talk her down... and back to reality. Slowly Angela came around, then gazed around. She surveyed the battle field and was nearly sick from the sight. Bodies lay scattered haphazardly about each other and body parts were strewn across the once charming meadow. She swore that the ground itself was bleeding. Then she realized just how many were dead by her hand. She couldn't count them. She fell to her knees and threw up. Gabrielle tried desperately to comfort her; Xena just stood there with a most solemn look about her knowing that there was nothing she could do.

After a few minutes Angela stood, and walked the field with Gabrielle and Xena looking for wounded. She had a purpose... it helped. She also needed to get out of her clothes. They were soaked with blood. She inquired about getting new clothing and Xena assured her that the Amazons would take care of everything. Not to worry. She did worry; she didn't want to go through this again. But she knew it would happen soon enough. Too soon. They would be back.

*****

The Amazons gave Angela fresh clothes to wear. She felt like Jane from Tarzan; an animal skin bikini top and skirt. It was temporary, she would live with it. She had made an effort to eat but it was tough. War was definitely hard on the soul. She needed to be alone.

The stream wasn't very deep, observed Angela, but it did have a natural depression akin to a small pool that dropped down to about four feet. It was crystal clear all the way to the bottom. After going for a swim in hopes of washing off the day's events, she sat and gazed at the sheer majesty that is nature. This place was Heaven on earth. She had hoped this place would calm her, but nothing could change the horror she felt. Hearing a noise behind her, she looked up to find Xena walking over. She sat beside Angela in the grass and the two enjoyed a companionable silence for a few moments.

"How do you live with it?" whispered Angela.

"I don't have a choice..." Xena spoke softly. "I think the person you really need to talk to is Gabrielle. She'll be here soon enough; I told her to meet us."

Angie was in emotional turmoil. One tear after another fell. Then she finally let go. Xena did her best to console her new friend though she knew getting it out was probably the best thing. Gabrielle came upon them in the midst of all this and immediately tried to help Xena in her efforts to comfort Angie. Xena was relieved at the bard's presence; Gabrielle was better equipped to handle this sort of thing.

Xena left the two alone to talk, cry, whatever. She didn't have these emotions with her first kill, but Gabrielle did... she died a thousand deaths with her first kill and has regretted every kill since. She is the only one who can help Angela right now. And she will.

About half of a candle mark went by. Gabrielle patiently held Angela, reassuring her that everything would be all right. Eventually Angela looked up to find that Gabrielle had cried a touch also. Had the days events gotten to her too, or was she just that compassionate? They talked for about another candle mark (hour?). Gabrielle told Angela about her being a bard and an Amazon Queen. She told her about Xena's foray into evil... being the Destroyer of Nations. How Xena became the Warrior Princess, and how the two had met. Angela told Gabrielle about Master Lao Chen, and her training. She spoke of the training hall (dojo) that he had left her. Both were feeling a little better but Angela still had all of those deaths hanging over her head.

"You did what you were supposed to do. You fought for the Greater Good and the Amazons are still alive because of you." Gabrielle reassured her.

"Yeah, but..."

"No... You have helped us slow down an army that has been terrorizing this area of Greece. Many innocent people have died by their hands, and no one has been able to stop them. The Amazons were the last line of defense. Even the Romans are afraid." Declared Gabrielle.

"I wasn't prepared for this... I wasn't prepared for the aftermath..."

"Nobody is. Don't you see? You are having a natural human reaction. I'd be worried if this didn't upset you." Gabrielle paused a moment collecting her thoughts. She gently put her hand on Angela's shoulder and softly finished, "you're not alone. I've been through this, and I'll be here to help you any way I can."

"Thank you." whispered Angela. "Gabrielle? I have a question for you and don't take this the wrong way..."

"Sure, what is it?"

"Why do I feel like... I'm... like there is a connection between myself and you and Xena?" Angela asked uneasily.

"Oh, yeah, that, well... the Oracle said that you would be a direct descendant of myself and Xena." Gabrielle explained.

"I see...ok, now that would explain a lot. The resemblance for starters... so, Grams..." Angela smiled as she was cut off by the bard.

"Please don't call me Grams, we're the same age." Gabrielle scoffed.

"No, actually I'm probably older, but I'll give you that." Angela smiled and nudged the bard with her elbow.

Most of the tension was gone when Xena returned to see how they were doing. She informed them that a victory celebration was about to begin and that their attendance was required. Angela was bothered by this. They hadn't won, they only avoided death another day. Xena agreed with her but also felt that it was a good way to keep the morale of the warriors up. Angela accepted this and the three left the beautiful tranquility of the stream.

*****

The victory celebration was like any other Amazon affair, except that the guest of honor had never seen one. This was all new to her. She took in the festivities with unease. These women were practically worshipping her for doing exactly what she was hating herself for... killing. Xena sensed Angela's discomfort and tried to take her mind off of it. Unfortunately the Warrior Princess was terrible at small talk... it showed. Angela thanked her for trying and confessed that she too wasn't very big on small talk. Angela would have to suffer the party for at least another hour before she'd be able to retire to the hut. She didn't want tomorrow to come; she also knew that it was inevitable.

*****

Xena was up and dressed before the rooster crowed. She noted that Angela was gone, but she knew where to look. She left Gabrielle sleeping; the bard had come in later than the others due to her duties as a queen. Xena mused to herself about Gabrielle really hating that title sometimes, but that she also took it 100 percent serious. Xena finished with her morning ritual and headed out the door.

The Warrior Princess made the quick walk to the stream and found Angela working out. Xena patiently waited until Angela was done before approaching her. She wanted to learn something. Angela was all for it but told her that it would be a good idea to get Gabrielle, after all, the bard needed to learn too. Xena grumbled something and left. She returned a few minutes later carrying a half sleeping bard. Xena, having trouble rousing her, decided to throw her into the stream to wake her up. The warrior was inconveniently surprised though, when Gabrielle grabbed hold of her armored breastplate at the last minute and they both went in. Angela had never laughed so hard in her life; nor had she ever run so hard as Xena and Gabrielle chased her all the way back to the village and about a mile beyond before stopping. They realized that it was dangerous to be so far away from the village, so they jogged back (Xena said she wasn't running; Angela said, "it's good for the heart") and proceeded with their training.

*****

The Amazons found themselves ready to do battle and no enemy to do battle with. Something was up. Varia sent a scouting party to see if the army had left or if it was a possible trap. She then spoke to Xena and Gabrielle for a few moments and they agreed that the army had probably withdrawn to wait for reinforcements. They couldn't possibly have given up that easily. Some were hoping that they had.

Gabrielle was visibly relieved at the sight of an empty battlefield. Any day without bloodshed was a good day. Maybe now the Amazons would be able to get in some much needed training with Angela. She'd join in if possible... the more she learned, the better. And so felt all of the Amazons.

*****

Angela was overwhelmed at how many warriors she'd be teaching. It got to the point where she had to break everyone down to groups and shifts. Her roster was full. 'No rest for the wicked,' she silently mused. Many of the Amazons watched when it wasn't their groups turn to participate. They were hungry for any knowledge that might seep in. Gabrielle asked if she could join, but instead was put to work. Angela explained that she had, "already been taught more than the Amazons will be learning today, and the best way to reinforce is to teach." Gabrielle went to work.

Things went on like this the following day and the day after that. There was uneasy tension in air; the Amazons knew that something was being planned. Things were too quiet. The silence was deafening.

*****

Xena shot straight up out of bed; her senses in overdrive. She quietly moved to Angela's bed waking her and telling her to awaken Gabrielle. She as going outside to look around. Angela tried to argue the point but Xena would have none of it. The warrior walked outside to the sound of horses bearing down on her; the riders torching huts as they raced by. Xena let out her war cry and vaulted onto one of the oncoming horses, snapping the riders neck and throwing him off. She drew her sword and fought with the soldier next to her as the horses stampeded their way through the village and beyond. Other soldiers joined the fray and Xena found herself heavily outnumbered. She was going to die.

Gabrielle was awake and out the door in time to see Xena ride off. The warrior had drawn some of the soldiers out of the village with her. The bard knew this was bad; though she'd always had the utmost confidence in Xena's fighting skills, these men were different. Xena wouldn't hold them off for long. Gabrielle was running as hard and fast as she could to save her friend.

Angie fought off attacker after attacker. It was as if the raiders were a hunting party and Angela was the quarry. She wouldn't have been the least bit surprised if it had been true. Then the assault was over; almost as quickly as it had begun. The raiders had swept through and kept going, only stopping briefly to torch huts and kill some Amazons. Angela informed Varia that Xena and Gabrielle were missing and took off in the direction they had been headed. Varia and a number of other Amazons were close on her heels.

*****

It was pre-dawn and the sky was beginning to lighten up. Varia quietly stopped Angela and pointed through the trees. There was a figure standing... no, hanging in the distance. Varia sent her scouts around the figure to form a perimeter incase of a trap. She and Angela headed straight up the middle. The figure was hung by her wrists and naked from the waist up. Her short hair a bloody and matted mess. She'd been beaten, whipped and left to die. "Those Bastards," Angela whispered. "Dear God I hope she's alive."

The only blanket they had was a saddle blanket that belonged to the horse they had brought. Angela wrapped it around the bard and carefully lifted her so that Varia could cut her hands free. They would have to bring Gabrielle back immediately. She needed the attention of a healer. It was hard to tell how much blood she had lost, or even if she would live. She had to live. Angela wondered what would happen to her if the bard died. Funny thing that Time Continuum theory.

Angela carried the unconscious woman back to the Amazon village. The healer said that "Queen Gabrielle will be fine." She also said that she would be back throughout the day to change the queens dressings. Angela's nerves were fried. She was thankful that Gabrielle would be fine but what about Xena? She was still missing. Varia had ordered the scouts to keep searching while she and Angela took Gabrielle back. There was still no word and it had been at least three candle marks since they had found Gabrielle. Things were looking grim.

Angela could sit still no longer. She was about to leave and rejoin the search when Gabrielle started to regain consciousness. The bard was in an inconceivable amount of pain. Angela didn't know what to do for her, so she just held her and spoke softly to her praying it would help. She would do anything to ease the pain. After a short time she quietly sang Amazing Grace and the bard drifted off. Angela silently wondered where that song had come from... she'd only ever heard the first few words.

*****

As the scouting party carefully made their way after the raiders Jana stopped and motioned for everyone to take cover. She could hear the sounds of someone being beaten not too far off in the distance. She ordered the Amazons to take to the trees and they made their way under the cover of sheer height.

The raiders had Xena tied between two trees and were beating her furiously when she broke free of one of the ropes and attempted to fight back. She heard something in the trees and freed herself of the other rope. She took off in a dead run... straight for the waiting Amazons. She had hoped to make it close enough to the Amazons for an ambush. If not, it would be a face to face battle that the Amazons would most likely lose. She made it... the world went black.

The Amazons dispatched the raiders in one foul swoop. 'They obviously hadn't been trained for this contingency,' Jana mused. She ordered the scouts to quickly build a makeshift litter and to get Xena on it. The hike back would be slow going and dangerous. She sent a scout ahead on one of the raiders horses to inform the Queen that they had found Xena and that she was alive.

When Varia received the news of Xena's rescue she was greatly relieved. She ordered a wagon sent as quickly as possible to retrieve the fallen warrior and the Amazon scouts. They were back in a candle mark.

*****

Over the next few days the two women recovered nicely. By the second day Xena's headache was almost gone and she decided she needed to get out of the hut. She stepped out into the damp morning air and went for a walk. The Amazons were going about their normal daily routines. Some were heading off to hunt, some to tend the small gardens, others were helping the cook prepare breakfast. When she neared the edge of the village she caught a whiff of something dead. She decided to see what it was.

Lining the road going out of the village were the heads of the raiders that had been killed in the attack. Xena was disgusted. She needed to find Varia and put stop to this. 'What could that girl possibly be thinking,' she asked herself. She found Varia eating her morning meal and asked of the impaled heads up the road. The queen told her that it wasn't her idea. Angela had ordered it done and she just decided to go along with it. "It seemed like a good idea at the time." Varia had stated. Xena was stunned to hear this but then it started to make sense... Angela had been different since the attack. She asked Varia if she had noticed anything different and the queen related that Angela just seemed more focused and more determined to stop the army and "eliminate" the leader. Xena took all of this in and knew what she had to do.

Xena made a bee-line for her hut knowing that Angela would still be there. Upon entering she found Gabrielle feeling a little better. She was awake and speaking quietly with Angela.

"Sorry to interrupt but I have a question for you." The warrior directed at Angie.

"Shoot."

"Why did you order the Amazons to impale..." Xena was cut off.

"I'll tell you why... look at what they did to you...and those Bastards left her hanging in a tree to bleed to death. What was it... Twenty lashes?!"

"Uh, actually no, it was 22." Xena corrected. "The forced me to watch." She twitched a condescending grin with the last.

"Ok, 22. And it was all for shock value. Let me ask you something... what's worse, killing someone outright, or, torturing them and leaving them for dead?" Angie paused for a moment and then continued, "What does that do for morale? What does it do when Queen Gabrielle and Xena, Warrior Princess are captured and beaten to death?" She stepped up to the Warrior Princess and prodded, "you are familiar with these tactics... aren't you?"

"Impaling them is BARBARIC! I know what you are trying to do. Believe me... I coined the term Shock Value; Hades, I PERFECTED it! But that was a long time ago and I was wrong for it. This is wrong!" Xena spat out, seething. The heat rising up her neck.

"What did she do Xena? Answer me! Xena... what?" asked Gabrielle.

"She impaled the heads of the raiders and lined them up on the road leaving the village." Xena said, very agitated at this point.

"Angela... why?" Gabrielle asked, visibly upset about the situation.

Angela thought for a moment and looked at Xena. "I want them to attack again."

"And what are you hoping to accomplish by that?" Gabrielle questioned, propping herself up to see Angela.

"I'm gonna kill them all." Angela bluntly stated, still looking at Xena.

"Oh great, another one. Xena you had better talk to her." Gabrielle was flustered.

*****

Scouts returned with news of the army's return to the area. They were setting up camp just outside of Amazon territory. Gabrielle was beside herself... not because of the news; it was hardly unexpected. No, it had to do with the look that Xena and Angela shared with each other when they heard the news...they had the same psychotic gleam their eyes and that same dammed wicked grin. They were happy, which put Gabrielle in Tartarus. She was going to have to find out what they were up to. Xena had probably thought it best to leave the bard out of it since she was incapacitated. 'Xena should know better,' thought Gabrielle, who would have to explain that to her... again. 'Xena can be way too overprotective sometimes.'

"Uh, Xena... what are you two planning?" inquired Gabrielle.

"I was just planning on... welcoming our friends tonight." Xena ushered Angela out of the hut and walked back towards the bard.

Gabrielle, becoming frustrated, "And when were you going to let me in on your little plan? By the gods Xena... why are you keeping me in the dark? Why..."

Xena sat down on the bed beside her best friend. "Gabrielle... you need rest. I was afraid that if you knew you would insist on coming along and I can't have that."

Gabrielle just looked at her friend of many years and thoughtfully spoke, "I'm in no condition to follow you, I know that and you know that; even if I could... Xena, that is still no reason not to tell me. I have a right to know, I've earned that right." She ended in a whisper tainted with heartfelt pain.

Xena bowed her head for a moment then looked up into the bards eyes. Gabrielle was right, she was more than right... what had she been thinking? They'd gone through life and death together. Who in Hades was she to hide anything from Gabrielle; the only person in the world that understood her. "I'm sorry," came a choked whisper. "I do it to protect you..." A tear fell from the Warrior Princess and was wiped away.

Gabrielle saw this and asked quietly, "From what Xena?"

"Me." Came the reply, along with another tear.

"Xena... what??"

"You've seen a little of what I'm capable of becoming; of what I was. I can't stand you seeing that part of me, or of you being caught in the middle of ..." Wiping another tear, she continued. "You said that you lost a little piece of yourself with every battle. How much of yourself would you lose going on a raid? That's what tonight is... Angela and myself are going into their camp along with a small handful of Amazons. We're going to take out the leaders and as many soldiers as possible..."

"Xena... are you out of your mind? It's a suicide mission. You can't do this. I can't let..."

"Gabrielle, it's done. We have to do this or everyone dies tomorrow. The scouts said that the army is five or six times the size it was; we're outnumbered." Xena said as she took Gabrielle's hand in here own. "I have to do this. I can't let you die. I won't let it happen."

"Xena... promise me you'll be careful." Gabrielle pleaded in a hoarse whisper.

"I Promise." Xena whispered to her friend in return. The warrior stayed with her friend for as long as she could, cherishing their last moments together. Xena was desperate... she was afraid she would never see Gabrielle again. She had to stop thinking that way.

*****

Xena was hard pressed to keep Angela in her sights; that black outfit she had on made her nearly invisible in the dark forest. Xena wasn't too concerned, however; there were two Amazons in the trees trailing her. Just as there were two above the Warrior Princess.

They made their way through the forest in two small groups about fifty paces apart. The two women on foot quietly and proficiently taking out any guards that wandered into their path. As they neared the makeshift camp they saw that the officer's tents were situated in the center and surrounded by the troops. This was going to make things difficult. Xena, knowing that the plan would have to be altered, made her way to Angela's position.

They conferred with one another and the Amazon scouts for a short time. Xena thought maybe it would be best to just leave a few calling cards and leave. Angela's heart did a flip, it was just what she had been thinking.

They found a group of men sleeping around a campfire, close to the forest. Like a pair of well trained assassins Xena and Angela killed the fifteen men around that campfire. It was too easy; the Amazons wanted more and the two leaders complied without argument. For the next three candle marks the six women worked their way around the outer edge of the camp killing the guards and the sleeping men. They headed back to the Amazon village after about 150 kills. Xena didn't think it proper to overstep their boundaries. The others reluctantly agreed.

It was near morning when the "hunting party" returned. Xena and Angela cleaned up and returned to their hut. There may still be a battle today ('doubtfully,' Xena thought) and they would need all of the rest they could get. Before retiring to bed, Xena went to the sleeping bard. She checked Gabrielle's bandages and seeing that everything was satisfactory, curled up next to her and slept.

*****

The faces of the dead haunted her dreams. All of the men that she had killed... was there that many? She was terrified... had she snapped? Maybe the killing was a dream... Angela abruptly awoke from another nightmare. They were taking their toll. Had she really become a monster? Was this a necessary evil? Could there have been another way? She felt sick. She needed to get some air. She walked out into the bright morning and saw bodies scattered across the village. She ran; the only sound was of her heart beating out of her chest. She ended up at the stream. It had been her haven, her own little piece of Heaven since she had gotten here. She was hysterical when she collapsed to her knees at the waters edge. She was staring at her reflection when the water ran red...

Xena had to slap Angela to awaken her. She was having a terrible nightmare; the type Xena was all too familiar with. Angela broke down and cried for what seemed like a candle mark. The warrior just held her until she calmed. Xena recalled that Gabrielle had done the same for her; too many times. It was the only thing you could do. This poor girl had an internal battle going on between Xena's dark side and Gabrielle's light. Xena truly felt sorry for her. None of this would be an issue if she had been left alone. Her darkness would have stayed dormant, Angela would never have known it even existed.

Xena stayed with the broken woman for some time after. She could see the "Gabrielle" in Angela. She killed as easily as Xena but she had Gabrielle's remorse, she had Gabrielle's heart. The warrior came to the sorrowful realization that Angela wouldn't be able to live with herself. She and Gabrielle would be hard pressed to keep this girl alive. She needed to talk to the bard as soon as she woke up. Gabrielle would know what to do... she'd kept Xena alive.

*****

No battle was fought that day, nor the next. It took the enemy army two days to burn their dead. The funeral pyres blazed throughout the night and the following day. On the third day the amazons marched out to battle. They'd had less than two weeks of specialized training. It wouldn't be enough, but it would give them a fighting chance. It was the least they could hope for.

Varia led the way with Xena and Gabrielle. She wasn't happy about the bard's presence but she had recovered well in the last week and they needed all the help they could get. Gabrielle was a formidable fighter and Varia had no choice but to concede to the bard's request to join. Xena's death threats could not change the queen's decision.

Jana led an advance scouting party along with Angela. Their job was to watch the enemies movements and report back. They would engage if necessary. Angela hoped it would be necessary. She wanted the battle to begin. Her adrenaline was pumping relentlessly. She had decided that if it didn't start soon she was marching straight into the enemy camp and picking a fight. That thought almost made her laugh. 'It certainly would be funny,' she mused.

The advance party carefully made their way towards the enemy camp. They weren't stopping at the battlefield, they were going for broke. They wanted to see everything. As they made their way around, the Amazons ran head on into the enemy advance party. Angela got her fight. Sadly though, it was over too quickly for her. She couldn't even call it a warm up. To the Amazons it was different... there were two losses. Angela was beside herself with grief. These warriors had been fast becoming her friends. Jana told her that such was the way of war. It was something you learned to deal with. They were interrupted by Merta. She had a prisoner.

*****

Xena wasted no time. She put the pinch on the captured soldier straight off.

"I've just cut off the flow of blood to your brain... you'll be dead in thirty seconds if you don't tell me what I want to know! Now, who is your commander?"

The soldier said nothing, he merely struggled with the pain.

"Who is the commander of that army?" Xena reiterated forcefully.

The soldier said nothing, he would rather die.

Xena released the pinch and the soldier gasped for air, choking.

Xena was beside herself. "This is not a good sign. If he would rather die than give the name of his commander..."

"Execute him." Came the command from Varia. It was done.

*****

The two armies took up positions on either side of the battlefield. The Amazons were not used to beginning a battle this way. Where they came from, the armies would just keep advancing until the swords clashed. That was how battles were fought. This was different though, the enemy had lined up straight across the field. The commanders were present, they were on horseback and were making their way out to the middle of the field. The Amazons were confused by this. What were they up to?

Varia looked at Xena questioningly only to be answered by a shrug.

"It's a meeting to discuss terms of warfare or surrender or something." Angela offered. "We have to go out to meet them."

Varia ordered horses brought up and they mounted. She ordered Gabrielle to stay behind. If this were a trap, the Amazons would need a leader and Gabrielle was the only other queen present. The bard agreed and rallied the troops while Varia, Xena and Angela rode out to meet their enemy. A small part of her hoped that one of the three would break truce and kill these madmen before them. The queen in her dictated that it was the only way.

***

The three rode out, the picture of confidence. They stopped their horses casually a few paces in front of their enemies.

"I am Ming Liu, commander of this army. This is General Chang and General Kwan."

"I am Varia Queen of the Amazons. This is Xena, Warrior Princess and Angela, my resident loose catapult."

Angela had never heard it put quite that way before... 'loose cannon, yes... they don�t have cannon"s yet.'

"I am here to discuss your terms of surrender. You are outnumbered and outclassed. You will fail." Ming confidently stated.

"There will be no surrender." Varia bluntly stated and with complete confidence..

Angela was growing tired of this obligatory display of manners. "What year are you from?" She shot out.

Ming was taken back by this. "How dare you speak out of turn... woman."

"Oh, c'mon Ming answer the question. What year?" Angela was becoming insistent. She spared a quick glance at the other two warriors to see that Xena was acting as though she were trying to mask boredom. Angela almost smiled at this, it was something the warrior had perfected over years. She was good, real good.

"How did you know?" asked Ming.

"My guess is about a thousand years, maybe 1200. Am I close?" she asked ignoring his question.

"I am from the year one thousand one hundred and seventeen, and you?" Ming inquired.

"Hey Xena, you owe me five bucks." Angela was enjoying herself. "Two thousand and one, baby! You know what that means??? HMMM?" prodded Angela. Xena was starting to like this and Varia was trying not to show it.

"I'm sure you will, no doubt, enlighten me. Proceed." Ming was growing tired of this.

"It means I know more than you do." she nudged her horse along side his and bravely fought the urge to tug on his Fu Manchu beard. "And better trained."

"What are you suggesting?"

"We fight!" Angela had a crazed gleam in her eye.

"You are mad!" Ming stated heatedly.

"What's a matter... afraid you're gonna get beat up by a girl? Can't have that in front of the troops, now can we? A woman beating up the commander..." Angela was pushing buttons.

"This is nonsense!" Ming was furious.

"Oh, so you're afraid of me." It was a flat statement.

"I am not afraid of a woman!" he spat out.

"Good, then it's settled, we fight. Winner take all."

"You will die slowly," he said as he dismounted.

"I'm looking forward to it," came Angela's reply as she too dismounted.

"Choose your weapons!"

"It's always good to let the underdog choose, so, you go for it Ming." Angela stated confidently and condescendingly.

"The kwan do," Ming said with a sneer.

Angela nodded in agreement then walked Xena's horse a few paces to speak confidentially with her.

"What's a kwan do?" asked the warrior.

"It only happens to be the largest and heaviest weapon the Chinese ever invented. It weighs anywhere between 40 and 50 pounds. It has a long handle, about six foot, a spike at one end and a large broadsword blade on the other. He thinks that because I am a woman I won't be able to lift it or swing it."

Xena noted the distant look in Angie's eyes. She didn't know what fifty pounds was but she knew it wasn't good. "How well can you fight with one of these?"