Realmgen789

Later that evening...

�Hey look... I don�t have to sleep on the floor again tonight!� Angela was ecstatic.

�Now would ya look at that... They put a third bed in here.� Xena looked around the room warily. Noting that nothing else was amiss, �I wonder why, after two nights, the innkeeper FINALLY decided to make us a little more comfortable?�

�Uhhm, Xena?� Gabrielle tapped the warrior on the shoulder, �I paid him to.�

�Thank you Bard! That wood floor was really starting to get to...�

�Wait a minute! How much did you pay him?� the Warrior Princess cut in looking sidelong at the bard.

�An extra five dinars,� Gabrielle sounded worried. Maybe it was the way Xena stared at her.

�Something is wrong...� Xena trailed off.

Angela looked from bard to warrior and back again slightly confused by the situation, �out with it Xena.�

�When I got us the room I offered the innkeeper an extra seven dinars... I wanted to strangle him �cause the room only cost me four.� the warrior lost herself in concentration.

�Gabrielle?� Angie quietly prodded the bard.

�Yes?�

�Did you haggle him down to five dinars?�

�No, I just asked about a third bed and he said that it would cost an extra five dinars. I probably could have gotten him down, in fact, I know I could have... I just didn�t feel like it. I had the money.�

Angela thought for a minute, �ok, well... why would the innkeeper, all of the sudden, want to accommodate us knowing that this is our last night here.�

Gabrielle looked over to Xena who still seemed lost in thought. The Warrior Princess did not look happy. �I don�t know,� Gabrielle replied.

�Well... I guess Xena could always just go and put the pinch...� Angela was jokingly saying when...

Xena burst out of the room in a blaze of fury. Gabrielle and Angela raced after her.

Upon catching up with the warrior...

�...to live. Tell me what�s going on!� Xena�s eye�s were ice cold staring at the man who knelt before her, choking for every breath of air.

�She paid me... to .� The words sputtered out between gasps for air.

�When I tried to pay you, you refused! What are you up to?�

�{gasp} I didn�t have... an extra... bed,� barely catching a breath, he continued, �there was a...checkout.�

Xena released the pinch. The innkeeper, on all fours, choked for a few moments before the natural act of breathing finally made its return to him. He looked up to find Xena menacingly hovering over him.

�Oh. Well.... that had better be the truth. If something happens...� Xena merely turned on her heel and walked off back to the room.

Gabrielle and Angela looked at each other in awe for a moment before the bard went to the innkeeper and apologized for Xena�s behavior.

Back at the room...

�Uh, Xena? What in Hades was that all about?� Gabrielle asked in a bit of a tiff.

�I don�t... I�m just a little on edge... everything that has gone on lately... c�mon you two we need to get some sleep, we�re leaving at first light.� Xena made her way over to her bed and sat down. She began unlacing her boots and removing them. As she removed her armor Gabrielle sat down next to her.

�Xena... what�s wrong?� the bard whispered to her friend.

The warrior turned to the bard and a sad expression fell across her eyes, �it�s far from over,� she confided.

�I know,� the bard sighed, �I know.�

�There�s more than you think,� the warrior looked down and away for a moment then back at her friend, �I can�t talk about it right now.�

�Xena, if it�s something that we need to know...� Gabrielle began.

�It is, but Gabrielle... I just... I need for you to trust me.� Xena pleaded, �I promise I�ll tell you everything. I need to sleep on this. Ok?�

Patting her friend on the back and giving her shoulder a reassuring squeeze, Gabrielle nodded her head in silent agreement and went over to her own bed to prepare for, what eventually became, an uneasy sleep.

Angela watched all of this. She had already been well aware of the fact that whatever was going on was big. Receiving her new leather armor had confirmed that. She was almost afraid of what was yet to come. Almost. Part of her wanted to get it over with. Whatever IT was.

Early the following morning found the three warriors well on their way, riding back towards Amazon territory. Xena, who was more quiet than usual, paid no attention to the conversation going on next to her. Gabrielle had given up trying to engage the warrior in her little discussion with Angela almost two candle marks ago. It was no use, she knew Xena all too well. The Warrior Princess probably wouldn�t open up until they camped for the evening. Gabrielle noted that Xena hadn�t been this way in years. She silently wondered if maybe it was something that would send Angie off the deep end, again, and the warrior wanted her away from other people. She hoped it was not. Angela had been doing quite well working her way down the road to recovery. She didn�t need another set back.

Xena had been lost in thought, replaying the words on the parchment in her head, when her attention had been gotten by the sound of someone singing...

�Yesterday, there was so many things
I was never told.
Now that I�m startin� to learn
I feel I�m growin� old.
�Cause yesterday�s got nothin� for me
Old pictures that I�ll always see
Time just fades the pages in my book of memories.�

�Well would you look at that, Xena, she sings as well as you do.� Gabrielle said sparing a quick glance at the warrior. Xena merely replied with a slight nod of her head.

�Brass in my pocket
And no hand in destiny
I keep on moving along
With no time to plant my feet
�Cause yesterday�s got nothin� for me
Old pictures that I�ll always see
Some things could be better
If we�d all just let them be

Ooh yesterday�s, got nothin� for me...�

�Xena...� The bard was stifled by the warriors hand on her shoulder. Xena wanted to hear the rest of the song uninterrupted.

�Yesterday, there was so many things
I was never shown.
Suddenly, this time I found
I�m on the streets and I�m all alone
Yesterday�s got nothin� for me
Old pictures that I�ll always see
I ain�t got time to reminisce on novelties.

Ooh Yesterday�s got nothin� for me...� Angela trailed off and looked around at her two companions.

�Who wrote that? Did you?� Gabrielle asked in slight wonderment.

�No, I didn�t write it. A band called Guns �N� Roses did. They were, like, one of my favorite bands.� Angela reflected for a moment, �Xena would like them. I don�t know about you, but she definitely would.� She smiled at the bard and turned her vision to the road ahead.

�Why wouldn�t I like them?� Gabrielle asked with smirk and a chuckle.

�I didn�t say you wouldn�t. I just said I didn�t know. You probably would... if we live through the ambush.�

Xena held up three fingers and looked towards the left, then held up four and neck chalked towards her right. Gabrielle had already nonchalantly put away the remnants of a biscuit she had been munching on and drew her sai�s. She held them hidden, firmly planted against the insides of her forearms. With Xena immediately to her right and Angela to her left, whoever was in the woods probably did not see her arming herself. This, of course, was to her advantage.

�So... where do you ladies think you are going?� came a rather gruff sounding voice.

The three warriors stopped their horses and just looked at each other for a quick moment. Angela turned in her saddle to look at the ruffians behind them, �are you stupid?� she asked with a quizzical look on her face.

�We know that you are loaded down with dinars. Hand them over and nobody has to get hurt.� He crossed his arms over his broad chest, resting them neatly on his protruding belly.

�You ARE stupid.� Angela said in disgust. She looked over to her companions for a moment; a light breeze came through and the three warriors were treated to the stench of seven men who probably hadn�t bathed in... ever.

Xena merely shook her head in disbelief. She silently wondered why they had even stopped the horses for these idiots. She looked over towards Angela who was now sitting side saddle, looking at the �idiots� and looking back at Gabrielle. �What is she up to now?� the warrior asked herself.

�My Queen,� Angela began, �I rode the length and breadth of the land to be graced by your presence.� Gabrielle looked at Angela in wonderment. She had had no idea where Angie was going with this, but she knew that she wouldn�t like it. Xena, meanwhile, made a desperate attempt to hide a smile that was slowly creeping across her face. Angela had seen both of their reactions and never faltered, �rumors of your fighting prowess traveled far and wide throughout the Amazon community. I only ever wanted to see you fight just once so that I may possibly learn something from you, my Queen, as there is no mortal on this earth that is closer to true divinity than you.� Angela made a mock bow to Gabrielle, being careful not to laugh, or fall off her horse. When she looked up she noted that the possible attackers were looking a bit antsy. Hearing the words �queen� and �Amazons� seemed to make them a bit nervous. Looking back over to Gabrielle, completely undaunted by the bard�s icy glare, she went on, putting her left hand over her heart and motioning with her right, �My Queen, I beg you to vanquish these barbaric ruffians and teach all of those who prey upon the lonely travelers of this road a much needed lesson.�

Xena watched all of this in pure amusement. Stifling a laugh, �my Queen,� she began, but waited for the bard to turn to look at her, �there IS only seven of them. Please?�

�Xena,� Gabrielle ground out quietly, �they stink. I don�t want to go over there.�

�Well neither do we.� Xena hurriedly replied, then noting that Angie was keeping a strict eye on the rag tag bunch behind them, she went on, �I think Angela has them scared. You may not have to come to blows with them. Once you get off your horse and start walking over to them, they�ll probably just run.�

�Xena, you are not that convincing...�

�Gabrielle, you had better get moving, they are starting to get their courage back.� Xena threw a quick glance towards the �idiots�.

�Oh, Tartarus,� muttered the bard as she nimbly dismounted. With her chin up and shoulders squared, she truly had the air of royalty about her. Nervous whispers could be heard from the men as Gabrielle walked confidently towards them.

Xena looked over at Angela and smiled. They both knew that there would, most likely, be a fight, but neither wanted to get near the stench that lurked about the men like a silent killer. Though both women knew that Gabrielle should not have too much of a problem, they both sat poised just incase. On rare occasions, they had run into bandits that had some fighting skills.

As Gabrielle closed in, the leader sauntered towards her. Still not realizing that she was armed, he smiled as he drew his sword. Gabrielle lunged at him, pushing his arm down with her left hand which kept him from drawing his weapon and hitting him with a right hook. The butt of her sai cracking and breaking teeth as she did. The leader was taken completely off of his feet. He fell hard on his back and slowly rolled over in a daze, spitting out teeth and blood.

�Hey Xena... you think that hurt him?� Angela asked of the spectacle before her.

�I don�t know... maybe.� the warrior replied.

Gabrielle looked up from the man on the ground writhing with pain to see the rest of the group look at each other, nod in agreement and run in the opposite direction. The Amazon re-sheathed her sai�s and turned to head back to her horse.

Dropping down from her perch, Angela knelt down before Gabrielle, �oh great Queen, thank you for saving us from those horrid ruffians.� beginning to rise, she looked up as Gabrielle punched her full out in the face. Angela almost went down. She had seen the punch coming at the very last second and rolled with it. Even then, it had rocked her world severely, bringing a shuddering weakness to her knees. �I deserved that,� she said working her jaw back and forth to make sure everything was intact.

When Xena saw the bard headed in her direction, she decided not to wait around. The warrior spurred her horse into motion and left a trail of dust in her wake. �Coward,� was all the bard said before turning her angry attention back towards Angela who was scrambling for her horse. �No, no, no, no, no. I want to speak with you.�

Angela had been in the process of putting her left foot in a stirrup when the bard spoke. She slowly put her foot back down and peered over her horse. Gabrielle stood only about three feet away from the horse with a most wicked scowl on her face. Angie then bent over and looked under the horse to see one foot tapping and the bard�s arms crossed. �Oh no,� she whispered under her breath. With her mind racing, Angela wondered if she could actually make it onto the horse and get away before Gabrielle could drag her back off. �That�s one helluva fall,� she said to herself. Thinking better of it, �yes?�

�What in Tartarus did you think you were doing?� the heat rising in the bard�s neck was more than apparent.

�I was just trying to scare �em off.� Angela could feel her jaw beginning to swell, �I had no idea that Xena would actually talk you into going out there.�

�Do you mean to tell me,� Gabrielle paused for a moment as though in deep thought. It was actually just for effect and it got her a few steps closer to Angie, �that you didn�t plan this so that you wouldn�t have to fight with them... and their stench?!� she glared an evil eye at Angela who was now squirming.

�Look, I was trying to scare them off by telling them that you were an Amazon Queen. I figured that since we were so close to Amazon territory, they would think twice about accosting us.� Angela had to stop for a few seconds to rest her pain filled jaw, �it was working until Xena got your attention. Then they started to think that I was bluffing and they got their courage back.

�For some reason, I don�t completely believe you.� Gabrielle took another step towards Angela. She was now only about four feet away from her.

Averting her eyes from the bard and looking most sullen, �I�m sorry Gabrielle. I didn�t think ....�

�No, you didn�t think.�

Looking up at the bard, Angela took a deep breath then said quietly, �if you are moving in because you want to hit me, then go ahead. I won�t stop you. I deserve it.� she averted her eyes once more to stare at the ground.

�I don�t want to hit you again. I don�t even know why I did it the first time. It�s not like me to do that and I�m sorry.� she took another step towards Angela, �But I would like to see if you are ok. Your face is swelling up pretty bad.�

�I can feel it. And don�t be sorry. I deserved it... a hundred times over.�

�This conversation ends here. No one deserved anything THAT harsh and it�s over, for now. I just need to get hold of a certain Warrior Princess and set her straight, maybe make her eat some of her own cooking for a while. Anyway, lets get out of here before they come back.�

After mounting their horses, the two women quickly brought them to a full gallop in an effort to make up some lost time. After about two miles they slowed down to a trot. It was the beginning of summer and they felt no need to overheat the mares. Gabrielle noted, however, that according to Xena�s tracks, she hadn�t relented on her horse. �Coward,� the bard muttered under her breath.

After about a candle mark Angela�s face had blown up and was changing colors. She dealt with it. Though she was thankful when �Queen Gabrielle,� (as the bard now insisted on being called by her title until further notice) allowed the horses to be slowed down. The gallop was killing her jaw; the trot was worse. The horses were now merely ambling on down the road, �thank God,� she thought.

That evening, Gabrielle brought them to a spot overlooking a small lake. After taking in the view for a few minutes, she ordered Angela to collect firewood and to remove any debris in the area where the campsite was located.

Angela didn�t say a word to the bard otherwise. As much as Gabrielle said she wasn�t mad anymore, Angela swore different. She decided it best not to argue with the Queen; her jaw was still hurting pretty bad and she didn�t want to deal with the other side of her face feeling the same way. �Just put your head down and be a good little subject,� she told herself.

Gabrielle sat near the edge of the lake taking in its serenity. After putting her thoughts in order, she began updating her latest scroll. Her quill scratched its way across the parchment for about a half of a candle mark before she was interrupted by Angela sitting down quietly beside her. �Finished with the firewood?�

�Yup. Oh, and I also unsaddled the horses and gave them a quick brushing, your Worshipfulness.� Angela barely contained the smile that threatened to pop out at any second. She remained as stoic as humanly possible and refused to look at the bard, opting instead to scan the lake with seeming interest.

Gabrielle, however, did not skip a beat, �good, I�ll get the fire started.� The bard stood and brushed the sand off of her skirt and rolled up her latest scroll. As she turned to leave she stopped and put a hand on Angela�s shoulder, �you can laugh at any time,� she said with smile as she walked away.

�I can�t even get a rise out of her,� Angela grumbled to herself in disbelief. She soon joined Gabrielle who, quite quickly, had a roaring fire going. �Hey, Gabrielle, I was wondering, how did you become an Amazon queen?�

�That�s Queen Gabrielle and it�s a long story. I�ll tell you after dinner.� The bard smiled then started unpacking some dried meat and vegetables that she would be using to make a stew with.

�Uhmmm, your Highness?� Angela began, �Where is Xena?�

�Oh, she�s out there somewhere. She wouldn�t go far.� the bard replied offhandedly.

�Then why isn�t she here?�

�She�s a coward.� Gabrielle stated matter-of-factly.

�O-kaaay.� Angela was at a loss for words.

�Oh, and don�t think she hasn�t heard this entire conversation. She has been moving through these woods like a shadow since we got here.� She then leaned towards Angela and whispered, �I just haven�t pin pointed her yet.�

After they ate, Gabrielle began her tale. She had titled it Hooves and Harlots and it chronicled the events that led up to and encompassed her becoming an Amazon Princess. As the bard spoke, Angela could see the story unfold. From the first meeting with the Amazon scouts to Gabrielle�s initiation to the truce between the Centaurs and the Amazons, the story was alive. When the story was over there was a moment of silence before either spoke.

�You really do know how to tell a story.� Angela commented in awe.

�Thanks. Any questions?� the bard asked.

�Yes, but not about the story.� Angela said, looking over to the bard who sat a few feet away on her bedroll.

�What�s on your mind?� Gabrielle asked quizzically.

�The first night I came here, Xena said that no one was able to cause any deaths to Ming�s army. I have seen you fight, how is that possible?� Angela looked away from the bard for a brief glance at the fire as she tossed a small twig in from where she sat on her bedroll. �You both are WAY too good NOT to have killed anybody.�

�I�m not quite sure, Xena and I talked about it a little after the second battle. The only thing that we could come up with was the timing. Xena was starting to get it down, but then she was forced to call a retreat. Then when you showed us how to work it out, it was like, �how did I not see that.�� She finished with mock surprise on her face. The bard then looked questioningly at Angela for a moment then said, �there has been something that I have been meaning to ask you also.�

�Sure, shoot.� Angela said as she laid down on her side and propped herself up on her right elbow facing the bard.

�When Xena and I first saw you, you attacked everyone that approached you and then some. No matter how diplomatic they were trying to be, you wouldn�t listen. But when we approached you, you stopped. You seemed to calm down a little.� Gabrielle paused for a minute gesturing with her hands like she was looking for the right words, �Why were we different from them?�

�Well, first of all, you two didn�t look like the rest. You don�t dress the same. And, unlike your Amazon sister�s, when I told you to stop, you did. I didn�t notice the resemblance until later when we were in the light. That was why I trusted you.� Angela said matter-of-factly.

�You mean our resemblance?� gesturing towards Angie and back to herself.

�Well there is that and mine to Xena, but it�s a family thing. I have family members that look like you two.�

�Really?�

�Really.�

�Get that Xena look off of your face and tell me!�

�Only if I don�t have to call you QUEEN anymore.� Angela let a sly smile creep across her face.

�You are so much like Xena sometimes, ok, fine. No more �Queen.� Now tell me.� Gabrielle allowed her impatience to show in a wide eyed look of wonderment.

�Ok, now stay with me. My grandmother, Janice Covington, looks like you with long hair. My grandmother Melinda Pappas looks like Xena. Now, I only know what they look like because of pictures, grandma Mel died a few years before I was born and grandma Janice died when I was like two or something. Ok, you got that so far?� she looked questioningly at the bard who gave a nod in the affirmative and motioned with her hands to keep going. �Ok. My younger sister Maddy, is a dead ringer for you. She has long brown hair, but that is the only difference.�

�By the Gods, the Oracle wasn�t kidding. We are a heavy influence in your line.� Gabrielle stated in absolute amazement. �I thought that your parents... well, you said that Master Lao took you in when you were five. What happened to your sister?�

�Ahhh, you misunderstood. He took me in as his pupil, or more appropriately, his disciple at the age of five. When I was sixteen, my parents wanted to move and I didn�t want to go. Master Lao allowed me to stay with him and my training got really intense....� Angela trailed off.

�Well, if he knew about this, then I can see why.� Gabrielle said through small nibbles of jerky.

�Yeah, a lot of things are starting to make sense. It kind of makes me wonder just how many things I was never told.� Lost in thought, Angela looked up to the stars for a moment.

�Are you alright?� there was concern in the bard�s voice. She could see that whatever Angela was silently reflecting on, it was causing her deep emotional stress. �Angela?�

�Lao is here. I can feel it.� She rolled onto her back, continuing to gaze towards the heavens.

�You don�t seem happy about this. Why?� the bard asked as she noted a single tear creeping down her friends cheek.

�Because I think he did all of this. I feel like my life has been a lie. I�m afraid of what I might find out.�

�Brace yourself, because I have something to tell you.� came the velvety voice of the Warrior Princess.

�Well, Xena, I see you have finally decided to come out of hiding. What�s the matter, got hungry?� the little Amazon asked sarcastically.

�No, not really. I ate some trail rations earlier.� she replied matter-of-factly.

�Would you two mind putting an end to the banter for a few minutes.� Angela sat up and looked over to the Warrior, �Xena, sit. I want to know everything.�

Chapter 8

Xena quickly laid out her bedroll between Angela and Gabrielle and sat down. Drawing a deep breath she began, �K'ao Hsin said that Ming Dae, Ming Tien�s daughter, has Lao Chen.� the warrior paused for a moment to gauge Angela�s reaction. There was none; she sat motionless. Xena went on, �Lao helped design your leathers and the symbols on them. But that you already seemed to have figured out.�

�Yes I did.� Angela looked into the fire for a moment then back to the Warrior Princess, �why did you wait until now to tell me?�

�Because I thought you could use a couple of days of R&R.� the warrior stated.

�Glad to know that you were thinking of me.� Angie took a shuddering deep breath. She looked over to the bard then back to the warrior, �And the rest is?�

�He somehow had gotten a message to L'ao Hsin from his imprisonment and that is how they knew what to do with your leathers.� Xena looked to the ground, then back into the fire. �Ming Dae still has him. She thinks that you wouldn�t sacrifice him to stop her.�

�What else?� Angela asked flatly.

�That�s it. The rest of the parchment has to do with me and Gabrielle.� the warrior broke a piece off of a twig and tossed it into the fire. �I need to ask you... would you sacrifice him?�

�Yes.� Angela stated confidently.

�Are you so sure?� Gabrielle asked disbelievingly.

�There is more to it. I can feel it.� Angela stood and walked around to the opposite side of the fire. She stared into the dark woods for a while before she felt a presence behind her. She bowed her head and turned to find Gabrielle standing quietly behind her. �I�m ok.�

�You want to tell me what�s wrong?� the concern in the bard�s voice was reflected in her face.

�He knew a lot more than he ever told me. It makes me wonder if he didn�t manipulate some of the things that happened in my life to be in his favor. To keep me training.� pausing for a moment, she looked back out into the woods and continued, �It just bothers me not knowing for sure.�

�You will find out soon enough. We are, obviously, going to Chin. Am I right Xena?� Gabrielle asked looking back across the fire to her best friend.

�Yup. When we get to the Amazon village tomorrow we�ll have them load us up with supplies and we�ll leave immediately. Right now though, I think we all need to get some sleep. We have a long journey ahead of us.� Xena laid down on her bedroll and made herself comfortable.

Gabrielle stayed with Angie for a few more minutes. �C�mon,� she said while putting her hand on Angela�s shoulder. �Xena�s right, we need to get some sleep.�

�That�s going to be tough.�

�I know, but you have to try.�

�I sleep on my left side. Not only do I have this wonderful news to think about, but I have to do it in an uncomfortable position.� she lightly touched her bruised and swollen face.

�I am so sorry.� the bard was very distressed. It was her fault that Angie wouldn�t be sleeping well.

�Don�t worry about it, I deserved to get hit.� Angela whispered.

�That is not true!� Gabrielle said forcefully.

�I finally got a rise out of ya. I sleep on my right side.� Angela smiled at the bard, �sorry, I had to do it.�

Gabrielle seethed for a few seconds then couldn�t help but to smile back, �that was good. At least you still have your sense of humor.� she patted Angela on the back and the two women retired to their respective bedrolls.

The following day the three women rode into the Amazon camp and immediately began their preparations for the upcoming journey. They informed Queen Varia and Queen Cyane that they would only be staying for about a candle mark. They had an army to follow. The Amazons loaded up the saddle bags with supplies and a small contingent of scouts escorted them for two days before making their way back.

Most of the trip went blissfully uneventful, so they were able to make good time. They pushed the horses hard in the mornings and evenings when it was cooler. They stopped for camp a candle mark later than usual and broke camp a candle mark earlier. �Two hours is two hours,� Angela kept trying to tell herself. Every morning she and Xena relived an ongoing nightmare: they had to wake Gabrielle. With two hours less sleep a night it was nearly impossible. Angela found out very quickly just how colorful Gabrielle�s vocabulary was when she was half asleep.

�Hey Xena, I have an idea.� Angela said as the two women stood over a sleeping bard.

�Yes.�

�What if we build a litter and make her sleep on it? Then we could just hook her up to the horses and get moving.�

�It�s definitely a thought. I don�t think she�ll go for it though.�

�Well it would certainly be a helluva lot easier than this.�

�Yes it would.� the warrior sighed.

The two women stood over the bard for another minute or two before dumping their respective pots of cold water on her and running.

Things went on like this or in similar fashion, all the way to Chin and Lao Ma�s palace.

When they arrived, they were greeted by a small woman, about forty two years old. Xena recognized her old friend immediately. �K'ao Hsin, it�s so good to see you.�

�And you, Xena. I have been expecting you.� She looked past the warrior and saw the bard smiling at her, �Gabrielle, I�ve missed you. How have you been?�

�I have been well. Thank you.� the bard looked over to Angela and motioned her forward, �K'ao Hsin, this is Angela.�

�I know, my son arrived a week ago. He described her well. Angela, it is a pleasure to meet you.� K'ao Hsin gave a slight bow of her head as she said the last.

�K'ao Hsin, I am honored meet you.� Angela returned the bow, �how did your son make it back so quickly?�

�He returned by water. It is much faster than by land.� she smiled.

K'ao Hsin led her guests inside the palace and brought them directly to the dining area. She had a meal already prepared for their arrival. When Xena asked how she knew, K'ao Hsin informed her that in a dream she had the previous night, they reached the palace around midday. Xena merely nodded her understanding and sat down to eat.

After lunch K'ao Hsin told them about Ming Dae. �She is a powerful ruler and a tyrant. She is worse than her father.�

�I almost wouldn�t have thought that possible.� Xena remarked.

�Oh yes.� K'ao Hsin replied. �She has a stone that she is using to bring people back in time with. I am not sure how she knows who to get, but she is doing it. General Kwan, General Chang, Ming Liu and,� pointing at Angela, �your Lao Chen.�

Angela reflected for a moment then asked, �why Master Lao? What good is he to her?�

�She hopes to use him against you. But you should already know that.�

�I do, I was just wondering if there was more. There is no way that Lao is working with her, correct?�

�No. She has him imprisoned in the dungeon. A man who was released came to me with a message and drawings. I was to have your leathers made with the five animal symbols. The message was very precise. I can see it fits you well, I am pleased.� K'ao Hsin smiled.

�Well actually, it fits great. I love this thing, it�s very comfortable. I thank you for having it made.�

Lao Shi came in with a tray and passed out small teacups to everyone. They were filled with green tea, lightly sweetened with honey. The women were silent for a short time while drinking their tea.

After finishing hers, Xena broke the silence, �We are going to have to try and break Lao Chen out of that dungeon before we go after Ming Dae. The only problem is that dungeon.� the warrior commented unhappily.

�What is up with that dungeon?� Angela asked warily.

�It�s heavily guarded. The only way in is through a corridor that is only accessible through the throne room of the palace. There is no ventilation and no sewage.�

�Xena,� K'ao Hsin began, �there is more to think about. Kwan�s army is guarding he palace. He has it completely surrounded.�

�Well, I see things are looking up all the time. That is just great.� The warrior was disquieted over this information.

�No problem. I�ll start paring down their numbers tonight. Just point me in the right direction.� Angela stated confidently.

�You are not going out there. I need to think this through.� the Warrior Princess replied.

�Xena, listen to me. There are over a hundred warriors left in Kwan�s army. God only knows how many guards the palace has. Ming Dae has to be stopped. In order to do that we have to get to her. In order to get to her, we have to take out that army. The best time to do that is at night. You know I�m right.� Angela paused for a minute to allow her words to sink in, �now, do I go and have all of the fun to myself, or are you two coming with me?�

�How many do you think you can get to in one night?� Xena asked.

�I don�t know. Are you looking for a bet?� Angela asked matter-of-factly.

�Yes... the one with the most kills doesn�t have to wake up Gabrielle for a week.� the warrior stated flatly.

�HEY,� The bard interjected, �that is not funny!�

�Xena, YOU ARE ON!� she then looked towards Gabrielle, �Hey bard, are you joining us?� Angela asked.

�Of course I am, but I am not happy about this bet. Killing should not be taken so lightly. And maybe you two,� pointing at Angela and Xena, �wouldn�t be doing so much early morning jogging if you would stop dowsing me with water!� She informed them.

�Yeah, yeah, yeah...anyway, Xena, how far is it to Ming�s palace?� Angela asked pushing the bard�s heated comments aside.

�It�s only about two candle marks. Now, understand something, It has been thirty years since I have been in Ming�s palace. The last time I was there, I blew up the throne room and an outside wall. Things may have changed. I doubt they have changed anything about that dungeon though. I don�t think it gets any worse.� Xena grew quiet. She silently relived her brief stay in that dungeon. The putrid water was up to her chest; it was more sewage than anything else. There were a number of men in there with her. They all had similar wooden racks around their necks which didn�t allow them the luxury of rest. Xena remembered how heavy and cumbersome hers was. She had hated it. But for the life of her, she couldn�t figure out where Lao Chen would have gotten a writing implement to make sketches with. She decided to keep it to herself for the time being.

********************************

The warriors crested a hill giving them a view of the palace and grounds. The palace was literally surrounded by a line of guards. They could see scouts heading off in large groups to sweep the forest around the rear of the grounds. The interior courtyard had been turned into a training facility.

�What are all of those tree stumps?� Gabrielle asked of rows of six to eight inch wide tree trunks stuck into the ground, only about a foot and a half apart, making a gradual incline then decline; ten feet tall at the highest point.

�Those are called �Plum Flower Posts.� They are used for teaching balance and stamina. They haven�t been invented yet.� Angela reflected for a short while, �as a matter of fact, they may have come after Kwan and Ming. I am not liking this.�

Xena exhaled sharply, �you are not getting cold feet are you?�

�No, not at all. I want this over with.� Angela eyed the Warrior Princess up for a moment, �Are you ready?�

�Ready as I�ll ever be. Alright, we�ll work our way around the back and hunt down those scouts. They all die. We can�t leave even one of them alive. We are dead if we do.� She looked over to the bard, �Gabrielle, are you ok with this?�

�I wouldn�t be here if I wasn�t.� the bard spoke quietly, but confidently. She received a nod of affirmation from the Warrior Princess and the three warriors were on their way.

As they entered the woods Gabrielle quietly stopped her comrades and asked Angela for one of her boot knives. She only shook her head and gave the Amazon one of the knives hanging from her hip. They were the biggest ones she had. The double edged blades were no less than ten inches long and razor sharp. �Thanks,� Gabrielle said, then turned to Xena who was looking at her quizzically, �I needed a blade for this.� Xena nodded her head and gave the bard a sad smile. She hated it when Gabrielle became a killer for a short while. Tonight, the bard would be an assassin for hours. It put a knot in her stomach. �Xena, are you alright?� the bard asked.

�I�m fine. Let�s go, we have an army to take out.� Xena put on her warrior mask and led her friends into the forest behind Ming�s palace.

They traveled relatively close to one another as the woods were quite dense and the moonlight had a difficult time of breaking through the forest canopy. They could not afford to lose each other.

Like shadows, they moved through the forest killing anything on two legs. Some of the scouting parties were as large as twenty men. Killing twenty men was not a difficult task, it was keeping it quiet that proved almost impossible. They worked their way towards the edge of the forest near the rear of the palace. From their vantage point they had a clear view of about a dozen palace guards.

�Ok, I have an idea,� Xena whispered, as she motioned her fellow cohorts back into the woods, �that last group had a couple of crossbows. Let�s go get a couple and pick off some of those guards.�

�Uhhmm, why don�t you just use your chakram?� Angela questioned.

�I will. I just need you two to mop up the stragglers.� She finished as she began making her way to their last skirmish.

With crossbows and full quivers under their arms, Gabrielle and Angela took up flanking positions about fifteen feet to either side of the Warrior Princess. Their job was to kill anyone that the chakram didn�t. They were very effective. The only problem was that they couldn�t quite control the guttural screams that came from some of the dying men.

Xena cocked an ear to for any newcomers, �Alright you two, look sharp. I can hear a group coming around the corner.�

Gabrielle climbed up into a large tree giving herself a better vantage point and more cover. She was able to take advantage of the height almost immediately; as soon as the guards rounded the corner and she was able to make out their forms, she began firing her crossbow. Her aim was true.

Within minutes there were guards running in from the opposite corner. Xena threw her chakram into the mass of men and took out a majority of them. She left Angela to mop up the rest.

With Gabrielle to her right and Angela to her left, both picking off guards and soldiers as they rounded the corners of the palace, Xena had a straight shot up the middle to the palace walls. She ran up full bore and vaulted to a flag pole that stuck out from the wall about half way up. Using the momentum from the leap, she flipped around the pole a number of times to build up speed and force and swung up to the top of the wall surrounding the courtyard. Beneath her were the plum flower posts. The warrior dropped gingerly down onto the highest point and carefully worked her way down to the ground. She searched around for a few minutes and found a length of rope long enough for friends to climb up.

The Warrior Princess made her way back up to the top of the plum flower posts and vaulted to the top of the wall. From her vantage point she could see that Angela had fully engaged the soldiers. Gabrielle was still in her tree picking off Angela�s attackers from a distance.

She fought hard, but Angela could see that she was about to be overwhelmed by sheer numbers. Out of the corner of her eye, she noted that the Warrior Princess was atop the wall holding a length of rope. It was time to get moving. She started running away from the soldiers that had been attacking her. She ran right past the bard�s perch and past the palace.

Gabrielle couldn�t believe what she was seeing. Angela was running away. �I didn�t think she knew what fear was,� the bard thought. She then happened to look up for a second while reloading her crossbow and saw Xena motioning to her. The bard dropped out of the tree and ran the short distance to the palace wall. Xena dropped the rope down to her and she scaled the wall quickly. �Xena, I think she is in trouble,� the bard said as Xena helped her onto the ledge.

�Nah, she saw me up here. She probably figured to create a diversion so you could get up here.�

�Yeah, but Xena,� concern growing in the bard, �there were a lot of men chasing her.�

�Gabrielle, if I can�t catch her... THEY will not be able to catch her. Relax.�

�I hope you are right.� the bard said as the two sat down on the wall and watched for their friend.

After a few minutes had passed Xena caught the sound of someone in the woods. She also noted that that someone had a few followers. �Not nearly as many as she started out with,� the warrior told herself. She listened carefully as Angela moved closer. One by one, the men following her lost their lives.

�By the gods, Xena, did I hear what I think I just heard?� the bard asked in disbelief after hearing a loud �crack� coming from the woods.

�Yup,� the Warrior Princess smiled, �she had a good angle on his head when she twisted.�

Within moments of the last soldier losing his life, Angela emerged from the forest and ran towards the seated figures of Xena and Gabrielle atop the wall. Xena dropped the rope to her and she climbed up quickly.

As the bard grabbed Angela�s hand and pulled her up onto the ledge she asked, �what possessed you to run away from those soldiers? Weren�t you afraid of being caught?�

�Well... yeah, there was the possibility of being caught,� Angela stopped for a moment as the trio dropped down to the plum flower posts. She went on in a whisper, �but I was being overwhelmed by their numbers. So I ran. I eventually stopped to fight again, but I thought running away again might confuse them. Besides, I saw Xena on the wall and I knew that I needed to buy time so that we could both get up there.� She paused for a moment then added, �Oh yeah, and Xena said that not one was allowed to live, so I had to make sure I followed orders.�

�How does running away confuse them?� the bard asked quizzically.

�It was a joke. A Monty Python thing... I�ll explain it to you some other time.�

The three warriors made their way through the courtyard and into the palace. They had gotten inside too easily to be comfortable about it, but they weren�t about to turn back at this point either. Xena led them through the palace and into the throne room. They had only encountered a couple of palace guards en route and had dispatched them silently.

Xena noted that the throne room had been rebuilt quite nicely. The empress had added some new tapestries to the walls and had decorated with some bizarre looking items. There was a coffin in the shape of a large woman standing against one wall. On the opposite wall was a large wooden table with straps for the arms and feet. They were attached to what looked to be cranks. She had never seen anything like it before. �Angela, do you know what those things are?� she whispered.

�That coffin looking thing is called an �iron maiden.� There are metal spikes inside. It�s a torture device that you don�t live through,� She then drew their attention across the room, �That is called a �rack.� It is another torture device. You can live through that one... if they let you.� As they stepped further into the room she turned to Xena, �All of this stuff is from way the hell into the future.�

�Yeah, I kind of guessed that.� the warrior replied. Pointing towards a dark corridor, �that is the way to the dungeon. I just have a feeling that they are waiting for us.�

Gabrielle tore her attention from the torture devices that she hoped to have no part of and looked up at the Warrior Princess, �Maybe we should just go straight for Ming Dae. They probably wouldn�t be expecting that.�

�I think she is right, Xena. Lao is an old man. He may have not survived the dungeon. I think we should go for Ming.�

Xena looked back and forth between her two friends for a moment in disbelief, �are you both willing to take that chance?�

Angela took a deep breath, �Xena... I am just being practical. And we don�t have time to argue.�

Xena�s senses went on full alert. She grabbed her two companions and dragged them out of the room. They could hear the echo of footsteps and hushed voices that became clearer with every passing breath.

�...be dead?�

�Empress, there are bodies everywhere. There is more than one. There must be a few dozen.�

�No, it�s her. How many do I have left?�

�Maybe a dozen palace guards on hand. I can send for the 4th army in the morning. They�ll be here by dark tomorrow.�

�I do not think that we will last that long.� the empress replied.

Ming Dae and her advisor entered the throne room. The empress took her seat and ordered her advisor to bring Lao Chen to her. Xena noted that the advisor did not go to the dungeon. Rather, he went back the way that he had come. The three women looked to each other, all very disquieted over this turn of events, but then realized that Ming Dae was alone.

The warriors began to slowly make their way back to the throne room when they heard footsteps, many of them, coming from the corridor that the advisor had retreated into. They froze in place. Nearly drowned out by the palace guards, Xena could just make out the shuffling of an old man.

The group of men entered the throne room and made their way over to Ming. Xena could hear the Empress whispering to Lao. She could hear someone push him and tell him to �do it.�

�Angela, I know that you are here. Show yourself.� the old man half ordered.

Turning to the Warrior Princess, she whispered, � he doesn�t sound good. They think it�s just me... go with it. Hide somewhere close at hand and I�ll go.� And with that, Angela carefully and slowly walked into the throne room with her head held high and shoulders squared. She had a look of annoyance, boredom and evil all wrapped up into one. But it was not what she felt. In her mind she was going into battle. Lao saw it and said nothing.

The Empress regarded her adversary for a moment before speaking, �so you are the one responsible for defeating General Chang in battle and tearing Ming Liu�s heart out. I was not pleased to hear of these turn of events. But then, I always did like a challenge.� she smiled at Angela, it had pure malice in it.

�Well actually, your information is just a tad bit incorrect,� Angela stated as sarcastically as possible. She took a mindless step forward and realized that there were crossbows trained on her from balconies high up in the room. She had not noticed them on her first visit. She was cursing herself for this.

�and what would be incorrect ?�

�The Amazons defeated Chang in battle, I didn�t. I was a bit out of sorts at the time. But as for Ming... well, yeah that was me. As a matter of fact,� she lowered her voice a notch and went on, holding up her right hand, �this is the hand that did it. I realize that it has been a couple of months, but... if you look hard enough, maybe you�ll find his blood under my finger nails.� Angela relaxed back with sardonic smile.

The empress was outraged, �you insolent little bitch!!!�

�Angela,� the old man interceded, �you tore out a man�s heart?� he asked disbelievingly, on the outside. On the inside, however, he knew she had. He had trained her to.

�Yes, Master Lao, I did.� it was a flat statement. She eyed him up for a moment and realized that he looked at least ten years older than last she saw him.

�Then YOU are the greatest warrior I have ever trained.� he smiled and bowed his head.

Angela thought about this for a moment. He was up to something. It was a challenge to someone in the room... Ming Dae! �Thank you Master Lao.�

�Stop this immediately!!� The Empress spat out. �Lao,� she yelled, �how dare you insult me like this. You said that I had no equal!�

�You didn�t... until she came along.� the old man stated pointing at Angela.

Xena and Gabrielle hid in the shadows near the throne room and absorbed every word spoken. They were both agreed that Lao was playing Ming in an effort to get one on one fight with Angie. There was no question there. And he was getting what he wanted. Ming Dae was hot headed and refused to be second best. Gabrielle thought about it and relayed to Xena that even if Ming were better skilled, Angela would still win. Ming is too emotional and in a fight, Angela doesn�t have them. Xena prayed to no one that the bard was right. If not... out comes the chakram.

�Why do I feel like I am in the middle of an old, low budget, Hong Kong flick.� Angela asked herself of the predicament she had found herself in. She had no problem with a fight, she just felt like she was walking a real fine Twilight Zonish line. �Too weird,� she thought. She snapped out of her temporary lapse into the �what the hell am I doing here� realm to hear that Lao had secured a challenge to a fight. Ming Dae ordered her guards not to interfere by penalty of death. She would win or lose by her own ability. �I can live with that,� Angie thought.

Ming went to her throne and unsheathed a broadsword that she kept there. She swung back and forth a few times to loosen up her arm. Angie watched this. Ming was smaller than she, but she looked very agile... and wiry. Ming put her mane of black hair in a no nonsense ponytail for the fight. Angie shook her head at this. She had every intention of undoing that clasp, somehow, someway, if only to piss off Ming.

As Angela drew her sword, the giddiness that she always felt right before a battle subsided and left her. She attacked.

Generations 9

Xena and Gabrielle decided to watch this epic struggle between two students of the same master. As they made their way into the room Xena noticed the archers on the balconies, crossbows slung over their shoulders. Palace guards surrounded the room, but were at ease. They were all under orders not to interfere. Xena knew that it wouldn�t last; as soon as their empress was in trouble... at least one would attack. She quietly informed Gabrielle of her feelings on the matter and the bard wholeheartedly agreed. They would have to be on guard for any problems.

Seeing the two warriors entering the room, Master Lao made his way over. As he reached the Warrior Princess and the bard the fight between his students began. He paid no attention. �Ladies, it is an honor to meet you.�

�Lao Chen.� Xena stated flatly, �those are your students out there, and you don�t even watch?�

�I don�t need to. Angela will win. I trained her to. I trained Ming Dae to lose to her. So you see, I do not need to watch.�

Gabrielle looked over to the fight and noticed that Ming was incredibly fast and agile. Angela kept up, but it didn�t seem easy. She couldn�t understand the old master. �How long have you been training Ming?�

The old man looked to the bard and smiled, �ten years.�

Gabrielle was taken back by this piece of information, �how could you...�

Lao put up his hand to quiet the bard and, after raising his voice to drown out the clash of the swords, explained, �Ming Dae took me ten years ago and forced me to teach her Kung-fu. If I did not... she killed innocent people. I had little choice, so I trained her well. I just didn�t train her as well as I trained Angela.�

Gabrielle understood the old man completely. She turned her attention to the duel going on before her and noted that Xena, though enraptured by it, kept a close eye on the palace guards and archers.

Swords of both contestants sliced through the air at incredible speeds. They were a blur to anyone watching. They both seemed to know where the other would be at any given time. From Xena�s vantage point it looked to be an even match. She knew that Angie was fast... and strong. Ming, however, was just a little faster and seemed to enjoy the aerial moves.

The fight worked its way around the room. Ming enjoyed taking to the air, �the master taught her eagle claw,� Angela thought, �cool, he always hated that style.� She knew that it was only a matter of time before Ming tired herself out with the aerial �antics.� The swords blazed through the air and Ming delivered a jumping, spinning back kick. Angela back flipped away and went into another, ending in a quarter turn in front of the iron maiden. There was a powerful stench rising from within. She couldn�t help but to ask, �what in God�s name is that smell?!�

The empress only smiled at her and stopped her attack. Angela opened the iron maiden and a body fell out onto the floor barely missing her. �Is this a joke? How long has that been in here?�

�A few days.� Ming grinned.

�Tell your guards..., � Angela stammered, �get this fucking body out of here. I would prefer we kill each other without the stench.�

The empress agreed and waved to her guards to remove the decomposing body. The smell lingered.

�So,� Ming began, �are you done resting?�

�I didn�t need the rest. I haven�t even broken a sweat... unlike you.� Angela smiled condescendingly as she pointed out the bare facts.

Ming Dae�s mind raced for a brief moment, �has she been toying with me all of this time?� she wondered. Then she thought the better of it and decided that her opponent was just trying to play mind games. She attacked furiously throwing out kicks between sword blows.

Angela countered and parried. The brawl raged on...

�...you see, Ming fights incorrectly. She has too much emotion.� Lao explained to the bard, �but my Angela, she fights with what is in her heart.�

�I don�t understand. The heart IS emotion and she herself said that she feels nothing.� the Amazon replied.

�Ah, you misunderstand... The heart is not only love and hate and fear...� he drew her attention to the two women tearing into each other in the hallway leading out of the palace into the courtyard, �you see the symbols on her belt?�

�Yes, do they mean something?� The bard asked sparing a quick glance to the old man next to her and back to the contest.

�Those animals live in her heart. The dragon lends her his wisdom. The leopard... his speed. The snake imparts his deception to her. The crane... his balance. And the tiger... he has two gifts.� he looked to the bard and put his hand on her shoulder, �the tiger gives her his strength and his courage. He is what drives her.�

�I think I understand.� She said as she followed Xena out of the palace and into the courtyard.

Once in the courtyard Xena turned to Lao, �if Angie is so much better then why hasn�t she killed Ming yet?�

�The archers in the balconies.� he stated as if it should have been common knowledge.

�I could have stopped that.� the warrior stated in a very annoyed tone.

�Death can result in the mistiming of a fraction of a second, or a hairs breadth of space. You were surrounded by the palace guard and there were archers in the balconies. She would not have taken that chance. Would you?�

�No, I guess not.�

Angela pushed Ming Dae through the courtyard. They were at the plum flower posts when Angela noticed that the archers had taken up positions on the wall. �It took them long enough,� she thought to herself.

Ming lunged at her opponent. Angela sidestepped her, grabbing her arm with one hand and the clasp to her ponytail with the other and tossed Ming towards the entrance to the palace like a rag doll. Ming jumped to her feet completely incensed by this. She had no time to move though, Angela was already on her. She swung her sword towards Ming�s neck and kicked at the same time. Ming saw the sword, not the kick. She was sent sprawling back into the palace.

Xena waited a brief moment then threw her chakram at the archers before they could make their way back inside. �Damn I�m good,� she said to herself as her chakram returned to her. A quick grin flashed across her face and she followed the rest inside.

Back in the throne room...

Angela �accidentally� killed a palace guard that Ming had gotten too close to. She looked over at the site of the dead guard and said, �oh... how awful.�

Rage showed in Ming�s eyes at the sarcastic tone. It was what Angela wanted to see.

�...fights using the snake and crane arts when her opponent�s skills are... superficial. When her opponent is well trained, she uses a well rounded combination, but her propensity is tiger and leopard.� Lao paused for a moment to take in the sheer gracefulness that was his prize student, a master in her own right. He was barely Xena�s height, but he was close enough to speak quietly to her. He was unaware of her exceptional hearing abilities, and she didn�t bother to tell him. He went on, �Ming Dae, on the other hand, only learned eagle claw. She has mastered it, I will not say she hasn�t. But her skills are no match...�

Angela killed two more guards. They smartened up and created more room for the fight which allowed Angie to finish the battle. She blocked and effortlessly disarmed Ming. The empress scrambled, Angela swung, Ming ducked under the blade and charged. Expecting this, as Angie had created the opening, she grabbed the empress by the throat, and using Ming�s momentum, spun and threw her into the iron maiden, tearing her throat out on the way. Ming was still alive, suffocating, spikes rammed into her back. There were gurgling noises from what was left her windpipe as blood poured forth. Angela looked into her eyes for one brief moment then slammed the door shut, driving the spikes attached to the door through Ming Dae�s chest and stomach.

The next thing Angela knew, she could hear the unmistakable sound of the chakram whirring through the room and the sounds of men being struck and falling to the stone floor. She spun around and dropped into a half split then swung her extended leg around behind her and swept the guard attacking her. She snapped his neck and moved on.

Xena retrieved her chakram and joined the melee. Gabrielle had already drawn her sai�s and downed two guards. They finished off the last and checked with one another for injuries. Happy to find none, Xena headed for the dungeon. As she opened the door that allowed her access to the cell, a horrific odor stopped her temporarily in her tracks. It was worse than she had remembered it. There was one lone guard on duty. He almost didn�t seem surprised to see the Warrior Princess. Though it didn�t stop him from doing his job, however futile the attempt might prove to be.

Xena had him down in seconds. She asked of the prisoners; who was who... murderer, thief and so on. The guard gave her honest answers and she released him. Taking the keys from the guard, Xena called out to the prisoners who were not in for murder and let them out. She made the guard unlock the large wooden racks that were around the prisoners necks. She left the guard alive to do his job... guard the condemned.

Lao led Gabrielle and his student to a locked room where the empress kept her time traveling stone. Angela was in no mood for games, she attempted to kick the door in, but only rattled it a bit. Lao informed her that the bolt locking the door was heavy and imbedded in the stone of the wall. This only served to incense her even more, she counted to three and she and the bard together, kicked the door off its hinges and into the middle of the room.

Gabrielle quickly made her way across the room to a glass case housing a bright green stone. It looked like a huge emerald, but she knew better. �It�s the Cronus Stone. Hercules said that he had thrown it off of the world. I guess he was wrong.� she said looking up at Angie.

�Call it the law of gravity, what goes up, must come down.� she said as she used the butt of a knife to break the glass. Gabrielle put the stone into a leather pouch and tied it shut. They then headed back to the throne room to meet Xena.

After leaving the palace, the newly freed men thanked the Warrior Princess for rescuing them and they each went their own separate ways. Realizing that Lao Chen would have a tough time of walking back to Lao Ma�s palace she made a detour and they all headed for the royal stables. She and Gabrielle made short work of hitching two white mares to the empress� carriage. Xena wasn�t sure, but it looked an awful lot like Lao Ma�s Carriage. It may have been. If it was, she figured that it was only fitting to return it to its rightful owners.

Xena drove the carriage while the others rode inside. There was very little conversation as the events that had taken place needed to be dealt with individually. Angela was bothered by a few things but she knew talking to the bard would help. It was nothing that she wanted to share in front of Master Lao. He was no longer her confidante. He had betrayed her trust, he was on a need to know basis at this point. She would get either Xena or Gabrielle alone later and spill it, like Michael had told her to do.

The bone weary warriors returned to Lao Ma�s palace just in time to catch the remnants of breakfast. K'ao Hsin had the cook fire the grill back up and prepare a morning feast. After gorging themselves, the three warriors made for their respective rooms to retire for a few candle marks of sleep. Master Lao, however stayed up for a while getting to know his ancestors.

After about four or five hours, Angela awoke to a soft knock at her door. She padded across the room barefoot, the marble was cold on her feet. She knew who would be at the door and she welcomed the sight.

The bard sat in a large armchair next to Angela�s bed. �By the god�s this thing is comfortable.� She turned her attention to Angie who had seated herself on her bed with her back propped up against the headboard and one leg dangling off of the bed. �How are you feeling?�

�Confused,� she looked around the room, �I think.�

�About what?�

�About how I am supposed to feel. You know how all of the killing was tearing my soul apart... turning me into a bit of a looney?�

�Yes,� the bard softly replied.

�I don�t feel anything now. I don�t know if that is good or bad.� Angie looked at her leg hanging inches from the floor, then back up to the bard, �Gabrielle, you said that I would eventually get used to it. Is that really a good thing?� Angie had hint of disbelief in her voice.

�Believe it or not, Angela, yes.� the bard began as she leaned forward in her chair, �You will come to realize it later. You haven�t killed on a whim. You have done it because you had to. You have helped to save thousands of lives by your actions.� the bard took a breath to collect her thoughts and went on, �there will be times when you think that you lose a piece of yourself with every battle... but, then...you see the good that comes out of your self sacrifice and that piece is replaced. No, you are not the same, but if you take it in a positive way... you grow.� the bard finished with a small heartfelt smile.

�I guess I�ll just have to take your word for it,� Angela gave the same smile back to the bard.

A knock sounded at the door. Gabrielle leaned over the arm of her chair and looked behind her to the door and called out, �C�mon in Xena.�

�Ladies,� the warrior said semi-sarcastically in greeting, �Angela, I need to know what you have decided.�

Angela gave a small chuckle, �I�m not going to kill myself, Xena. Don�t worry.�

�Uhh, no that is not what I was talking about, but glad to hear it. No, I mean... are you going home?� The warrior caught a lump in her throat and realized that Gabrielle had stopped breathing.

�Let me ask you something, Xena. Do you honestly think I CAN go home?� Angela looked to Xena with profound sadness in her eyes and awaited her answer.

�If things are as different as you say, then No. I don�t think you can.� She slid her warrior mask in place to hide her inner turmoil.

�That�s what I have been thinking. I don�t believe that I can. I just don�t...�

�Angela,� the bard cut in, �we talked it over earlier... we want you to travel with us if you stay. We had actually thought about trying to talk you into staying. You can do a lot of good here. Think about it.� the bard ended in an almost pleading voice. She looked on as Angela seemed to mentally weigh things out. Xena touched the bard�s arm motioning for her to try harder, but she refused. It was Angie�s decision.

After listening to Gabrielle, Angela saw that the two women before her were serious about the offer. She could also tell that they awaited her decision like a couple of kids at Christmas; very expectant, but very afraid to be disappointed. She decided to let them wait. Stretching out time was not one of her forte�s, though. She was a very decisive person. They knew this. She had a hell of a time trying to convince them otherwise in the few minutes that passed. She noted that Xena shifted on her feet a few times then tapped the bard. Maybe it was time.

Angela looked up at her two companions, �ok.� was all she said. A look of innocence passed over her face.

Xena stood stock still, �how long ago did you decide this?�

�Honestly?�

�Yes.� like velvet.

�When Gabrielle took the stone.� she had the innocence of a five year old plastered across her face.

�Did you know that we would ask you to stay?� questioned the bard.

�No. I figured I would get dropped off with the Amazon�s or something. I didn�t think you two would want a tag along.�

�Oh, no.� The bard began, �don�t get started with that. You are family. And don�t you ever forget that.�

�Ok, Ok, I get the point. Sorry.� Angela said sarcastically. Then, upon hearing the unmistakable sound of a growling stomach, �Uhh, Princess? The bard is hungry. Shall we go to the kitchen?�

�Please stop calling me Princess.� velvet once again.

�Alright, fine.� Angela responded then looked at the bard and the two shared a true �shit eating grin.�

Xena was dumbfounded, �I have seen you both with that same smile, but I have never seen it at the same time. You two could be twins. Semi fraternal, but... ugh. I can�t do this. Stop it, both of you.� She turned and headed for the door.

Gabrielle decided to pipe up, �now you know how I feel when you two get that look in your eye.� she rose from her chair and began walking across the large room, �And don�t think for a second that you don�t share way too many traits. You both have been driving me nuts since day one.� the bard headed out the door and was followed closely by Angie who, once again, found these two totally amusing.

Later that evening, Angie sat down with Master Lao to �catch up� on a few things. The conversation started out typically, but Angela was in no mood to pull punches. She went straight for the jugular. She demanded to know if he had manipulated any events in her life to keep her training. He admitted to one. The only thing she would never have guessed. He had killed her husband on their honeymoon.

Angela felt a searing pain tear through her heart. She felt it the way she did that day, eight years before. She relived that morning in her mind. The knock on the hotel room door; running through the corridors; finding him run down in the parking lot. She felt the horror of it... lashing out at the paramedics and police officers trying to calm her and get her away from the body... the body. He was her husband and she wasn�t letting go, he couldn�t be dead. She could feel the pinch of the drugged dart they had to fire into her from a distance to knock her out.

Angela took a deep breath and looked up at Lao, her eyes grew cold as she contemplated killing him. He began to explain that he did it to insure her safety. She was the only thing in the world that he cared about and he knew her destiny. He had to do whatever was necessary to be sure she would survive.

She decided not to kill him, but she refused to forgive him. Lao Chen was fine with that. The fact that she had survived meant, to him, that he had done the right thing.

Angela took her leave of the old master and went back to her room. She broke down and cried for what seemed an eternity for her slain husband. They were both only 20 years old. So young. She finally knew the �who� and the �why.� Maybe now she could move on. Or could she? She still didn�t feel as though she had true closure, �I guess that just comes with time,� she thought as she fell asleep.

**********

They had been traveling for a week and making good time. Gabrielle and Angela set up their evening camp near a small lake, while the Warrior Princess waded out into the water to see about catching dinner. In no time there were two fish thrown onto shore and she was diving for a third. �Hey, Gabrielle?� Angie asked quizzically.

�Yes?� the bard replied walking over to where Angela stood at the waters edge.

�How the hell does she do that?� she asked pointing back and forth from the fish and to where she last saw the Warrior Princess dive under water.

�Well... she dives under and looks for a big fish. Then she wiggles her fingers like this,� wiggling her fingers like worms, �then when the fish tries to take the bait she punches it in the mouth,� punching her open hand, �and whammo, that�s her word mind you, she has caught the fish.�

�And this actually wor...� she was cut off by Xena shooting up out of the water laughing. There was a large fish attached to her right hand... no, her fist was rammed down its throat. Angela just stood for a moment and gaped at the sight before her.

A short while later, the fish were cleaned up and cooking over the fire. Angela, who found the smell of frying fish to be ... offensive, opted to dive into the lake to take a swim and clean up. A few minutes later she was joined by the Warrior Princess. �Hey, you shoulda come out earlier, I could have taught you how to fish.�

Angie noted the wicked gleam in her eye as she said this, �uhh, well... Gabrielle kind of described it to me and... well, I really...�

�Oh c�mon, it�s fun. You just dive under and find a big rock and then you look for a big, juicy, succulent fish. Then you wiggle your fingers like this and WHAMMO.� she punched her hand and had a happy, evil, �I just outsmarted a fish,� smile.

�So you want me to ram my fist down a fishes throat?� she asked disbelievingly.

A nod from the warrior, who seemed excited at the thought of killing more fish.

�You want me to fist a fish? I don�t think so.�

�You know... Gabrielle said the same thing when I wanted to teach her. I think you are spending way too much time with her. You used to be fun.� the warrior mock pouted.

�Oh, don�t even go there. Who is the one that can�t get out the door fast enough when it�s time to go kill the bad guy�s? Huh?� She gauged the warrior for a minute who was simply treading water in front of her, staring at her with a raised eyebrow. �Ah, yeah, see.� Angela said pointing a finger at the warrior.

Xena, annoyed at what he was listening to, lashed out at Angela. She splashed a large amount of water at her and dove under. When Angie recovered she scanned for the warrior, but to her dismay, Xena popped up behind her and dowsed her again. And so began the water fight until a certain bard decided that enough was enough. How dare they have all of the fun while she slaved over the fire. Like a pair of children caught in the act of doing something really wrong, they waded out of the lake and assisted in the final meal preparations.

That evening Angela told her friends about what Lao Chen had admitted to her. She told them everything, along with explanations of what a paramedic is (will be), and what police are. She told them how she never watched television again after the murder. For days every time she turned on the TV, she saw it and she couldn�t bear it. From then on, she only watched movies that she could pop into the VCR (more explanations).

�The only problem is that I still can�t seem to find closure.� Angela said dismally.

�I had the same problem when Perdicus was killed.� the bard began, �I couldn�t let it go until I forgave Callisto for murdering him. You need to do the same.�

Looking over to the bard, Angie thought about it for a moment. �How can I forgive him?� she said in a whisper.

�You have to find it in your heart. Callisto had no regrets, but I forgave her anyway. I had to.� the bard put a hand on Angela�s shoulder and went on, �Lao regretted killing him. He didn�t want to, but he thought it was the only way to keep you alive. It was wrong. But he has also had to live with it for years. Once you have forgiven him, you will find your closure.�

�You might be right,� Angie said with a sad half smile.

�She is right,� Xena interjected. �Listen to her, she understands this stuff better than anyone.�

�Ok. At the next town, I�ll send a letter to him. If I am going to forgive him, I at least want him to know about it.�

�Good. Trust me, it makes all of the difference.� the bard gave Angela�s forearm a reassuring squeeze and crawled into her bedroll for the night.

**********

About two weeks after arriving back at the Amazon�s....

�Hey,� Xena said, as she entered their hut and walked over to Angela carrying a scroll, �this came for you today. It�s from Chin.�

Angela took the scroll offered to her and broke the seal. She unrolled it and a second piece of parchment fell out. She tentatively caught it and recognized Master Lao�s handwriting. She read the parchment quickly and a small tear appeared in the corner of her eye. She then looked over to the scroll and realized that it was in a dialect that she was unfamiliar with. It was an old version of Cantonese, which she couldn�t read. Though she was fluid in Mandarin, the dialects were very different. �Can you read this?� she asked the Warrior Princess.

�Sure,� She said, taking the scroll, �it says that master Lao wrote that letter to you when he received yours. He died in his sleep two days later holding your letter to his chest.� she finished and look up to see Angie uneasily taking this in. �What did the parchment say? If you don�t mind... you don�t have to though....�

�No, it�s ok.� she wiped an errant tear from her eye and read the parchment, �I knew in my heart that you would forgive this old fool. For 18 years I have lived with what I had done. I had lied to you and hurt you. It has been 18 years of torment. My only comfort was knowing that you would survive. Thank you. Now I may die in peace.� She finished reading and looked up at Xena.

�Are you ok?� the warrior asked.

�Actually, I think I am.� Angela said with a sad smile. �Gabrielle was right.� she whispered.

�Always is about these things.� the warrior replied in a comforting tone.

***********

Xena and Gabrielle left the Amazon�s a few days later. Angela asked to be left behind for a few months to learn survival tactics from the women warriors. She felt that it was safer for her to know how to hunt and survive on her own before departing with her new found friends again. Xena tried to change her mind, but Angela would have none of it. She worried every time they went off that if they were to be separated, it could be a serious problem. She had all of the faith in the world in Xena and Gabrielle, but she didn�t want to needlessly burden them. She told them to come back in two months time to collect her. They agreed and set off for Thebes where Gabrielle's birthday present awaited them.

The end.

Author�s note: General Kwan really did exist. He was known as probably the greatest general in China�s history. Gen. Kwan invented the Kwan do (the weapon used in the fight between Angela and Ming Liu). He is still celebrated today.

I have nothing against Eagle Claw Kung-fu. It is an excellent art, I like some of the moves, however no art is 100% (there are those that will argue). Someone who has MASTERED multiple arts has more techniques to draw from than one who has MASTERED only one art. And I mean Mastered. Not someone who spends three months taking judo, three months taking Hapkido, three months taking kung-fu, and so on. That person learns nothing and will master nothing.

Disclaimer: The song Yesterdays belongs to Guns 'N' Roses. I only borrowed it.