ForevaXena's FanFic . . .
The Deal
by Paully Adams
Gabrielle, Xena and any other characters featured
in the actual TV series are copyrighted to MCA/Universal and Renaissance
Pictures; just borrowing for this story. The rest of the story and other
characters are mine. Please contact me before using any of my stuff. Thanks.
SPOILERS: Got this idea from reading some script pages on MaryDs Xena
Aussie fan site. The script pages dealt with the baby arc in season 5. We all
know what happened, but this is my version of the "Twilight." Also
spoiler for Succession.
SERIES DISCLAIMER: This is part 2 of a series. You must read The
Deal, Part 1 if you want to understand what is going on.
VIOLENCE/WARNING DISCLAIMER: This story depicts scenes of violence and/or
their aftermath. Readers who are disturbed by or sensitive to this type of
depiction may wish to read something other than this story.
Part 2
"Zeus and Hera are dead." Athena looked
away from golden throne that her beloved father once sat upon. Hatred filled her
voice as she continued. "And we know who we have to thank for that."
Athena stared at the empty silver throne of Ares, anger blazing from her eyes.
"Athena, we know how you feel. We know the graveness of the situation we
face. But you cannot blame Ares for this." Artemis paused as she carefully
considered her next words. "I for one, don't have any love for Ares. But
Zeus is the one who went after Xena and the child. Everyone, including Hera,
thought he was going about it in the wrong way."
"How dare you!" Her gray eyes flashed. "He was our Father! He was
trying to protect us."
"And himself." Hept interrupted. "Athena, let's face facts, Zeus
chose his own fate. So did Mother. Now we have to choose our own."
"Fine, Hept, what do you suggest? That we sit here and what for our
deaths?"
"And like fighting has done us a world of good Athena. Not even Zeus could
stop the birth of the child. What chance do we have, especially since some of us
are more inclined to protect the child than to do harm to it."
"What are you saying Hept?"
Hept narrowed his eyes at his half-sister. Even though he was crippled, he was
still the physically strongest of the gods, and as maker of the weapons for
the gods, he was a force that could not be taken lightly. "I'm saying I
will not kill an innocent child or the people whose only mistake is to love the
child so much that they are willing to die for it."
"Fine, you sit here and wait for your death. As for the rest of us, we have
a grave matter to discuss. The twilight is upon us, thanks in part to Ares and
his new Chosen One!" Athena spat out the words. "And of course he's no
where to be found! He probably watching over her...."
"She is MY Chosen One Athena, and don't you forget that!"
"Then maybe you should keep better tabs on her!"
Apollo rose from his throne. "Don't you dare judge us Athena. You are
making the same mistake as Father made. He tried to force destiny to change for
his own selfishness. And now you are too. The child has already been born. The
prophecy stated that if the child is born that the twilight will be among us.
That has already taken place. Our destiny is set, dear sister. At this point, it
does not matter if the baby lives or dies, the twilight will happen."
Athena rose from her throne. "The rest of you may be willing to seat around
and wait for your deaths, but I will fight until I can't fight no more."
***
"Chilapa, where are the maps of the surrounding country?"
Chilapa grabbed a scroll and opened it on the table. "I'm sure glad you are
back Gabrielle."
"Me too. Xena and I decided that it was time for us to settle down. And
since we are here, it is time for me to take my responsibilities as Queen more
seriously." She looked down at the map. "Is this map current?"
Chilapa nodded. "As you can see, the centaurs are west of us, the mountains
to the north, and open country to the east and south."
"Is our alliance with the centaurs still strong?"
"Very strong. Melosa and you did a great job on that treaty."
Gabrielle smiled her thanks. It was the first treaty she worked on as an Amazon
Princess. "What is to the north of the mountains?"
"The mining village of Loka. We have a treaty with them, albeit not a
strong one and it is time for us to renew it. To the east of Loka are the lands
of the warlord Yarak and to the west are the lands to the warlord Tobisa."
"What is our relationship with them?"
"Neutral. Those two hate each other with a passion. Rumor is that Yarak
deals in the slave trade. As a child, Tobisa's town was attacked by slavers, and
his sister was sold into slavery, so naturally Tobisa hates all slavers. Both of
them have eyes on gaining Loka. The only thing that stops them is that we have a
treaty with Loka that places them under our protection. Neither warlord is
strong enough to take us on."
"That's good. And Poteidaea is east of the country; about three days ride.
To the south is Theiso, about four days ride."
"That's correct. When you said that you were going to take your duties more
seriously, you meant it."
Gabrielle did not look up from the map. " A good queen knows about
potential friends... and enemies." Seeing all that she needed, she finally
looked up. "Tell Eponin to choose the two squads that will accompany me
when I leave in three days to re-establish the treaty with Loka."
***
Artemis found her brother sitting by a lake. Over the years, this place had
become a favorite of his; a place where he could go and think. "Apollo,
what are you thinking about?"
"The usual." He grabbed the scroll that was by his side. "You do
know that it is the end of us, right?"
"Maybe Athena is right."
Apollo looked at his twin. "Don't tell me you would actually consider
fighting against her?" Anger rose in voice. "So help me Artemis, if
you lay one hand on a single hair of hers..."
"Whoa, Brother. I would never harm her. You know me better than that. But
she has placed herself in harm's way."
"I know. But what else did we expect? All these years, I couldn't be there
for her. And dear old dad forbade you from answering her."
"But he couldn't stop us from watching over her."
He looked at the scroll again. "I'm willing to do whatever it takes to
protect her ... from both from Ares and Athena." His green eyes fell upon
his twin. "Are you with me?"
"I couldn't stop you even if I tried. So yes, I will be there for
you."
***
"Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" Eponin smirked as
she watched the Queen and the Queen's champion discuss the upcoming trip. Xena,
even though she had given birth a few weeks ago was still trying to squirm her
way into this trip.
"Xena, you and Eve need to stay here. Besides, I just going to renew the
treaty with Loka. The Royal Guard plus a squadron of warriors are coming with
me. And a squad is already there. I'm going to be fine, okay. Besides, I can
defend myself."
"I know you can, but I would feel better..."
"Xena you are needed here, okay. Trust me. I'll be back in a few weeks.
Love you."
"Love you too." Xena watched as Gabrielle took off with the others.
Xena turned to her smirking friend. "Eponin, you make sure she is safe, or
by the gods, you will answer to me."
Eponin quickly turned serious. "You got it."
***
"You got to be joking. We are NOT agreeing to those terms." Kijar, the
representative of Loka was furious, his face was turning red with anger. She
must think we are fools!
The young Queen smirked at the old representative. "I don't see how you
have any choice. Think of it this way. You need us. The Amazons protect you from
the surrounding warlords and help train your people for battle." She held
his gaze before speaking her next words. "We don't need you."
Kijar's nerves were on end. He turned to his advisors and the looks on their
faces told him that they knew what he knew; the Amazons didn't need them.
"The gold we send you as tribute is surely worth something to you."
"Not really. We amazons are self-sufficient. Gold is nice, but we can do
without it."
"You must be reasonable."
"I don't have to do anything. Listen, let me help you." She turned to
one of the amazon guards. "Send the scouts in." She turned by to Kijar
and the advisors. "I sent out scouts, both Amazon and Lokan, to survey the
area. I figured that both Tobisa and Yarak would have spies here in town,
letting the warlords know the progression of the talks. Since I've been here two
days longer than I had plan, they probably think that we can't come to a new
deal, and are ready to take advantage of the situation. If I'm wrong, then we
will keep the deal the same. But if I'm right, then you will have no choice but
to agree with the new terms."
They waited as the scouts delivered their reports. Tobisa and his squadron was
three days away, Yarak was less than two days away with two squads.
Gabrielle smirked at Kijar as she watched the color slowly drained from his
face. "So what is it going to be Kijar? I could have the Amazons out of
this town by sunset and let your people defend themselves if that is what you
want."
The advisors and Kijar whispered among themselves. "No, we have a deal. The
tribute will increase, and the Amazons can set up a training facility
outside of town to train our daughters in the Amazon ways and skills. We can
still govern ourselves, right?"
"Of course, as long as it do not harm the Amazon Nation of course."
Gabrielle watched as Kijar signed the papers. "Good." She turned to
one of the guards. "Have both squadrons prepare for battle just on the
outskirts of town. Now, if you gentlemen will excuse me." She rose and
walked out of the meeting hall, with Eponin following close on her heels.
"So my Queen, how did you know that Tobisa and Yarak would come?"
Gabrielle pulled out her sais and started to twirl them in her hands. "I
knew that they both had spies here. So I made sure that they were properly
informed about the talks. I also let the word leak out that I was thinking about
forming an alliance with Tobisa. So of course, Yarak is on his way here to
convince me that I should form an alliance with him instead and Tobisa is on his
way to press the issue. I know it sounds sneaky, but I want to be sure that
these people are protected by us for now. In a few years, I hope that they can
protect themselves. From what I have heard, both Tobisa and Yarak are ruthless
and hate each other, even though Tobisa is suppose to be a man of honor as well.
Of course I understand Tobisa hatred of Yarak. I hate slavers myself and it will
be only a matter of time before Yarak tries to kidnap girls from Loka and
Amazonia. Lets just say I'm trying to kill two birds with one stone."
Eponin threw a surprised glance at the Queen. What happened to that innocent
farming girl who biggest dream was to be a bard? Eponin was both impressed and
thrown off guard by the Queen's actions. "Gabrielle, I didn't know you had
it in you."
Gabrielle smiled to herself. "You would be amazed at what I'm capable of
Eponin. Utterly amazed. I will do anything to protect my friends and family.
Anything at all."
***
Yarak and his two guards bowed before the Queen of the Amazons. "Your
Highness, I know that my visit is unexpected, but when I heard that the Queen of
the Amazons was going to be near, I just had to see you for myself." He
gazed at the petite Queen. The elusive Queen was nothing he expected. Most
Amazons were tall and physically imposing. But their Queen was small with light
eyes and hair, and far from physically imposing; with a smile that could disarm
the coldest of hearts. Of course, she did not look like the peasant girl that
was known to travel with Xena, either. No, the lovely creature before him
was an enigma. Yes she is nothing that I expected. But she should be easy to
tame. He hoped that he could form an alliance with her. But if that wasn't
possible, he would defeat her and claim her as his own slave.
Gabrielle saw the flash of overconfidence in his eyes. It was a look she was use
to, for she seen it many times during her travels with Xena. And the look
indicated that her plan would be easier to accomplish. "Yarak, let us cut
to the chase, shall we? I know of your squadron less than 6 candlemarks
away." The only sign of surprise was the tightening of his jaw. Her
disarming smile became a sneer. "I have a squadron just two candlemarks
behind yours and they are closing in fast. I also have a squad of archers
waiting for you men. So I guess I have your squad surrounded." The young
woman smiled as Yarak realized he had been outmaneuvered. "I suggest Yarak
that you and your men ride fast and hard back to your squad, because in less
than 3 candlemarks they will be wearing arrows as accessories."
Yarak stared at the young queen. His pride couldn't deal with the fact he had
been outclassed by a young woman. "So you really believe you have won, is
that it? Well, I don't believe you. I heard about you, Gabrielle of Poteidaea.
The fast talking bard who doesn't believe in killing. You know what I think? I
think you are putting your bardic skills to the test."
"I guess we shall see, won't we?" She smiled as she saw him tightened
up. "Tell me Yarak, if you lose a whole squadron so far away from home,
won't the balance of power shift to Tobisa's favor? I would hate it if you were
captured by him, especially since you are under my domain."
"He isn't here."
"Not yet. But soon."
Anger and embarrassment pushed Yarak to the edge. "Too bad you won't be
alive to see him." He quickly threw a dagger towards her. before anyone
could react, Gabrielle caught the dagger with her sais. "Dumb move Yarak.
You should have headed home when you had the chance."
Yarak and his men drew out their swords. Gabrielle flicked the dagger back and
it entered into one of Yarak's guards and he fell dead. Eponin engaged the other
guard, leaving Yarak for her Queen. They circled each other, trying to find an
opening. "You know what Queen? I'm going to enjoy running my sword through
you. I had hope that you would be my partner, or at least my slave. I guess I'm
going to have to make due with your sisters and friends."
He had hope that the comment would distract her, giving him the opening he
needed. He lunged at her. It was then he realized his mistake, as she caught the
blade with her sais and broke it off of the hilt.
She raised a sai to his throat. "By the way, that aversion to killing, I
got over that." She drove the sai into his neck, killing him instantly.
Eponin, with her jaw dropped to the ground, watched as Gabrielle kicked the body
off her sai. The bard had indeed change, but the Weapon Master wasn't sure it
was for the better. "My Queen, are you all right?"
"Yeah, fine. Eponin, please send someone to the squads. I want then to send
2 of Yaraks men to claim the bodies."
"What if none of the men survive?"
"Then we will let the Lokan officials deal with the bodies properly. Now if
you will excuse me, I need to get ready for Tobisa's visit tomorrow."
"You think Tobisa will give a repeat performance?"
"Tobisa can be ruthless, but he is supposed to be a man of honor as well. I
guess we shall see."
***
Tobisa was stunned when he heard what had happened the previous day. "I
don't see how he could have misjudged you. I can tell you are a woman of great
strength and honor. It shines forth from your eyes. I know I can trust you. I
hope you feel the same."
"I do."
"Then it is settled. Our peoples will trade with one another. I look
forward to the day when our kingdoms could be united in other matters as
well." He raised her hand to his lips. "Good-bye Gabrielle." He
and his guards left town.
"Looks like you have stolen another heart," Eponin stated as she
walked to Gabrielle's side. "Tell me something. How did you know you could
trust Tobisa?"
"His squadrons remained two days away. If he was going to attack, his
squads would have been much closer."
"I guess hanging around with Xena has taught you a thing or two, huh?"
"Yeah." Gabrielle grabbed Eponin by the hand. "Let's go eat, I'm
starved."
"And I guess some things never change."
***
After the meal, Gabrielle excused herself. She climbed upon her horse and rode
to the woods. "I've got to find you a name; can't keep calling you Horse.
How about Storm?" It was then she felt the hairs rising on the back of her
neck. She had felt his presence since the first day she arrived in Loka. She
jumped down from her steed. "Come on out Ares."
The God of War appeared in front of her, a wide grin plastered to his face.
"Well, let me say I am thoroughly impressed." He raised his hand and
caressed her cheek. "Of course I wouldn't expect anything less from my
Chosen One."
She backed away from his touch. "I did what I had to do."
"Stop underestimating yourself. It may have been cute when you were
younger, but now, it is plain annoying and not very fitting, especially since
you have so many skills. You can kill one minute and form a treaty the next. I
knew you could fill Xena's shoes."
"Let's get something straight. The only reason I'm your Chosen One is
because you promised to protect Xena, Eve and whatever place we live. Don't even
think for one moment that I enjoy this."
"Gabrielle, who do you think you are fooling? You like power, you love
being around it. You like the feel of it, so stop denying who you are, for soon
you will be the most feared and respected person around. And if that don't get
your juices flowing, think of your people. Because of what you did, the
territory and reputation of the Amazons have grown. Of course, that means
Artemis reputation had grown also. Which brings me to my next point."
"Let me guess. You want your name to grow too, right?"
"Hey, can't let Artemis get all the credit, can I? It is only fair, after
all you are my Chosen One."
"And Artemis as well."
"That is just a technicality. Who came to your aid? Not your precious
Artemis. You are mine; you know it and I know it. Therefore," he placed his
hands over her wrist gauntlets, "you shall wear my mark." She could
feel the heat as it penetrated the gauntlets. When he removed his hands, she
looked down and saw a blood red design on each one. "Now, when people see
you, they will know that you are mine."
"Including Xena."
"Hey, I know you don't want her to know. But friends shouldn't keep secrets
from each other. Not to bring up any bad memories, but remember what happened
the last time you two kept secrets from each other." Gabrielle narrowed her
eyes in anger. "That is what I like to see. That fire, that anger. Yarak
never stood a chance. Enough small talk, I'll catch you later." He
disappeared in a flash of light.
Gabrielle climbed back on her steed and rode back to Loka. She had no idea that
a pair of gray eyes watched her every move. Enjoy this small victory. It
sweetness is about to turn very bitter. So Amazonia is under both Artemis and
Ares protection? Too bad. That means someone is being left unguarded.
***
Gabrielle and Eponin headed back to Amazonia. They were a day's ride out when a
scout rode out to them. "My Queen, I have grave news to report."
"What, did something happen to Xena or Eve?"
"No, they are fine. My Queen, Poteidaea has been attacked."
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