All other Characters and events are the ideas and property of the author. They are not to be duplicated or used in other works without the authors permission.

There is no sex (only hints) but dark themes and violence. Good versus Evil sometimes gets nasty. If you are offended by this please read no further.

This story could not have been written without the contributions of I. Boldway and my thanks to her.

Thanks also to my editor Stonewulf for his contribution.

Bows and cheers to the members of my Xenavrse cyber-tribe Daughters of the Four Winds. They are inspirational and each one a treasure.

Last but not least my deepest thanks to the Big Guy Upstairs for the second chance.

This the first posting of my work. Please be gentile and I welcome feedback and thoughts at xenasis@yahoo.com or OTEREWQB@hotmail.com

Ladies and Gentleman! May I present.....

Darkness covered the landscape. A total ebony shade which would have been a blessing but in this twilight, the horrors were merely shadowed. Wildfires were scattered across the land as far as the eye could see, the remains of the charred buildings lay in their wake. A thick, putrid smoke filled the air, saturating the land itself with the smell of death and burnt flesh.

A lone figure walked among the carnage. Bile rose in her throat as the smell and sights assaulted her. Bodies of men, women and children were scattered about in gruesome randomness. Pain and fear etched on their faces, as if, in the last moments of their lives they had

realized that they could not escape the plague that stalked them. The fires that had been set to burn off the disease had claimed some of the victims and left only skeletal remains.

The plague had been quick, but not fast enough for those caught in its grasp. Innocents had

endured pain and unimaginable horror in the last few seconds of life, and many clung to family and loved ones as they died. Now all that was left of once loving families were ashen statues.

The woman closed her eyes, trying to block out and forget but the moans of the dying crept

through clenched ears. A putrid odor overwhelmed her and caused her to gag, leaving the taste of fire in her throat.

"What happened?" She whispered to herself and the darkness and death that surrounded her.

Only moments before she had been walking in a meadow, her best friend by her side. Then there had been an explosive clap of thunder and a brilliant burst of lightening that struck a nearby

hill.

Two figures appeared on the hill as the glare faded. Straining her eyes she could only tell that

it was a child and oddly dressed man.

She turned to speak to her companion, but found herself alone. Quickly, she looked around trying to find her friend in the darkness but found no one. Only the child and man upon the hill kept her from being alone in this field of death. Suddenly, with but a blink, she found herself at the foot of the hill staring up at the two strangers.

Now that she was closer, she recongnized who the child was. The little girl's appearance was different, the face scarred by burns but still clear enough to prove her identity. Unconsciously the

woman took a few steps back. "No." She murmured, "not you."

The child and man smiled down at her, "Hello Mother." They said in unison.

The woman turned her attention to the man accompanying the child. He was young, medium

height, muscular build and light brown shoulder length hair. He wore clothes unlike anyhting she

she had ever seen before. Pants and a coat of an odd thin material that seemed made to fit him perfectly. His smile sent chills down her spine and his twinkling blue eyes showed deceit and cruelty. He and the child shared the same eyes. Her eyes.

Fear pumping wildly within her, she turned and began to run. It took her a moment to realize

that she was only moving in place, unable to put any distance between her and them.

Their laughter forced her to realize she could not escape, so she stopped and turned back to face them. She slowed her panting breath and met the child's eyes, "You're dead. You can not hurt anyone again."

The smile faded from the child's scared lips, "You failed mother. You waited too long. I forgive you for trying to stop me. You opened the door for my father. You gave birth to me. You will always hold a place of honor. Dahok will not let you go unrewarded."

The girl and man raised their left hands and, in unison, swept the air. Another bright flash of light and the meadow disappeared - replaced by the hellish wasteland that surrounded her.

Tears streamed down her face as she opened her eyes again. A breeze stirred the smoke filled air and swept her blond hair from her face. It was then, her eyes blurry with tears,that she noticed another figure had appeared in the wasteland.

She felt a sense of relief and began walking toward the figure who was now moving toward her. Her first instinct was that it was her friend, made unrecognizable by the smoke and distance, but as she drew closer she realized the figure was unknown to her. They stopped a few feet apart and looked upon one another. There was a physical resemblance as well as a sense of familiarity about the stranger. She sensed that the newcomer was just as frightened and confused as she was. The stranger was dressed in a similar fashion as the man who stood beside Hope, but there was no malevolence about this woman.

Both women were startled when they felt hands upon their shoulders. Turning around and assuming a defensive stance, almost like miror images of one another, the blond relaxed when she saw the long raven hair and familiar armor about the woman touching her. Another woman had also joined the woman in strange clothes; this woman bore a strong resemblance to the armored woman, which had so startled her. "You're not alone." The two dark haired women said together.

Without warning, a flash of lightening struck among the four women, scattering them about.

The child and man appeared again, this time anger radiating from them like heat from the fires. The girl faced her mother and the man faced the other frightened stranger, "You will not stop us." They growled as the earth began to shake and a stone barrier rose out of the ground, separating the blond and her warrior friend from the strangely dressed ones.

The ground stopped shaking suddenly, but the woman noticed that the land around her was still moving; then, looking even closer through the dim light she saw not the earth moving but the bodies of the dead crawling from all directions. She looked to her left and saw that her friend had drawn her sword and was braced for an attack. But how could you kill what was already dead? She caught a glimpse of the other two women, seperated by the barrier of light where Hope and the strange man had once stood. They too were preparing for battle.

Hands exploded out of the earth, seizing the blond woman's ankles and tripping her. She called out, but as she rolled over, kicking at the vise-like grip of skeletal hands, saw that her friend was surrounded by the dead and unable to help. She was certain that the same thing was happening on the other side of the wall of light. As more hands erupted from the ground and the crawling dead neared, she knew escape was impossible. Bony, decayed hands grasped her flesh and began to tear her apart. She did the only thing she could -scream.

She was brought into a waking state by that scream. Sitting up, she fought off imaginary hands that attempted to pull her back.

"Gabrielle!" A familiar voice broke through the cob-webby dream fragments.

Gabrielle choked off her scream and looked around her, eyes wide with fear and still searching for the monsters from the nightmare.

Xena was suddenly beside her and wrapped a strong comforting arm around her friends' trembling shoulders, "You're okay. It was only a dream."

Gabrielle clung to her companion, trying to shake off the dream remnants but finding it harder than she thought. Moments passed before she calmed enough to stop trembling and a few more before was able to pull from Xena. Drawing her knees to her chest she rocked slightly and stared into the fire.

Xena watched her closely. Gabrielle had nightmares occasionally but nothing this severe. Xena had been sleeping soundly when Gabrielle's screams had awakened her. Sitting up, she watched her for a few minutes before reaching out and gently touching her shoulder. At that touch Gabrielle had awoken screaming.

"It's never going to be over." Gabrielle whispered.

"It was only a dream." Xena reassured.

Gabrielle cut her eyes to glance at Xena and then back to the fire, "No. No, it wasn't." She edged closer to the bright security of the fire light.

Xena grabbed her blanket and draped it over Gabrielle's shoulders, "You wanna talk about it?"

Chilled, Gabrielle pulled the blanket close, trying to forget the lingering phantom visions. When Xena moved up beside her, she leaned against her for support.

"Was it a prophecy dream?" Xena asked.

Gabrielle nodded and hesitantly began to relate the dream. When she finished, she took a deep breath and buried her face in her arms, pulling into a tight defensive ball.

Xena quietly digested the details of the dream. Her own unease was evident as she scanned the darkness around their camp. Her need to reassure Gabrielle, however calmed her down. "Sometimes your dreams of prophecy get mixed up with other things that are bothering you. Hope is gone."

"I'm not so sure. She was Dahok's daughter. She said I waited too long. What if she was right and has come back?"

Xena tensed at the mention of Hope. Gabrielle's assault had led to the birth of a demon. A demon that had been responsible for the death of her own son. Solan's death still brought her grief but she and Gabrielle had reconciled their differences. Neither woman discussed what had transpired, both trying to allow time for the wounds to heal. The thought of Hope still alive, the murderer of her only son, caused those wounds to open slightly.

"Something's coming Xena and I'm scared."

Xena refocused, "What about the man that was with her?"

Gabrielle shrugged, "They both called me mother but I didn't know him. They resembled each other though and had the same eyes."

Xena considered that as Gabrielle continued, "The other woman knew him. I could tell by the look on her face. She was afraid of him too."

"These other two women. Who were they? You said they were dressed strangely, could they be from another land?"

Gabrielle uncurled from her ball and turned to face Xena, "That's the really weird part. I think they are us, but not us. But either way we need their help."

Xena frowned, not sure of what to make of her friends ambiguity as the distant sky revealed dawn.

2.

Across vast seas of time, two thousand years from where Xena comforted Gabrielle by the fire, another woman came out of a nightmare screaming.

She sat up and scanned the darkened bedroom. The feel of the dead hands still burned her skin. She reached for the lamp beside her bed. With the twist of a knob the darkness retreated from the room.

As the shadows receded, she found herself alone and in her own bedroom. Fear settled about her like a cloud. She pulled the covers around her and drew her knees to her chest. Sweat had drenched her and she shivered as the air-conditioning kicked on. The taste and smell of death seemed to linger for a moment then it vanished. The faint odor of potpourri replaced it.

Tears began as she ran a shaky hand through her curly blond hair and erupted into deep sobs. Turning her head to the side she saw the phone on the night-stand. It seemed to glow like a

beacon. She leaned over, grabbed it from the cradle, and started to dial. After she had punched in three numbers she stopped and hit the cancel button, then dropped the phone to her side. Fragments of the nightmare flashed in her mind. Dead bodies, devastation and even more frightening-Him.

His evil smile and confident manner. The child beside him, face scarred with yes that shone with hellish light. Still more frightening, however was that the shade of those nightmarish eyes were reflected in her own.

Terror had almost overtaken her when her best friend vanished and the wasteland and man had appeared. But then she had seen the other woman been filled with relief. As they faced one another she knew that this was a friend and that together they might defeat the evils confronting them. When she felt her best friends hand on her shoulder and saw that the other woman had been joined by a friend as well she knew that they could defeat any foe.

The demons had sensed it as well. The barrier and animation of the dead proved that.

When she picked up the phone this time, she dialed the complete number. It was answered on the fourth ring by a sleepy, irritated female voice, "This had better be an emergency."

"Mel?" The dreamer began hesitantly, "I know it's late, I'm sorry but . . . "

The voice on the other end of the phone was more alert now, "Aven, what's wrong?"

"I... I had a dream. A bad one."

"I'll be there in twenty minutes." The voice assured and hung up without waiting for a reply.

Gabrielle finished packing up camp as Xena saddled Argo. Neither woman had gotten any sleep after the nightmare. Gabrielle calmed, however as the nightmare faded into memory. As dawn's light covered the land she seemed more like her old self, but Xena sensed that she was still troubled.

"Ready when you are." Gabrielle smiled as she joined Xena.

"You know we can camp here another night if you're not up to traveling. There's no hurry to reach Athens." Xena suggested.

Gabrielle handed the rolled blankets to Xena to tie onto the saddle, "I'm fine. Moving will help me forget and like you said, it was only a dream."

Xena stiffened and whirled around, hand on her chakram as a figure came crashing through the bushes. She recognized him the minute he was clear of the foliage and crashed at her feet, his makeshift armor clanking loudly as he hit the dirt.

Gabrielle had taken a stance beside Xena, staff ready. The noise and ridicoulus armor alerted her to the stranger's identity. She rested upon her staff.

The man held his head up from the ground and began spitting out dirt. He stopped when he saw two pairs of boots facing him. He did not move for a few seconds and began a nervous laughter as he brought his eyes up.

The legs and short skirts he saw stopped his laughter and he began to grin. "Xena! Gabrielle!"

He said, pushing himself off the ground and rising to his feet.

"Morning Joxer." Xena replied softly.

"I've been looking for the two of you." He stated as he dusted himself off.

Gabrielle waved away the cloud of dust that drifted off him, "You found us." She coughed.

"Yea, well it wasn't easy. You guys don't leave an easy trail to follow."

"That's the idea." Xena replied as she turned to Argo and finished tying the bed rolls on the saddle. The lack of sleep and Gabrielle's nightmare left her edgy and short tempered. Such a mood was not a good combination especially with Joxer around.

The angular man finished straightening his armor and placed his lopsided helmet back on his head, "If I didn't know better I'd think you guys were trying to avoid me."

"Funny that?" Gabrielle answered bluntly.

"Joxer," Xena began, "It has not been a good morning, so now is not the time . . . "

His face fell like a scolded child, "But I brought you a message."

Xena sighed, "What kind of message?"

His expression turned serious and his chest stuck out with pride, "A message from Hercules."

Now he had their full attention. "What kind of message?" Xena repeated.

"I was in Theopolis, helping take care of a nasty little guy who was trying to rob the local widows blind, when Hercules found me. Can you believe he didn't think I could find you in time to deliver the message? I had to tell him about all the times we've taken on Warlords and other things like the Bacckae . . . "

"The message, Joxer!" Both women ordered firmly, before his tangent widened.

"Right!" He grinned unfazed, "Hercules says he needs your help and wants you to meet him in Corinth as soon as possible."

"Corinth? We haven't heard of any trouble there." Gabrielle replied.

Joxer rolled his eyes, "Corinth is fine. You're just supposed to meet him there. The trouble is heading for Mount Olympus. Home of the Gods." He emphasized, "Hercules said that Evil was coming and that the Gods needed all the help they could get if mankind were going to survive."

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged worried glances. The nightmare weighed upon their minds.

"Joxer, make sure Gabrielle gets to Athens. I'll meet you there as soon as I can." Xena instructed and walked to Argo.

Gabrielle was hot on her heels, "I'm not going to Athens. I'm coming with you."

"Yeah. Me too." Joxer said, following her lead.

Xena turned to argue but Gabrielle was waiting. "I have to go, Xena. We both know it."

"Gabrielle this may have nothing to do with your dream."

Confused Joxer looked from one to the other, "Dream? What dream?"

Neither spoke a word. Looking at one another Xena resigned herself. Gabrielle was going. "Let's get moving." She said as she climbed into the saddle.

"Okay." Joxer grinned with all the enthusiasm of a child and followed them out of the clearing.

OUR TIME-

The apartment was small but furnished nicely and emmaculatly clean. Melanie Prince sat on the overstuffed couch in the living room waiting on the coffee her friend was preparing.

The soft, soothing, new age music that Aven liked so well drifted from the stereo across the room. As Melanie glanced around the apartment she realized how much her friend had changed over the last few months. The living space was fully furnished but devoid of anything personal. Aven, like herself was a collector of unusual items, books and weapons. Six months ago she proudly displayed those collections throughout the apartment. She was fascinated by history and knowledge and was a walking encyclopedia of trivia. Now that collection was gone. Hidden away or disposed of just like the old Aven Gabriel.

Melanie sighed and shook her head as she heard Aven moving around in the kitchen. They had known one another as children. But as they came into adulthood had drifted apart. Ten years ago they had reformed their friendship. It had been a coincidence that both had come to a Renaissance Faire' during mock battle. During the Faire' both women had participated in a volunteer mock battle and ended up on the same side.

For years Melanie had been fascinated by weapons and medieval artifacts and had participated in several Renaissance Festivals. She had become very proficient with a sword and that skill along with her imposing five-foot eleven build had earned her a reputation on the festival circuit and the nickname Warrior Princess.

It had been Avens first Festival. Although she was good with a staff and greatly out skilled by the more seasoned fighters, she held her own. Melanie and the other competitors had been impressed by her enthusiasm and had taken her under their wing. During the next battle that day the two of them together held their own against the enemy army and emerged victorious. A friendship quickly formed as they spent the rest of the festival getting to know one another again.

Neither woman had ever met someone they shared so much in common with. Both were sports-enthusiast and were fascinated with the things most people considered eccentric. Magic, ancient cultures, the supernatural, weaponry, anything that was fantastic held their interest.

After the festival Melanie and Aven became inseparable. They attended fencing classes, karate classes, estate sales, museum exhibits and they traveled to other cities attending Renaissance festivals and shows. Over the years the two of them became quite a team during mock battles. Melanie with her excellent swordsmanship and acrobatics, and Aven with her amazing staff and gymnastic skills proved to be an outstanding partnership.

Together on the battle field they were fierce; off the field they were like teenagers. Aven and Melanie became soul-mates.

Six months ago, however, something had happened that changed Aven. Arguments and long periods of silence grew between them. That barrier had been punctured when Aven called for help this night.

"Sorry it took so long." Aven said as she came into the living room carrying a coffee tray.

Melanie snapped out of her haze and smiled, "No problem." She watched Aven set the tray down and pour the coffee and then noticed that even her friends physical appearance had changed. Aven was an outdoors person and always kept a healthy tan. Now she was pale and had lost weight. Her shoulder length, curly blond hair, usually neat and bouncy, hung lifelessly around her face. The once vibrant blond had become diluted.

When she accepted the cup Aven offered Melanie noticed the dark smudges under her eyes. "Aven." She began, trying not to sound frustrated, "Sit down and tell me what's going on." With a sigh Aven complied and flopped down on the opposite end of the couch. "I shouldn't have called." She said starring at the steaming fluid in the cup, "I was scared, but it was just a dream."

Just a dream- Melanie thought to herself. She had discovered a year into their renewed friendship that Aven had a gift. She could see things in her dreams. Events that were to come and events that had been. She herself had become a firm believer in Avens dreams when one of them had saved her from a fatal car wreck.

"You and I both know that they're never just dreams."

Taking a large gulp of coffee, Aven began relating the details of the dream. Melanie listened intently, memorizing every bit of information, especially the other participants in the vision. When finished Aven slumped into the couch. She was exhausted from reliving the dream again.

Melanie set the cup down and leaned forward, "Okay. Very scary dream. Apocalyptic dreams do not always mean the end of the world. It could mean- "

"The end of me." Aven finished.

"Not if I have anything to say about it. If it is the end of you, I'd like to know what part David plays in it." Melanie asked bluntly. She watched as Aven tensed up and pure fear blazed in her eyes at the mention of David's name. "From what you've told me the little girl and man you dreamed about were evil. The man you described was David, so what gives?"

Aven pulled her knees to her chest and sunk into the couch, "I never mentioned David's name."

"You didn't have to." Melanie said a little louder than she meant to.

David Hawks was CEO of Hope Industries, a large science and research corporation. He had also been friends with Aven since high school and later her boss. Eight months ago they had begun dating and it was after a long weekend of skiing with him that Aven had changed. She had quit her job, a job that she had loved for twelve years, stopped seeing David and become a hermit. She lost all interest in her former life and had cut herself off from her friends, even Melanie.

Melanie rubbed her tired eyes, "I'm sorry. It's just that I'm concerned."

Aven shrugged and smiled weakly, "I know and I appreciate it. I just rather not talk about him."

"All right, so lets talk about the other two in the dream. The two women you said reminded you of a younger and different version of us."

Aven relaxed some. "They were friends, I'm sure of that and we needed them. The four of us together could possibly defeat this evil and it knew that. That's why they threw up the barriers."

Melanie leaned back on the couch and propped her legs on the coffee table, "So who were they and where do we find them?"

"The past." Aven answered simply.

2.

ANCIENT GREECE-

The three travelers finally reached Corinth on mid afternoon the following day. Gabrielle had not experienced any more nightmares, but she had not slept much since then either. Only Joxer had rested easily the night before, but he sensed their unease. The trip had been a quiet and sedate on so far.

They did not find Hercules but Iolaus was waiting on them at the local tavern. He explained that Hercules had left that morning for Olympus and asked him to wait for them to arrive.

The party ate a quick meal and then went about the difficult job of convincing Joxer how important it was for him to stay behind in Corinth. Joxer had whined and argued but finally compromised when Xena and Iolaus had pointed out to him that if trouble from Olympus spread he would be needed to protect the populace of the city. Gabrielle added her own words of encouragement and that finally persuaded him.

After exchanging goodbyes with Joxer, the new trio left Corinth bound for Mount Olympus. Talking was kept to a minimum with Iolaus promising to give them more details once they made camp for the night.

They made good time as the sun set and figured that with an early start they would reach Olympus by mid afternoon the following day.

Sitting around the fire, Iolaus began to inform them of the current events. He began with the recent encounter with Callisto and the new force of evil she served.

Gabrielle recognized the evil he described from her nightmare. It was confirmation that Hope was alive. Despite the fact that she had poisoned her evil daughter and watched her burn in a funeral pyre, the demon child was still alive. She glanced at Xena but her friend was stoic and unreadable.

Neither of them said a word as Iolaus finished with, "So no one knows where this demon child has come from. Only that her Fathers power seems to equal the Gods."

"Why is she attacking Mount Olympus?" Xena asked after a few seconds of silence.

"Aphrodite and Athena were elected by the others to approach Hercules for help." Iolaus began, "Zeus and the others have felt the evil growing more powerful and they say it's moving quicker than expected."

"How did the Gods know when and where?"

Iolaus shrugged, "Hercules didn't go into that much detail. He just said that after they told him what they knew he felt foolish for not recognizing the signs. He said that the first step this child took was to gather followers, which apparently this thing has. A lot of them. The next step was to take out the Gods of Olympus. This would leave mankind helpless. Then it could destroy all those that didn't follow it and it's people would mold the world to it's wishes."

Gabrielle shuddered. Iolaus offered her a smile and put some more wood on their fire.

"Turns out the Gods aren't the all-powerful beings we thought they were." He continued, "They're really worried about this thing and they need help."

"That's where we come in." Xena replied with irony.

Iolaus nodded, "That's why they came to Hercules. They need every mortal they have ever bestowed a gift on or that has championed for the Gods. Hercules can recruit the most in a short period of time."

"I'm surprised Hercules is helping the Gods after the things they've done to him."

Iolaus face became serious, "He's doing this for us, not the Gods. That's why he agreed to help them. The line is being drawn on Olympus. We have to fight together because as bad as the Gods can be, they don't want to wipe us out. This new force does."

Gabrielle had remained silent during the conversation. She had taken all she could, "I'm going to get some rest." She turned and moved away from the fire.

Iolaus leaned over to Xena, "Is she all right?"

Xena watched as Gabrielle lay down and pulled a blanket over her head. "She's just tired and probably a little scared."

"I know the feeling." He sighed.

When Gabrielle opened her eyes she found herself not under the stars but in a large stone room. Trying to sit up she realized that her hands and legs were chained to the stone alter that she lay upon. Confused, she looked around the dimly lit room and instantly recognized where she was. Dahok's temple. She was not alone. Six shadowed figures stood unmoving against the wall, watching silently.

There was a presence in the room and when she looked at the foot of the altar she saw him. A combination of the priest of the temple Kraftstar and his demon side, the Deliverer. He bent over her, his voice warm and smooth as he spoke, "Welcome back, Gabrielle."

She struggled against the chains, trying to break free as he moved beside her and leaned closer, "It's better not to struggle. Fighting against us is a waste of energy."

Gabrielle looked into his eyes defiantly, "I'll never stop fighting you. You tricked me and because of you I brought this evil into the world. It's my responsibility to end it."

"You've already tried that and failed." He taunted with a smile.

"I'll never stop trying until Hope is destroyed and you along with her." Gabrielle argued and closed her eyes.

As he moved in even closer she turned her head away, "Open your eyes Honored One and see what your efforts shall reap."

He lingered there for a moment, so close that she could feel and smell his hot, fetid breath on her face. Then she heard his feet scrape the stone as he moved away.

When Gabrielle opened her eyes, she gasped in horror at the sight that greeted her. The room was fully illuminated and the shadowed figures against the wall were clearly visible.

Lila her sister, Perdicus her beloved husband, Hercules, Iolaus, Joxer and her amazon sister Ephony were hung up on the wall. Their lifeless bodies hung bloody, bruised and bearing the scars of torture.

"No." She whimpered in shock. Her chest heaved as tears began and she was finally able to pull her eyes from the listless bodies. When she saw who was at the foot of the altar tears and sobs became uncontrollable.

Xena had again been crucified, but this time her throat was slashed open and she had been gutted. Her head hung limply to the side and her lifeless eyes were fixed on Gabrielle, accusingly.

"Xeeenaa!" She wailed thrashing and fighting to break free of the chains and escape from this place.

Suddenly, Kraftstar was by her side again, "They can't help you now. If you fight us, this is what will happen. There is only one who can help you now and you are already his."

Kraftstar disappeared and was replaced by the fiery arms of Dahok. She felt them encircling her, consuming her, and she screamed.

"You're safe." Xena soothed as she held Gabrielle.

Iolaus had also been awakened by her scream and kneeled beside them, concern etched upon his face.

"She's been having nightmares." Xena explained, her own voice edged with worry.

Iolaus raised his eyebrows, "Must have been some nightmare. Considering where we're heading and what we're facing, I'm surprised we're not all having them."

Xena nodded. Gabrielle still clung to her. "She'll be all right. It just takes awhile for her to calm down."

Iolaus rose to his feet, "I'm going to have a look around and get some more wood for the fire."

Xena smiled her thanks and watched him disappear into the night. When she was sure he was out of earshot she leaned in close to Gabrielle, "You're going back to Corinth come first light."

"No." She said weakly.

"Gabrielle you cannot keep going through this every time you close your eyes."

Gabrielle pulled away from her, "It wasn't the same dream."

"From the way you screamed it doesn't make much difference. I want you to take Argo back to Corinth. We will handle Hope and Dahok."

"He showed me, Xena." Gabrielle stated, wiping the tears from her eyes, "He showed me what would happen if we fought him. Everyone dead except me. He wants me alive to bear more of his demon children."

"We won't let that happen." Xena vowed, "I'll die before I let him hurt you again."

Gabrielle looked into Xena's eyes and shook her head, "That's the point of the dream. Everyone was dead because of me. You, Hercules, Iolaus, Lila, Joxer, Ephiny and Perdicus." Then she stopped, "Perdicus?" She repeated.

"What about Perdicus?" Xena asked, "Dahok wasn't responsible for his death. That was Callisto and it appears she serves Hope now."

Gabrielle's eyes showed a flicker that made Xena feel better, "Tthe dream the other night was a prophecy dream. Tonight was a warning."

Now Xena was beginning to understand, "He's trying to scare you. To keep you away from the battle."

"He can be stopped." Gabrielle smiled, "I don't know why or how but we are involved."

"Did your dream give you any clues to this puzzle?"

Gabrielle's smile faltered, "No, but if we can find the other two women from the dream that will be a start."

OUR TIME-

Melanie and Aven had stayed up talking until daylight. As Aven calmed and relaxed she became more like her old self. Despite the fact that she was still distant and haunted at times, Melanie had hope that the old Aven was still in there somewhere.

"Why don't you pack a bag and come stay with me for a few days? It's Halloween and there's no place like San Francisco to celebrate. It's been ages since we've gone on one of our excursions. Maybe a city full of drag queens and wild parties are just what you need." Melanie replied and downed the last of her coffee.

Aven looked like she was going to say yes for a moment until the fear reasserted itself, "That sounds great, but I can't."

"Did you become agoraphobic or something? You never leave this apartment any more."

Aven leaned forward, wanting to tell Melanie the real reason she had locked herself away from the world, but her friends' safety was more important than the truth. "I have a research project I'm freelancing." She lied, "I have to get it finished by this weekend."

"One weekend won't kill you." Melanie argued.

Again the urge to confide rose up but she squelched it, "I'm sorry. Maybe next time. I do appreciate the invitation."

Melanie had learned from past disagreements when to give up, "Next time." She replied, uncurled her legs and slid off the couch, "I better get going. You sure you're Okay?"

Aven rose too her feet, "I'm fine and thanks for last night."

"That's what friends are for."

Without warning Aven walked over and hugged her tightly, "You are my best friend and I love you. Never forget that."

Not an openly affectionate person, Melanie quickly returned the hug, sensing the fear and unrest in her friend. She was about to say something when Aven pulled away, "Thanks again." She replied, the distant manner slipping back into place.

Melanie took a step back, confused and even more worried than before, "If you need me, call. I'll have my cell phone with me this weekend."

"Have a good time and be careful." Aven said softly.

Melanie turned and walked to the door. She cast one more concerned look at her friend and walked out.

Aven went to the window and watched her walk down the sidewalk to her car. When she drove off Aven turned her attention to the familiar, ever present dark green Camry parked on the far corner. She could make out figures sitting in the car watching her but she never saw their faces, even after all these months.

"Hurt her you bastard and I'll make you sorry you ever saw the light of day." She growled before closing the curtains.

Hope Industries was one of the largest, most successful companies on the West coast. According to it's public relation's office it specialized in science and research for the betterment of mankind. The company had been built and run by the Hawks family.

David Hawks had assumed control of the company on his eighteenth birthday. He was an intelligent, charming, good-looking man who used manipulation as a favorite tool. By the time he was twenty-five he had bought up several smaller companies, merged them into his own and had formed a fast rising empire. On his thirtieth birthday he held a strong foot-hold in the business world with all the political and financial connections needed to make the entire west coast his domain.

For those who benefitted from him he was a god. Those who crossed him or either were dead or wished they were.

David had become aware of his destiny as a child and had been groomed for it. As he became an adult, it was apparent that he had more strength and ambition than any of his ancestors.

Hope Industries was located in the Hawks building which sat in the center of downtown Sacramento. The C.E.O.'s office was on the top floor with a prominent view of the city.

The office was decorated simply but with a definite masculine flair. Shades of brown and beige, mahogany wood furnishings and mounted heads of bear, mountain lion decorated the walls and expansive room. It also contained a private sanctuary within its walls and it was from here that David entered when his primary assistant came into the office.

"Report." He ordered as he sat behind his desk and scanned the messages waiting there.

"Everything is ready. We simply await your go-ahead."

Hawks looked up and studied the man in front of him. Dan Kinsey had been by his side since high school. He was the only who knew of the Hawks true heritage and in whom Hawks trusted. "Keep them alert, the time is coming. Have there been any results in the search for the Icon?"

"No." Kinsey reported and looked downward, fearful of his Master's wraith.

"I must have the Icon, Dan. Without that, this cannot succeed." Hawks replied, anger in his voice.

"I'll get all of available resources we have on it."

Hawks smiled, coldly and cruely, "You do that. Is our bird still in the cage?"

Kinsey nodded, "Being watched twenty-four hours a day."

Hawks leaned back in his chair and propped his feet up on the desktop, "Good. I still believe she knows where it is. If the Icon is not found before the messengers arrive, I want her brought in. Both of them."

Kinsey looked at him curiously, carefully wording his next statement, "I don't understand, Sir. There's no way she could keep the information from you, yet she didn't tell you anything. Why would she tell you now?"

"I can be very persuasive, especially when I'm in a hurry. This time I'll use all of my skills to convince her to tell me."

Kinsey, still confused, nodded and left to attend to his duties.

ANCIENT GREECE-

The darkening sky was their first clue that the battle had already begun. Then there was the sound of distant thunder and the escaping villagers fleeing past them.

"Looks like the party started without us." Iolaus replied as they picked up the pace and reached the top of the hill that looked over the village situated at the bottom of Olympus.

The battle had apparently spilled from the Mountain top into the valley below, and the village was quickly being destroyed. The Olympus warriors were fighting valiantly against Dakok's followers but the spill over of explosions and fire from Olympus were decimating both sides.

Xena pulled Gabrielle near and whispered, "Stay close to me."

Gabrielle nodded and Xena looked at Iolaus, "Time to crash the party."

"Better late than never." He grinned and took off down the hill toward the village.

Xena released Argos reins, "Get out of here, girl. It's too hot for you down there." Argo obeyed as Xena and Gabrielle followed Iolaus into the valley.

As they approached the melee', Xena spotted several of the Olympus Champions. Perseus, Atalanta, and Jason fought side by side against a group of robed opponents. They were easily more skilled than Dahok's people but he had more numbers.

She caught a glimpse of Hercules on the ridge above the village and was heading that way to help when a cluster of robed creatures converged upon her.

Drawing her sword, she assumed a battle stance and felt Gabrielle move behind her so that each could cover one another's backs. The robed attackers began circling like vultures, brandishing their swords like claws.

Xena looked at their faces and in their eyes as they circled and saw only blind obedience. Their eyes were soulless and fanatical but their swords were well sharpened.

Raising her weapon, she met and pushed off three swords arcing toward her. Unarmed they seemed a confused, a fact that Xena took advantage of, delivering a flurry of punches that left them lying in the dirt.

Behind her she heard the thump, thump, thud of Gabrielle bringing one of the enemy down. Out of the side of her eye she saw another sword rising and was surprised at how quickly Gabrielle's staff appeared and sent the sword flying to the ground.

Leaping into the air, she kicked out her long, muscular legs and knocked out the last two robes, who landed at her feet with a crash.

Stepping over the enemy, Xena and Gabrielle moved further into the village. Two more men came at them carrying axes.

"I'll handle this." Xena smiled. Sheathing her sword, she took two steps and launched herself over them. Firmly she grasped the axes at the apex of her leap and plucked them from their hands. Landing smoothly behind them, she began twirling the axes as they turned to face her, shock and surprise evident on their faces.

"Lose something?" She asked and then cold-cocked them with the blunt end of the axes. "Timber." She added as they fell to the ground.

"Xena!" Gabrielle called, starring at the distant stand of trees.

Xena moved beside her and followed her gaze. On the hill by the trees she could see a small robed figure watching them. "Hope?" She asked, her voice low and guttural.

Suddenly a large bolt of lightening tore off Olympus and exploded in the trees. It was followed by another powerful surge and now the woods were replaced by a large, blue swirling vortex. A sharp, hard wind spun the dirt from the ground and there was a loud piercing roar coming from the potral.

Xena and Gabrielle watched as five robed figures gathered around the smaller figure, bowed down and seemed to be receiving instructions of some kind.

"What is that?" Gabrielle yelled above the roar.

"Trouble." Xena answered.

Looking around the valley she saw that more of Dahok's people had appeared and were keeping the others busy. Hercules was trying to make his way to the forest as was Iolaus but they were besieged by more of the followers.

The five figures surrounding Hope pulled away from her and ran toward the blue swirl.

Instinctively Xena pursued them, Gabrielle following her lead. The five figures dived into the swirl and with a flash of light and gust of wind, vanished.

As they approached the hole, Xena saw the anger on Hope's scarred face and the approaching robed fanatics intent on intercepting them before they reached the swirl.

Xena felt the pull of the vortex as she neared and saw Hope rasing her hand to blast them before they could enter. Reaching back, she grabbed Gabrielle's arm and the two of them dove into the swirling blue emptiness.

OUR TIME- HOPE INDUSTRIES

Dan Kinsey quickly made his way to the CEO's office, knowing that once summoned, Hawks expected quick results. He reached the door slightly out of breath, knocked once and pulled the door open. Easing in he asked, "You called?"

David motioned him in, impatience apparent, "The messengers arrive in San Francisco, tonight, near Market street. I'm to be notified as soon as they are picked up."

Kinsey nodded, "On my way." He turned to reach for the door when Hawks called him back.

"One more thing, Dan."

"Sir?"

"I want Aven Gabriel and Melanie Prince brought in here within the hour." He replied with a predatory grin, "Their time just ran out."

"Yes sir." Kinsey answered and left the office.

San Francisco-

Melanie gave a triumphant yip of glee as she neatly backed the jeep into the empty parking space on the street. The most frustrating thing about San Francisco was its lack of parking. She had been circling for almost twenty minutes before she found this cramped space on the corner of Duboce and Market Street. It would be a long hike back to Castro streets but the Halloween celebration would be worth the inconvenience.

For a moment she felt a pang of regret that Aven had refused to come. They had always enjoyed Halloween in San Francisco, almost as much as the Renaissance Festivals. It was certainly a wild night out. On this one night, the already uninhibited residents really let go. People came from all over the country to enjoy the outrageous costumes and liberated fun.

She hurriedly locked up the jeep and started down the road, anxious to reach Jacques place. They had met while still in college, becoming close friends. He was a gay man but Melanie had not had a problem with his sexuality unlike so many of her classmates. His warmhearted nature and sharp intelligence made him a worthwhile friend. After he graduated and moved to San Francisco they had remained close.

She grinned in anticipation of the evening to come. There was no doubt that Jacques would be at his flaming best and ready to party. A night of wildness was something she needed to get her mind off dark matters. Melanie walked up the street with brisk, confident strides as she contemplated her unpredictable friend.

She snapped her head to the right as a flash of light caught her attention. Coming to a startled halt, she turned and studied the overpass across the street. The light that had startled her was gone now. As she scanned the rubble and debris littering the bridge, she detected no movement. It must have been the reflection of passing car lights or a homeless person, Melanie mused after a moment or two.

Just as she was about to move on, lightening filled the sky and a strong wind gusted around her. Looking up in amazement, she saw what looked like two people falling from the sky. Her assumption that it was human was confirmed as they landed in a nearby garbage pile with loud grunts and a muffled yelp.

Melanie ran across the street, nimbly dodging a black minivan that was easing down the road. "Hey? Are you all right?" She called as she reached the sidewalk.

There wasn't an immediate answer from the now heaving garbage heap but the snorts of disgust could be plainly heard.

She started to move into the alleyway, but paused on the edge of the sidewalk. It was not a prudent move to go charging into a dark alley, especially in this area. Yet she was baffled as to why or how someone would choose to make such an entrance. She knew that she could handle herself but caution won out over curiosity. "Do you need help?" She called in a tentative voice. "Hello, can you hear me?" She could hear the muttering getting louder and the garbage pile was definitely showing signs of disturbance.

Melanie nervously looked up and down the street, hoping to find someone to aid her in this dilemma. Any other time the streets would be packed but now they seemed oddly deserted. Her attention was drawn back to the garbage heap as she was hit with a few pieces of smelly debris. A tall woman appeared at the top of the heap, glared at Melanie and leaped to the ground, drawing her sword in midair. Melanie felt the bite of cold steel at her throat as the woman landed directly in front of her. "Where are the men we were after and who are you?" The woman growled.

Melanie opened her mouth but no sound came out. Her mind darted desperately from point to point trying to think of some sort of response, when her eyes met and locked on the sword-bearer. Connected, they stared at one another. Melanie felt tension and confusion growing and it threatened to engulf her.

Simultaneously, they tore their eyes off each other and turned to stare at the young blond woman who had just pushed to the top the garbage heap, tumbled down the side, and landed at their feet with a loud grunt. Sprawled out on the ground, she was muttering under her breath but

stopped when she joined the stranger and Melanie.

For an eternity no one made a sound or a move other than to shift their eyes from face to face. Their brains tried to assimilate and make sense of the information they were receiving.

As Melanie accepted what she was seeing and their appearance, her panic began to subside. Both women were stunningly attractive. The sword-bearer was a tall, athletic looking, brunette. Her clothing was made of leather and metal and was quiet skimpy even for San Francisco. Her attention was immediately drawn to the womans' incredible sword. Melanie knew a lot about swords but she had never seen such workmanship before and she had to stop herself from reaching out to touch the cold steel.

Directing her attention to the blond on the ground, she noticed that she seemed softer and less dangerous.

Finally, the brunette broke the mood as she sheathed the sword with a sigh of frustration. "Did you see some men around here dressed in priests robes?"

Melanie looked at her and then back at the blond and closed her mouth with a snap.

"What place is this?" The brunette asked as she leaned over and extended a hand to help her friend up. Even with the sword put away the woman kept a close eye on Melanie and maintained a defensive posture.

Shaken out of silence, Melanie cleared her throat, "Market street."

The brunette shot her an annoyed look and said, "No, what city?"

"San Francisco." She supplied, trying to sound calm and cool but not being very successful.

The other two women exchanged looks of confusion.

"What country?" The blond asked in a light tone.

Melanie cut her eye at them in suspicion. This was either a very strange joke or these two were junkies doing some new kind of dope. Cautiously she began backing toward the street, "Yea, right. Well I'll be going now. You two can manage on your own."

Turning on her heel she started to stalk off, disgusted. "Damn junkies. I should have known better than to get involved." She muttered as she reached the entrance of the alley.

She was only a few feet from the street when she was stopped by a hand on her arm, "Wait." The blond whispered, "Please wait."

Melanie rolled her eyes and slowly turned to face the young woman. As the light from the corner street lamp cut into the alleys darkness, she got another shock. "Aven?"

She was greeted by another look of confusion, "Who is Aven? Do you know me?" The blond asked as she too got a better look at Melanie. "By the gods! Xena!" She shouted.

At the sound of her companions voice, the brunette flew to where the others stood, "What's wrong?"

Melanie took a nervous step back as she noticed the womans hand was once again on her swords' hilt. She was not eager to feel that steel at her throat again.

The blond laid her hand on her friend's arm, "No, Xena. Look at her face." Then she pointed to Melanie, "She looks almost like you. You could be related."

Once again Melanie found herself staring into those intense eyes. Wait a minute, she thought. Those eyes looked familiar. Startled, she realized that she had seen those very eyes before. Every time she had looked in a mirror. This woman could have been her twin!

"I'm Gabrielle." The blond said then motioned to her friend, "and this is Xena."

Melanie smiled weakly, "Pleased to meet you, I think. My name is Melanie Prince." Gaining courage she asked, "Where are you two from anyway?"

Xena shot Gabrielle a warning look, "We're from out of town."

Melanie nodded, "Yea, me too. I'm here to visit a friend and enjoy the celebration." More relaxed Melanie's attention was again drawn to the sword. "That's a fine sword you have there. Do you fence or is that part of your costume?"

In startled amazement Xena looked at her sword and back to her twin. Humor glinted in her eyes as she replied, "You don't want to find out."

Chastised Melanie quickly took a step back and looked at the ground, "Yea well, it is illegal to carry a deadly weapon here in the city. It isn't every day that you see something like that." She said in a defensive tone.

The women exchanged looks as she brought her eyes back up to them, "Seriously, are you two in some kind of trouble? It looked like you fell from the sky, but I assume it was from the overpass?"

Gabrielle looked at her with confusion, "Overpass? What is an overpass?"

Oddly, Aven suddenly came to mind. Then the dream. Melanie studied the two women more closely. Then she thought of Avens description of the two women from the dream. Like them but from a different time. These two women certainly looked like them, she mused and possibly from another world. Once again she locked eyes with the one called Xena, "You two aren't from this time are you?" She asked bluntly.

Both women tensed and she noticed their unease but continued with the next assumption, "Are you after someone or something Evil?"

Their alarmed reaction was the confirmation she needed of her suspicions. "Just like Aven's dream." She whispered to herself.

Gabrielle urgently grabbed Melanie's arm, "Dream? What do you know about the dream?"

"We need to go somewhere we can talk." Melanie answered looking up the street, "There's a coffee shop up a couple of blocks." Looking over her shoulder at the other two, she started walking toward the restaurant.

Xena moved to follow but was halted by Gabrielle. "That's one of the women from my dream." Gabrielle whispered intently. "But how did she know about the dream and who is this Aven she keeps mentioning?"

Xena simply shrugged, and followed Melanie. "We will just have to find out, won't we?" Xena muttered to herself.

After a moment Gabrielle followed, running to catch up with Xena. Suddenly she was terrified to lose contact with her friend.

Hawks paced in front of his office window. He stopped every few minutes and glared at the phone as if he could will it to ring. Glancing at his watch he turned back to the window and stared out over the city.

One day all this and beyond would be his to rule in his Father's name. History had shown him the downfall of Dahok's kingdom and now he was orchestrating a way to prevent that downfall. If everything went as planned, the time line would be changed and Dahoks' rule would be supreme.

He had been planning this moment since his eighteenth birthday, when he had dreamed of Dahok. The master had come to him and told him that he was the chosen. The one to bring the glory and pain of Dahoks' world to realization. Hawks had delved deep into his heritage and investigated every piece of information, all the way back to the families origins. And always there was Dahok, whispering in his mind. The more he succeeded, the more power was bestowed upon him. Now the final payoff was at hand. To emphasize that point the phone began to ring. He walked over to his desk and hit the speaker button, "Hawks."

"Phase one complete, sir." A man's voice erupted from the box.

"Excellent." He smiled, "Are the messengers all right?"

"Yes sir. Confused but safe." The box answered. "We're on our way to you now."

Hawks sat behind his desk, his smile even broader, "Good job Mr. Grey."

The box was silent for a second, then hesitantly continued, "Sir? There might be a problem."

The smile faded and his face darkened, "Problem?"

"Yes sir. After the pick-up we were driving off and saw what looked like another portal opening."

Leaning forward and resting his arms on the desk, Hawks stared at the box, "Another portal? Did you see anyone else come through?"

Again the box hesitated as if he could sense Hawks angry stare, "I think so, sir."

"Tell me."

"It looked like two others." He continued, "We were going to stop to investigate when a woman ran in front of us and toward where they landed. We were afraid there might be others and the mission would be endangered so we went down the street and parked. That's why we're so late calling in."

Hawks agitation was clearly audible now, "What did you see, Mr. Grey?"

"Nothing for a while. Then three women came out of the side alley by the overpass. One of them was the woman who ran in front of us. The other two were strangely dressed. If it was a Halloween costume, it was very elaborate."

"Explain."

"Leather, armor, sword. A medieval warrior costume. Two of the women were tall, brunette and athletic looking. The other one was blond, short, kind of delicate looking. She was dressed in a short skirt & halter top and had a staff. They headed down the street to a coffee shop. I left Rico there watching them. I was anxious to get back to you and report."

Hawks clenched his jaw in anger. This was an unexpected development and one that could ruin his well laid plans. This arrival was supposed to have been prevented. Apparently there had been a problem in the past.

"Sir?" The box interrupted, "What do you want me to do?"

He wanted to lash out in anger at someone but Grey had been smart enough to take the initiative and keep a bit of control in the situation. "You should have told me this right away." Before the box could say anything Hawks continued, "But you've done well. You kept a cool head and did what was required to keep this under control."

The proper amount of fear in your associates was mandatory and the soft sigh of relief from Grey was music to Hawks ears. "Bring the messengers here as planned. I'll send backup for Rico to take care of this. Your cargo is important, Mr. Grey. Drive safely."

"Yes sir." And the box fell silent.

Hawks leaned back in his chair, his mind racing for a contingency plan. A knock at the office door stopped his scheming, "What?"

The door eased open and Dan Kinsey stuck his head in the office. He picked up his boss's mood instantly and longed to run down the hallway, but instead moved into the office.

"They're here?" Hawks asked rising to his feet.

Kinsey looked down at his feet, "There's been a problem, sir."

He managed to duck just as the lamp sailed past his head and smashed into the far wall.

Melanie paused at the door of the coffee shop to wait for her cautious companions to catch up with her. She couldn't help but suppress a smile as she watched the two women looking around them with awe. She was vividly reminded of her cats when confronted with a new toy. These two beauties seemed to crouch and sniff the air as they slowly climbed up the stairs and entered the restaurant.

On this night the customers were dressed just as outlandish as her companions, in some cases much more outrageously but according to San Francisco tradition nobody stared nor did they attract any undo interest. Melanie gratefully relaxed after noting the calm way Gabrielle and Xena seemed to take their new environment in stride. She felt a flicker of admiration for the courage these two must possess.

The waitress led them toward the back, took their order and left. Once seated in the relative privacy of a booth, the three of them once again studied each other. "Where to begin?" Melanie asked looking from one to the other of the women seated across from her.

"Did you see anyone come through before us?" Xena asked still looking around the room cautiously, "Five men in robes?"

Melanie looked at her blankly and then shook her head, "No. I did see a flash of light a few minutes before the flash that brought you. I didn't really pay any attention to that one though. I suppose someone could have come through before."

Xena and Gabrielle's expressions could not hide their discouragement.

"Why do you ask?" Melanie continued nervously, "Who were you following that led you to this time?" Now it was her turn to start looking around for possible danger.

Xena looked at Gabrielle, "You're the bard. You can fill her in."

With a smile Gabrielle cleared her throat and began to tell of the battle upon Olympus and in the surrounding village. She spoke about the evil in generic terms, never detailing its origins or their connection with it. Her skills were at their peak and Melanie was enthralled. "This is a terrible evil and it's strong and now it's threatening both of our worlds. During the battle we saw him open a vortex and his followers ran through it and vanished. We followed. If they are here, in this city, we must find them. If we don't it could mean the destruction of both of our worlds." Gabrielle finished, looking down at her hands. She was nervously shredding her napkin and her lap was full of torn paper. Xena studied her for a moment, her eyes full of questions. Then a dawning of realization spread across her face. This was not something Gabrielle was willing to explore to deeply. The shame she felt at her part in this drama would not allow it.

Questions filled Gabrielle's mind. Questions and fear. The vivid picture of all those she loved covered in gore still stalked her and threatened her sanity. What if it had not been just a warning to frighten them away from the battle? What if it was a precursor of things to come? Feeling the constriction of fear in her throat, she grabbed her water glass. Her shaky hands caused a few drops of the fluid to splash onto the table before she brought the glass to her lips and drank, letting the fluid cool her parched throat and calm her frazzled nerves. With slow deliberation she drained the glass and using great care set it on the table. Only then did she look up at her companions.

Melanie looked upon Gabrielle, compassion in her eyes. This woman, so very much like Aven, could not hide the pain and fear she was feeling. Also, like Aven, she chose silence as her sanctuary. Gabrielle's eyes lifted up to meet hers and Melanie saw the same fear that had been evident in her friends eyes the night before. She felt an intense need to comfort and protect this young woman named Gabrielle, yet she hardly knew her. Melanie reached across the table and placed her hand gently over Gabrielle's. "We will find them and do all that we can to stop them. According to the dream, we have the power." She said reassuringly.

Gabrielle blushed as gratitude and embarrassment mixed. Glancing at Xena, Gabrielle said, "I know we will. Xena is quite good at cleaning up my messes."

Xena wanted to say something to reassure her friend but thought better of it and changed subject, "That's the second time you've mentioned the dream."

Melanie shrugged, "It was Aven's dream. She told me about it last night. Scared her so badly she called me in the middle of the night. That's not like her. I knew something was going on."

The waitress interrupted when she arrived to refill their glasses. Melanie looked up to thank her and her gaze was pulled out the large glass window of the dinner. A small black minivan slowly pulled to the curb outside. Something odd about it and vaguely familiar sent tingles of apprehension down her spine and she turned her full attention to it. The occupants were studying the interior of the restaurant, searching for someone. The man in the passenger seat was dressed in a black suit it served to make him stand out. They were obviously not part of the Halloween celebration unless they were dressed as gangsters.

The man in the suit locked eyes with her for an instant and then whipped his head around and spoke to the driver. The van came to a sudden halt and the side door swung back, revealing five men with automatic rifles emerging from the van.

"Get down!" Melanie shouted and dived for the floor, quickly followed by Xena and Gabrielle. The waitress stood dumbfounded as the occupants of the table hit the floor. Shots rang out and the waitress did a bizarre jig before hitting the floor with a thud, her chest ripped open by at least a dozen large caliber bullets.

Xena stared at the dead woman. She had no idea what magic had so effectively killed the servant but her warriors' instincts told her to get out of the building now.

Melanie too was staring at the bloodied woman as Xena grabbed her shoulder and yelled, "Get us out of here. We'll die if we stay in here."

Melanie could only look at her in stunned shock. Nothing in her life had ever prepared her for the sudden, violent scene that was playing out in front of her. The costumed patrons were screaming, running and falling dead all around her. Glass and fragments of plaster were flying all around the room and made breathing difficult. Melanie looked dumbly down at her shoulder where Xena's hand was cutting into her flesh. Shaking her head she willed her mind to focus. "There's an exit by the restrooms" She finally managed to croak.

Xena ducked down as a bullet whizzed into the seat cushion of the booth where they had been sitting, "Lead us." Xena said urgently.

Giving Melanie a push, she began moving out from under the table, Gabrielle on one side Xena on the other. A glass on the table shattered, sending a spray of water and glass over them. "Keep down!" Xena warned as they picked up speed.

With her heart pounding, Melanie began crawling over the bodies sprawled on the floor. With every new burst of gunfire another victim joined the others on the floor. She swallowed hard to keep the contents of her stomach down as she edged her way around another booth and behind the counter. She was sighing with relief when she bumped into an apron garbed busboy lying dead on the floor. The top of his head had been ripped away by a stray bullet and she found herself kneeling in the remnants of what was once his brain. She felt the breath catch in her throat as it dawned on her what was on her hands and soaking into the legs of her jeans.

Pushing from behind, Xena urged her forward, "We have to keep moving."

Hugging the counter until she was almost a part of it, Melanie eased around the grisly scene and into the hallway entrance. Standing up, she made a dash for the lighted exit sign that promised escape at the end of the hall. Melanie was at a full dead run when she slammed into the panic bar on the door and shoved it open.

Melanie sped out into the relative quiet of an alley with Xena and Gabrielle close behind. She continued until she reached the far side of the building and stopped. Her back against the wall of the building, she breathed, deeply inhaling huge gulps of the cold sea air. She felt grateful to be alive.

Xena cautiously walked past her, scanning the dark for any sign of movement and possible threat. Gabrielle comfortingly leaned up against Melanie, "Are you all right?" She asked in a quiet voice, the concern in her eyes saying the rest.

"Hell no." Melanie sobbed, "I just saw about a hundred people killed in front of me! I've got the remains of some guy's brains all over me! How can I be all right?"

Gabrielle put her arm around the trembling woman and tried to comfort her, but Melanie was having no part of it. Angrily, she jerked away and took a step. She met Xena's eyes and glared at her, "What is going on here?"

Annoyed, Xena stopped focusing on the security of the area and graced Melanie with a disdainful look, her tone bordering on mocking, "Exactly what part of 'a great evil that can destroy our worlds' did you not understand? This is no childs' game." She finished in a flat voice.

Xena's tone and manner snapped Melanie out of her shock. She knew Xena was right. She had believed that all this was some fantasy. Slowly the reality of the situation sunk in. She was trapped in San Francisco with two strangers that looked like Aven and herself. They had come, presumably from the past to warn and protect her world and their own. Very real enemies were shooting very real bullets at her and any innocent bystanders that got in the way. Not only was she in immediate physical danger, but so was anybody unlucky enough to be near her. She felt responsible for the deaths of those people in the restaurant. Had she thought and been more careful, finding a more suitable place to take the visitors, those innocent people would still be alive. As the complete realization hit, Melanie's legs folded out from under her. Sliding down the wall of the building, she landed with a jolt as her rear end hit the concrete. No longer possessing the strength to hold her head up she let it hang down and her shoulders slumped with the full weight of the situation as it settled on her.

Seconds passed while she absorbed the events of the last half hour and her part in it. This can't be real, she tried to tell herself. Then she felt the rise of the warriors' instinct within her. Melanie's spirit rose through the despair like a phoenix from the fire as the word of her Sensai came to her. 'If you try to control yourself by denial or by ignoring obstacles, you undercut your ability to act." With that thought, determination and a cool calm flowed like a balm through Melanie's soul, bringing with it hope and conviction. Her usually organized mind started clicking with plans for the next steps that must be taken. Aven would also be in danger. She needed to find her and fast. If evil wanted to separate the four of them as in Aven's dream, then for the good of their worlds they must be united.

Looking at Xena and Gabrielle, Melanie knew they needed to be disguised to escape San Francisco without detection. Appropriate clothing must be dound for them both. Jacques would help. Melanie was supposed to meet him at the Combs, their favorite dance club. Glancing at her watch she struggled to her feet as she realized that he would be there waiting for her. "We can go to my friend for help." She said to her blood splattered companions. She hoped that she was not putting him in danger as well.

Leading the way, she went to the end of the alley where a dumpster made a convenient step over the fence. One by one they climbed over to the top of the dumpster and jumped down the other side. A short walk up the connecting alley and they were embraced by the crowd on Castro Street. Melanie glanced around and saw rapidly approaching police cars and ambulances screeching to a halt outside the restaurant they had just left. The officers tried to push away the morbid watchers as stretchers were wheeled inside the slaughterhouse. She didn't see the black minivan or its occupants anywhere and grabbing hold of her companions let the crowds sweep them down the street, away from the police secured area.

For the first time in her life, Melanie was glad to be safely part of the huge number of people that flocked here for the holiday. They traveled up the street without incident, each watching for signs of trouble and never letting the other get out of ear shot.

At one point a rowdy group of drunk college kids caused them momentary alarm when they exuberantly admired the clever creativity of Xena's "costume." They foolishly cheered in delight when Xena automatically drew her sword and waved it threateningly in front of their faces. Melanie quickly restrained her by putting a firm hand on Xena's arm and whispering, "It's okay. They think you're dressed to celebrate. They don't mean any harm." After a moment to consider, Xena sheathed the sword. They reached the door of the bar without any further incident.

The club was dark and smokey and the music was easily drowned out by the loud conversations that filled the club. Scanning the room she tried to find Jacques amidst all the Halloween garbed patrons.

"Hello you gorgeous creature." Jacques sang out as they came through the crowd. When they met by the bar Jacques leaned in and kissed Melanie's cheek, "I was ready to think you stood me up." Looking at Gabrielle his smile broadened, "I'm so glad you decided to come." Gabrielle took a step back when Jacques attempted to throw his arms around her in welcome.

"She isn't Aven." Melanie answered her flamboyant friend. "You look absolutely divine, Darling." Melanie complimented hoping to distract him. "You make a better woman than I do."

Flattered, Jacques batted his eyes and turned around to better show off his finery. He was dressed in a floor length evening gown, encrusted with blue sequins that glittered and sparkled in the dim light of the bar. Stiletto heels and a huge blond wig completed his evening ensemble.

"Look at that cleavage and those legs." Melanie continued as Jacques simpered in front of her. "You are absolutely marvelous." She finished as she threw an arm around him and drew him close. With her lips to his ear she whispered, "We're in trouble. I need your help."

Startled he tried to pull away but she firmly held him close to her. "W need to leave here immediately. Quietly. We need go to your place. I'll explain there." She allowed him to pull away.

Still smiling he looked at her and said, "Oh darling, you haven't even seen my new apartment. Let's move the party there." Cooly, he turned on those high heels and gracefully walked out of the bar. Shaking her head in admiration, she motioned for Xena and Gabrielle and followed him through the club. If he ever tired of working with his computers, Jaques could make a fine living as an actor. As they cleared the club, they once again found themselves engulfed by the costumed crowd. Melanie struggled to keep Jacques in sight as his sequined figure made its way gracefully up the street. She glanced over her shoulder to make sure the other two of their party were still close and marveled at how well he walked in those heels. She couldn't help but admire him, knowing she could never do that well in stilettos.

"Sorry to ruin your fun, Jacques," Melanie said as they entered the relative quiet of his flat, "But you cannot begin to imagine what has just happened."

"That's okay love," Jacques replied as he stepped out of his heels and removed the blond monstrosity from his head. "...there really wasn't anyone interesting there anyway." Smiling, he turned to face them, "Now properly introduce me to these two lovely creatures." He said batting his eyes at Xena and winking at Gabrielle.

The removal of his wig and drop of voice to its normal masculine tone almost cost him his life. Already on edge after the incident at the restaurant Xena, startled to see the feminine dressed figure transform into a man, flashed her sword she brought it down with deadly aim against his throat.

"No! Stop!" Melanie shrieked as she pulled Jacques safely behind her. "What do you think you're doing?" Melanie growled at Xena. "Can't you keep that damned sword in its sheath where it belongs?"

The stress of the shooting at the dinner was starting to catch up with Melanie. Her last remaining shred of control snapped and without waiting for a reply she stepped up to Xena. Her faces only inches from Xena's she shouted, "This happens to be a very good friend who is risking his life just being seen with us much less helping us! The last thing he deserves is to be threatened by you, so put the sword away and keep it away! Do I make myself clear?"

Stunned, Xena angrily stared at Melanie as Gabrielle visibly cringed back. Never had she heard anyone talk to Xena like this and remain standing. The two statuesque brunettes glared at one another, the air thick with tension. Neither showed a sign of fear nor any inclination to back down. It was almost like watching someone looking into a mirror trying to fight herself.

Jacques came to the rescue. Forcing himself between the two he gingerly placed his hands on each of their chests, safely above the swell of their generous breasts. Laughing nervously he said, "Now ladies, there is no need to fight over me. I assure you, there is more than enough of me to go around."

Xena, was forced to step back when Jacques pushed between her and Melanie. Breaking eye contact with Melanie, she turned her attention to the half garbed woman standing in front of her. She looked down at the hand on her chest and then back at him. Jacques got the message and quickly removed the offending hand.

"I'll decide when and where to use my sword," Xena snarled at Melanie. "But I do apologize." She grudgingly added, in a softer tone, looking at Jacques. "We do seem to need your help. I thought you were a woman. I was startled to learn that you were a man. I'm sorry." She concluded sizing up Melanie with a sweeping glance.

The storm that had arisen in Melanie dissipated and she sighed, letting her shoulders slump. "No. It's me who should apologize. I lost my temper. I know all this has to be very strange and frightening for you both." Turning her attention to Jacques she asked, "Do you have anything these two can wear? They need to be a little less obvious."

Jacques rolled his eyes toward the ceiling while he thought a moment. Slowly and deliberately he looked at both Gabrielle and Xena. He studied them from head to toe and then back up again. Noticing that Xena was getting agitated again, he quickly replied, "I still have that outfit you wore the last time you were here. You know the one that's a cross between Robin Hood and Wyatt Earp." He glanced at Melanie for approval and when he received the nod he continued, "For the little blond, I could supply a skirt and maybe a jacket. They may be a bit baggy but nothing else will really fit her."

"That would be great." Melanie nodded and with that he disappeared down the hallway into his bedroom.

An awkward silence fell over the room. Her nerves frayed, Melanie couldn't stand it. She cleared her throat, "Why don't you two have a seat while he's getting the clothes. I'll go give him a hand." Not waiting to see Xena's reaction, Melanie followed Jacques down the hall.

When he saw Melanie walk into the bedroom he grabbed her arm and dragged her into the large walk-in closet. "You have some heavy explaining to do." He whispered urgently once they were in relative privacy.

"I know, I know." She answered patiently. "Things have happened so fast. I'm not sure where to start or what to believe."

"Let's start from the beginning. Like what happened after you called to say, 'I'll be there in a couple of hours. I'm looking forward to letting off some steam and relaxing.'" He mimicked in a high voice then rolling his eyes expectantly.

Starting with where she had parked the Jeep, Melanie quickly related the events of the last hour. His reaction was disbelief at first but as she progressed his face fell more serious. "They shot up Joe's dinner?" He asked when she finished, "They really shot all those people? I can't believe it." Then he looked at her suspiciously a thought occurring to him. "This isn't one of your little fantasy role-playing games is it? You know sometimes you do get swept up in the moment."

Melanie wasn't sure whether it was the somber look or the slight shake of her head in denial that helped convince him. The clincher was when she motioned at her clothes and for the first time he noticed the blood spatters upon them. "You need to clean up." He said nodding toward the bathroom and tossing her a pair of paint stained jeans. She left the closet and he turned back to the clothes and started flipping through full hangers. For a few minutes the only sounds were of hangers sliding over a rod and a slow trickle of water from the bathroom.

"Ah ha. There you are." Jacques stated at Melanie came out of the bathroom and rejoined him in the closet. He turned holding a hanger with a full length black Australian outback coat. Under that was the rest of the outfit, one of Melanie's favorites. Black jeans, a full sleeved burgundy silk blouse and black leather vest. The vest was hip length and laced up the front. A pair of thigh high black boots were the finishing touch. Melanie had worn it to a festival just last year. Jacques handed the hanger over to her and returned to the rummaging.

He returned from the mission with a calf length skirt and a brown leather bomber jacket. "Well, these will have to do for the Aven look alike." He said winking at Melanie. Together they walked out of the bedroom and back to where Xena and Gabrielle sat stiffly and close to one another on the couch.

"Here you go ladies." Jacques said with forced cheerfulness. He tossed the skirt and jacket at Gabrielle, Melanie turning over her bundle to Xena.

"You can change back in the bedroom." Melanie said pointing down the hallway, "I'll show you where you can clean up."

Rising from the couch the women slowly eased down the hallway and disappeared into the bedroom. Melanie reappeared several minutes later and dropped into an overstuffed chair with a sigh. Jacques plopped down on the sofa across from her and looked at her expectantly, "Well, what's next on the agenda?"

Gathering her thoughts Melanie answered, "I have to get the jeep and find Aven. She'll know what to do next."

Jacques studied his friend, concern and worry evident in his features, "Why are you doing this, Mel? You should just turn these ladies over to the cops and be done with it." When she made no response, he shook his head and continued, "This isn't a game. People are trying to kill these two. You don't need to be involved in this."

Patiently he watched her. He could tell that her mind was scrambling to put together her thoughts.

Looking at her friend, Melanie simply answered, "For Aven. I'm doing this for her." Licking her lips nervously, she continued, "Aven has been really messed up for the last six months or so. The other night she had this dream. It really freaked her out and she called me. J, that's the first time she has called me or reached out since she started acting all paranoid and distant." Melanie looked into Jacques eyes and saw empathy mirrored there. When Aven had cut her off, she had confided a lot of the frustration and hurt to him. "She said there were two women that looked like us and they could help with whatever is troubling her. These two have to be those women. Besides," She shrugged, "I want to help Aven. This is an opportunity to do that. Does that make sense?"

Jacques nodded and patted her hand in reassurance, "Of course, darling. You're you, so it makes perfect sense. In that case I guess I had better change my clothes too." He replied rising from the couch. Melanie looked gratefully at her friend. This was another of the many reasons she loved him so much. Ever since the first time they met, he had unconditionally accepted her. He never judged her and he could always be counted on, just like now.

A short time later Jacques had reappeared, minus make-up and finery. He looked like a normal man in T-shirt and jeans. Melanie had just finished changing into the jeans and button down that Jacques supplied her with when Xena and Gabrielle entered the living room. Dressed in street clothes, the resemblance was even more uncanny. Both women stopped in their tracks when they saw the new Jacques.

"Joxer?" They asked in unison, their faces registering utter surprise.

"No, dear." He smiled and spoke slowly, "Jacques. The name is Jacques."

"Who's Joxer?" Melanie asked coming up beside him, "Someone from your time looks like Jacques?"

"A friend." Gabrielle answered still staring.

"Well," He replied, "It's a relief to know that all my good looks are not confined to one era."

Laughing slightly, Melanie patted his shoulder, "Come on beautiful, we have to get moving."

Grabbing a blue jean jacket from the coat rack by the door, he led them out of the apartment and into the street.

His car was parked in front of the building. As he leaned in to unlock the door, Melanie noticed that Xena was now concealing the sword under the long coat. He opened the passengers' door and walked around to the driver's side. Melanie had to encourage the visitors into the car and once they were secure climbed into the passenger seat. "So far so good." Jacques stated as the cranked the engine.

Melanie looked into the rearview mirror at her two female companions. Both were wide eyed and looking around the car nervously. "This is a form of transportation." She explained, "It runs on a motor. Don't worry it's safe."

Xena gave her a curt nod but still looked worried. Gabrielle's attention was pulled back into the enjoyment of the crowd.

Jacques turned on his blinker and eased out into the flow of traffic, waving his thanks to the car behind them. They remained silent as they eased up Castro, before turning right on Market Street.

"Go past the jeep." Melanie ordered, "We need to make sure it isn't being watched."

Driving slowly, but not slow enough to draw attention, Jacques went past the car. All four checked out the area around it, looking for a minivan or group of men. Everything looked clear and normal.

Jacques went down to the next block and turned right, then turned again on Duboce Street. Easing up to the hill, he pulled into a space on the street by a driveway.

"You can't park here." Melanie scolded, "You'll get towed."

"Won't be here that long." Jacques countered, "Besides, towing is the least of our worries."

Melanie could not help but chuckle as she nodded her agreement. All of a sudden there were just some things that seemed so insignificant.

Jacques got out of the car, as the three women exited. "Are you sure you don't want me to come with you?" He asked for a second time.

Melanie opened her mouth to reply when a shot rang out. From past experience Xena and Gabrielle knew that sound and needed no prompting to join Melanie on the pavement. Jacques wasn't so lucky. He fell back against the car, clutching his shoulder. Xena grabbed a hand full of his coat and jerked him down to the ground beside her.

"They must have been waiting by the vortex." Gabrielle observed as another shot rang out and was deflected off the sidewalk.

Xena and Melanie scanned the darkness for the sniper but whomever had fired was well hidden or had changed position. It was then that Melanie spotted a large group making its boisterous way up Duboce. She wiggled around to get a better look at them from her place by the car. "There's our way out." She whispered to the others, "We wait until they get beside us and just fall in step with them." She looked at her companions for assent but Jacques was shaking his head from side to side, "No, I can't."

Melanie, worried, reached across Gabrielle, "How bad is it?" She asked trying to check the wound, "We need to get you to the hospital." She finished urgently when she saw the blood.

Again Jacques shook his head, "You guys go." He said trying to mask the pain of the wound, "I can get this taken care of once your safely out of here."

Melanie stubbornly refused his advice, "No. I can't leave you here on the street, hurt."

"Go." Jacques urged, "It's just a graze across my shoulder. Look, it's almost stopped bleeding." He said shoving his shoulder under her nose.

Another shot rang out and, as much as she hated to admit it he was right about the bleeding. "If we leave you here alone, they may try to take you." She argued still reluctant to leave him.

"I have my cell phone and I'll call 911 now. The paramedics will be here shortly and you can use the distraction to get the jeep and get out of here."

Convinced, Melanie nodded her agreement to the plan and helped him retrieve the phone from his jacket pocket. Jacques dialed the phone and was transferred to the emergency operator. He asked for an ambulance telling them that someone had been shot. Luckily there was a fire station only a few blocks away and in a few moments they heard the sound of an approaching siren.

"See, I told you," He gloated, "Now get going."

The group of partiers was just about even with them now. They passed by talking loudly and passing a bottle among them. Melanie leaned over, lightly kissed Jacques cheek, and stood up. Following her lead Xena and Gabrielle also rose and the three of them started walking. The group absorbed the new additions and did not appear to notice, at one point even passing the bottle back to them. When they reached the jeep Melanie motioned to Xena and Gabrielle and all three ducked down beside the jeep, while the group continued on their way. Looking back over her shoulder Melanie saw a paramedic van pulling up beside a waving Jacques.

Relieved, she unlocked the door and crawled in the drivers side. She opened the door and motioned for them to get in. Once they were in and the doors locked, Melanie started the jeep and followed the same route Jacques had earlier. Along the way she took some extra turns to see if they were being followed. When she was certain no one was watching them she drove another block and made a right onto the ramp to the freeway. Gratefully, she sighed with relief as they entered the bottom lanes of the Bay Bridge.

Putting a little more pressure on the accelerator, she settled in for the drive back to Sacramento. No sooner had she relaxed a bit when the questions started. "How does this beast run with no horses?"

"What is this incredible bridge that runs over the ocean?" Gabrielle chimed in.

"What sort of magic was used to kill those people and hurt your friend?" Xena continued.

"Hang on ladies," Melanie pleaded, "I'll try to answer all your questions if you give me a chance."

Xena and Gabrielle nodded agreement and Melanie started her explanation. "First, this is a car or automobile. It is powered by a motor that runs on Gasoline."

"What is a motor and gasoline?" Gabrielle asked curiously.

The more Melanie tried to explain about the wonders of her world the more questions they seemed to have, especially the Aven look-alike. Exasperated, Melanie eyed the blond in her rearview, "It is all magic produced by our God." She answered simply.

"Oh." Gabrielle said, falling back in her seat, satisfied by the answer. Melanie rolled her eyes to the heavens and shot Xena a glance. Xena merely gave her a knowing smile.

"Can I ask another question?" Gabrielle piped up again.

Melanie shrugged, "Sure."

Gabrielle hesitated for a moment and Melanie thought she had changed her mind until she asked, "Who is Aven?"

Smiling, Melanie eased back in the seat. They were still an hour out of Sacramento and she could at least give them a small bit of background, including the strange change that had overcome her friend. Taking a deep breath, she began.

Melanie was tiring of doing all the talking and none too soon they reached the exit ramp that allowed them into Aven's neighborhood. Rapidly she navigated the residential streets. She had tried several times during the drive to call Aven on her cell phone, but all she got was a message saying the line was out of order. That in itself was not unusual as Aven was prone to take her phone off the hook when working, but given the current circumstances, Melanie couldn't help but feel something was wrong. Unconsciously she accelerated, only slowing when she turned onto Aven's street.

Gasping, she stared in amazement at the sight waiting there for here. There were at least a half a dozen police cars with their lights flashing. Television news crews lined the street with their cameras aimed toward Aven's building. Her entire apartment complex had been cordoned off with yellow police tape and there was a flurry of activity. From her spot down the street Melanie could see officers talking to the widow that lived below Aven and the hippie couple that lived above her. Then she noticed several officers disappearing into Aven's apartment.

"No." Melanie wheezed as her chest tightened. Her first instinct was to rush to the apartment and as she opened the door, her exit was stopped by an iron grip on her wrist. "Where do you think you're going?" Xena questioned in a deceptively calm voice.

"Get your hand off me." Melanie answered and tried to yank her arm away, with little success, "That's Aven's home." Melanie almost shouted, pointing to the shattered windows of Avens apartments.

"Hold on." Xena urged, "Look at what's going on first. Do you see your friend?"

"N..no, but she could be hurt." Melanie said looking at Xena with uncertainly. Having finally gotten Melanie's full attention, Xena released her. Leaning over, Xena said slowly, "I understand that but we won't help her any if we give away our position. It's better to assess the full situation first."

Impatiently, Melanie crawled back in the jeep and shut the door. Xena was right. They had no way of knowing if the attackers were still here or not. There was always the chance that Aven had been gone or had heard them coming. Grudgingly, Melanie turned and studied the scene. "There isn't an ambulance." She said finally.

"What does that mean?" Xena asked.

"Nobody is hurt." Melanie said sulkily. In her mind she also noted that there wasn't a coroners' car either. Melanie had to admit to herself and Xena that Aven wasn't there. Either she had been kidnaped or she had escaped. Melanie refused to even consider the first option. Next she tried to think where Aven would go to hide. The only logical explanation was Melanie's house. Looking at Xena she resisted the urge to thank her for calming her down. Melanie was thrown off by Xena's calm demeanor. The woman was in a different time and a totally alien world and yet she maintained an inner calm, no matter what had arisen. In the past Melanie had always been the 'strong one' and she wasn't sure she liked having someone else fill that role, especially since she was the one who needed that calming just now.

Accepting the fact that there was nothing she could do here, she decided that the best course of action was to go home and check for Aven there. Sighing, she started the jeep and eased away from the scene.

A prickle of fear ran up Melanie's spine when she walked up the side walk and saw her front door slightly ajar. She specifically remembered locking the dead bolt when she left. Her two companions also felt the unease and stayed close, watching for any signs of attack. Carefully Melanie eased up the steps of her creaky porch, testing each spot before putting her full weight on it. So gently treated, the normally groaning wooden steps complied, remaining silent. She made a mental note to take care of the squeak when this was over. Moving with the grace of a panther, she made her way to the top of the steps without a single warning sound. The climb up three steps seeming to take an eternity to complete. Inhaling deeply with relief, her two companions eased beside her just as silently. Finally they were standing beside the door. Pressing herself up against the door jam for protection, she looked at Xena who nodded firmly. Reaching across the door, she gave it a gentle push. It swung open slowly revealing her lighted living room.

Melanie's initial caution turned to outrage as she surveyed the chaos in her house. The room had been the target of an obvious search. Fortunately the house seemed to be empty now and she waved her companions to follow her in. Oblivious to any possible remaining danger, Melanie looked at her violated home in dismay. Her eyes scanned the overturned furniture, books and papers that were scattered on the floor. Then her gaze caught and held on the CD cover lying on the over turned chair. It was only then that she heard the soft music playing. The music was haunting and laced with melodies from a synthesizer. Aven's music. Melanie's pulse leaped as hope and joy momentarily rose. Aven was or at least had been here.

Then just as quickly, hope turned to fear as Melanie's eyes settled on a small red hand print on the wall to the left of her bedroom door. With a strangled cry she stumbled through the clutter of books and other belongings to the doorway. Hesitantly and gently she touched the hand print. In despair she studied the traces of red liquid now coloring her fingers. "Blood!" She said turning to her companions who remained by the front doorway. "Aven has been here and she's hurt." She turned back to the entrance of her bedroom and eased in. Her panic level was reaching maximum as the expectation of finding Avens dead body. Once inside she realized that this room had been searched as well, and there was no sign of Aven's body- much to her relief. All the contents of her dresser and shelves now occupied the floor. Melanie took only minor notice of the mess as she scanned the room for Aven or a clue to her whereabouts. Picking her way across the room she entered the bathroom. "Not here." She concluded after a quick look in the shower, but she had discovered another bloody hand print on the white porcelain sink.

The rage that had been slowly building in her finally came to a peak. It was time to fight back. Turning, Melanie came back into the bedroom and went over to one of her most prized possessions, an old magicians cabinet. The antique black cabinet was useful as well as attractive. This time Melanie didn't stop to admire the roses, that were hand painted over the glistening lacquer finish. Standing directly in front of the cabinet she lightly tapped it twice on the left side and once, harder on the top. Swinging the door open she revealed a compartment containing her small supply of weapons.

Confidently she picked up the little mustang colt. Deceptively small, the .380 packed a big wallop. She also picked up the loaded clip from its velvet bed and inserted it into the handle of the pistol. With a click, she snapped the clip home. Checking the safety first, she then slid the compact pistol into the back pocket of her jeans. Reverently, Melanie reached back into the cabinet and lifted the sword from its nest of velvet. Pulling it from its sheath, she stroked the blade, its razor sharp edge reflecting the dim light of the room. She caressed the weapon, drawing comfort and strength from it. Lost in her reverie, she failed to hear the sounds of movement until it was almost too late.

Grey was sick of waiting for his target. He had been sitting in this old house long enough and that incessant new age music was driving him nuts. What kind of person goes on a trip and leaves the Cd player on, set on repeat, He wondered to himself. He didn't recognize the musicians, but he could have cheerfully killed them by now. There had been a temptation to break the source of his annoyance, but his orders had been clear. Dan Kinsey had ordered him to leave it playing as it was presumably Melanie's alarm system. On the off chance that Aven did come here she might be alarmed and frightened away if she didn't hear the music.

Grey was afraid to anger Mr. Kinsey any more than he already was. The plan had been so simple. Hawks wanted Aven so they were to merely go to Aven's apartment and kidnap the rather frail woman. Kinsey had seriously underestimated their prey. Aven's reflexes had been quick and sure. The two men had busted through the door just in time to see Aven climbing out of a broken window on the other side of her apartment. Scrambling over one another they had tried to reach her, even firing several shots after her, but she was too quick. Dumfounded, they simply stared after her retreating figure as it disappeared around the corner of the building. In frustration they fired off several more shots in the apartment before heading downstairs.

They reached the bottom of the stairs just in time to hear the deep rumble of a motorcycle starting up. By the time they made it around to the garage, Aven was gone. Kinsey had been angry. Cursing all the way, Kinsey ran to the car, followed by his two henchmen. They rushed to follow the retreating woman. The only problem was there was nothing left to follow. Mr Kinsey had instructed them to drive to the next target. Melanie Prince's house.

When they entered the Prince home, they saw the bloody hand print and heard the music playing. The first thought was that they had cornered Aven but after a thorough search of the house, they determined it was empty. Mr. Kinsey had decided it would be wise to leave a man here in case one of the women showed. Grey had been chosen and then Kinsey and his other accomplice had left to search other places for Aven.

"The heck with orders." Grey mumbled as he decided to turn off the infernal music racket. He had barely reached the bedroom door when he saw the front door swing open. Ducking back into the room, he frantically looked for a hiding place. Spying the queen size bed, he practically dove under it. Melanie walked into the room as he slid under the bed. He decided he should be attacking and not hiding. After all, she was a mere woman, and he had been trained in several forms of hand to hand combat. He followed Melanie's feet as she walked into the bathroom. He took this opportunity to slide out from under the bed. Crouching beside it and using it for cover, he waited for his chance to move.

'Now.' He thought to himself when Melanie turned her back to him and opened the cabinet. Stealthily he stood up and carefully pulled out his pistol. Hawks had ordered the girl taken alive, but secretly he hoped she would put up a fight. It was so much more fun when they resisted. He took a moment to savor the thought of earning his bosses' appreciation.

The moments lack of concentration cost him dearly. So intent was he on the women in front of him, that he didn't notice the others in the living room. He was no more than a few feet from his victim when he was accosted by a yell from the other room. Startled he turned his head toward the sound.

Xena's yell of warning woke Melanie from her tender preoccupation with the sword. Instinct took over. Without hesitation, Melanie spun around, swinging the sword down as she turned. The blade caught the attacker in the flesh where neck and shoulder met. The downward thrust carried the blade through the muscle and it embedded in his collarbone. A spray of blood from the carotid artery showered the bedroom and Melanie. The would be attackers head dangled gruesomely to the left. Staggering, Grey fell to the floor, landing with a thud. Melanie had maintained her grip on the sword and as he fell, the weight of his body pulled the blade free.

Standing above her victim, Melanie expected to feel horror or regret. She was not prepared for the pure joy of battle lust that rose up and flooded her being. It was such a powerful emotion she was frightened by it. Kneeling down beside the gasping man she asked, "Who sent you? Where's Aven?"

"Call an ambulance. I'm hurt." He whispered, blood oozing from his mouth now.

"Answer my questions." Melanie answered almost yelling.

Coughing, he spit out, "Hawks." Struggling to get his breath he finished, "The girl got away. Please call help."

Melanie's voice was icy cold, "No paramedic or doctor can help you now."

Eyes widening with realization, he stared at Melanie and then moved his eyes to stare at the growing red stain that covered his chest. His last thought was agreement with his killer. He died with a small, quiet sigh.

Melanie crouched over the body, allowing the rush of battle lust to ebb out of her. Grim determination took its place. Now she at last had an enemy to fight. She had long disliked and suspected David. Now she had a reason to let her dislike of the man turn to hatred. So many pieces fell into place. Avens' bizarre behavior after her ski trip had been the result of something he had done to her. Melanie silently vowed to destroy that monster one way or another, but first she had to find Aven. She had to make sure her friend was safe before Hawks' people found her.

Xena walked across the room to where Melanie was rising to her upright posture. "Well done." She said gripping Melanie's shoulder in congratulations. Temporarily distracted from her dark thoughts, Melanie smiled grimly in acknowledgment, "Thanks."

"You're instinct served you well and you show talent with a sword." Xena extended.

"I've been practicing with a sword for at least ten years. I've been in mock battles but I've never killed anything or anyone before." Melanie mused, darting her eyes to determine Xena's reaction to her words. "It felt...good." She continued, "I feel incredibly powerful and triumphant." With this she looked at her companion in earnest, "Does that make me an evil person?"

Xena studied Melanie for a moment, "If you kill to feel those things, it can be evil. You killed in self defense and question your feelings." Xena held her head up slightly, "That makes you a warrior."

Melanie felt a serge of pride upon hearing those words and smiled gratefully at her companion. Gazing into Xena's eyes she saw a mutual understanding of those feelings. For the first time in her life, Melanie felt as though she was in the company of a woman who truly understood and could match her strengths. For some reason it thrilled her. Always a loner, Melanie formed few friendships. Aven and Jacques were about the only two she called friends, people she could count on and be comfortable with. The rest were merely acquaintances that she tolerated socially, never allowing too close. Yet, she had a deep sense that Xena could be counted on as a loyal and good friend.

"Come on." Xena said and grasped Melanie's shoulder, "There's something out here I want to ask you about." Leading her toward the living room. "Here." Xena came to a halt in front of the fireplace.

"What is this hanging over your mantle?" She asked looking at Melanie in a puzzled fashion.

For a moment Melanie studied her family coat of arms prominently displayed over the old stone fireplace. "That," She said with pride, "is my oldest and most valuable possession. It has been handed down in my family from generation to generation for as long as any of our records go back. My Grandmother gave it to me, her mother to her and so on. It's my families coat of arms. Why are you interested in it?"

Without saying a word, Xena pulled her chakram from its place on her belt and held it up for Melanie to see. "Look familer?"

In disbelief Melanie's eyes darted from the chakram to her family crest and back to the chakram. "Where did you get that!" Melanie asked excitedly, her hands reaching involuntarily for the chakram in Xena's hands.

At first, Xena resisted, like a child unwilling to share. Then she released her hold on the weapon adding a warning of, "Be careful. It's a weapon and it's sharp." She watched it protectively as Melanie studied the ornate decorations engraved into the circular metal chakram. Turning to face the crest on the wall, Melanie compared the two. The crest consisted of a chakram emposed upon two crossed swords. He father had told her stories of her brave ancestors and their battles for good so she knew that the crest was an ancient symbol, just like the one in her hand. The two were identical, even the designs matched perfectly.

An thought occured to Melanie. A thought even more unbelievable than the previous events of the evening. Melanie looked at Xena in amazement, "We're related somehow. You must be one of my ancestors." She practically shouted as the full implication hit her. Glancing at Gabrielle who had been standing quietly watching the interaction. "You must be related to Aven. That explains why you look so much like her and you made a connection in the dream."

Turning to Xena she finished in awe, "And why you look so much like me."

The resulting silence softly filled the room while the three women tested the new idea. They exchanged looks. It was the only logical explanation in an illogical situation. They found the suggestion to their liking and smiled warmly at each other, a new level added to the relationship.

"We have to find Aven." Gabrielle and Melanie said in unison. Surprised at the moment they laughed nervously. Had it not been a life and death situation it would have been absurd.

Xena blessed them with an understanding smile, "Well, let's get to it."

Sobering up Melanie turned her attention to the room, the bloody hand print on the wall drawing her stare. "That has to belong to Aven." She stated to her companions, "If Aven was here and had to leave she would have left me a message." Melanie finished thoughtfully. Slowly she moved around the room, studying it. Her eyes fell on the stereo still playing that annoying new age junk that Aven loved so much. The CD player had been turned off when she left for San Francisco, of that she was certain. So Aven had left it on as a warning and a message. "Of course!" She said, pouncing on the CD case lying on the coffee table. "Here's our message." She remarked, triumphantly holding up the case to her companions.

"Now I just have to figure out what it says." She mumbled as she concentrated in the case. The name of the CD was 'Looking for Sanctuary'.

"Hmm. Where would Aven look for sanctuary if there was no place left to go?"

It came to her suddenly. There was only one place that was safe. Even David didn't know of it's existence. Directing her gaze at Xena and Gabrielle she smiled, "I know where she is. Come on." With no further explanation she headed for the bedroom, crammed a few things in a bag and headed for the front door. Xena and Gabrielle looked at one another. Simultaneously, they shrugged their shoulders and followed Melanie out to the jeep.

"Aven has a cabin in the mountains, up toward Lake Tahoe." Melanie explained to the women as they climbed into the jeep. The jeep's engine came to life with a roar, and Melanie deftly navigated the crooked residential street. Taking the same precautions as before she made several quick turns, and, when she was certain no one was following, drove to the freeway. Finally, with a sigh, she turned up the on-ramp to I-80 and punched the accelerator. The jeep leaped up the ramp and was going 70 mph when they hit the freeway.

For the next hour they rode in silence. Neither Xena or Gabrielle felt confident enough to speak to the driver at these high speeds, lest they distract her and she crash the metal beast. Melanie gratefully relaxed as she concentrated on navigating the sharp curves in the mountain road, letting the rhythm hypnotize her as she successfully maneuvered each left and right. This road had always relaxed her and this time was no exception. She was still a little awed by her ability to accept unquestioningly all the events that had transpired thus far. Though she would never admit it to her companions, Melanie was afraid she still thought of this a some sort of fantasy. A role playing game or live action novel was something she had participated in before, but this was a deadly reality. The thought of the bloody hand print reasserted itself in her mind, and she mashed the accelerator down a bit further.

David Hawks sat back in his comfortable office chair, waiting on the reports of Aven's or one of the others capture. Closing his eyes in the dim office, he quickly ran through the previous events of the evening. Up until now his forces had been foiled at every turn in their attempts to capture their elusive prey and he was beginning to have doubts about the success of the mission. How could these women cause him so much trouble, he wondered. His master had said it would be a matter of simply killing them and then his world would be born.

His thoughts lingered on Aven. He caressed those sweet memories of her body, her mind and soul. He felt an ache of desire as he remembered how completely he had possessed her. He had sought her out all those years ago, befriending her and cultivating a friendship. Close enough for him to keep her under his watchful eye and to gain her unwavering trust. A trust that had proven useful and enjoyable, especially at the cabin six months ago.

He smiled in anticipation of possessing her again. "One day, Aven, you will be mine forever." He whispered to the image in his mind. Cruelly she savored the image of her as his unwilling bride. He imagined the things he would force upon her until she was eager to do his every biding. He could taste her fear. His body responded to the desire and excitement his fantasy caused.

Unexpectedly, he felt a familiar presence in his mind. A pressure growing in his brain as though a vice were being tightened slowly, painfully. All thoughts of his bride were forgotten as he gripped his head in his hands.

"Having ambitions of your own?" The dry voice asked.

"Father.." Hawks began but was silenced by the throbing voice in his head.

"How dare you fail me, and then sit here and dream of flesh."

Hawks groaned in sudden pain as the pressure threatened to explode his head. "Master!" He managed to croak out between clenched teeth, "You know I only exist to serve you." He begged, trying to placate Dahok.

"You would do well to remember that." Dahok rasped. His threat made he released his servant.

Sitting up straight in the chair, Hawks gave his God his full attention. "Forgive me my momentary lapse, most powerful one." He apologized humbly.

Nervously Hawks cleared his throat. He feared confessing his failure but he feared being caught in a lie even more. Taking a deep breath Hawks began, "Xena and her group have eluded us once again." Wincing as the pressure once again enveloped his head, he continued, "I have sent my best men to capture them and bring them here. I will see that she dies by my own hand in your name. She will not escape our world."

Hawks cringed and was pushed back in his chair from the rage that suddenly consumed him. Dahok's anger struck him with the force of a freight train. Without warning, he found himself sprawled on the floor of the office with the invisible hand of his god gripping his throat.

"How dare you fail me!" Dahok roared, "After all I have given you. I am the god of darkness!" The force continued shaking David like a rag doll.

Hawks felt every nerve and muscle in his body screaming in pain as the pressure and beating continued. Consciousness was threatening to leave him when, in a final fit of rage, he was slung against the wall. His fragile body slid to the floor and a stream of blood oozed from his mouth.

"No Master." David whined groveling on the floor, "Have mercy on me." He pleaded, rising to his knees, "I have done my best. It is those inferior servants of mine that have failed and I will see them punished for you. Please give me one more chance to prove myself to you, my worthiness to serve you, great one."

Appeased, Dahok calmed until his presence was once again a soothing voice in Hawks mind. Dahok wrapped around his brain and caressed him like a lover. Hawks sighed in relief and let the emotion wash over him, savoring it. "Father. My master, guide your humble servant to do your bidding." Hawks staggered to his feet, the pleasure of the sensation intensifying. "I apologize for my poor performance. Help me be successful, in your name." Hawks finished weakly, falling back into his chair.

The caress stopped and for a moment there was silence. Hawks waited apprehensively. Slowly the seconds ticked by, then Dahok whispered in a thoughtful voice, "Xena must be killed immediately, as well as her progeny. If they survive, all our work is for nothing and my plan will fail. They are responsible for my defeat during the ancient times and why my kingdom has not been born yet. Their deaths will free me and I will take control of my rightful kingdom. This world."

"And what of the other two?" Hawks questioned subserviently.

"The mother will not be hurt." Dahok growled, "She has a special place in my kingdom and I look forward to her joining us. As for her progeny..." Dahok fell silent, savoring Hawks anticipation, "If you serve me well, she is yours. The line must continue."

Carefully Hawks monitored his thoughts. It would never do to reveal his fear to Dahok, "The anthrax virus is ready for transport." He said, hoping to distract the angry God. "Once we have the Icon, we can open a portal and begin transporting it to your time. The populace should be decimated and cleansed in only a few weeks, leaving you and your followers a clean slate to build on." Hawks tried to pump enthusiasm into his voice. He thought he failed as the familiar pressure temporarily clamped on his temples.

Increasing the pressure, the angry god whispered wryly, "Fail me and I will see that your agony never ends." David grasped his head in his hands and grunted in pain. Then the pressure changed into a vigorous caress and Hawks moaned slightly, "Succeed and all earthly pleasure will be yours."

Releasing his servant, the god sat quietly in the confused and terrified man's mind.

Hawks shuddered as the pain and pleasure subsided. Straightening his tie and brushing his coat off, he retrieved a handkerchief and dabbed at the blood on his mouth, trying to compose himself. His face was flushed and his body ached from the communion with his god, but slowly his usual demeanor slipped into place.

"Our servants are here and have been kept waiting long enough." Dahok decreed and then he was gone. Hawks sighed in relief as he felt his master depart. He was instilled with a renewed purpose to succeed now. Journeying from his office and into the basement lab facilities he found the five robed followers of his father sitting patiently, their eyes reflecting a dead calm and trust.

Extending his arms he smiled, "Welcome brothers. I am David Hawks. Heir to the kingdom of the Dark one. With your help we will bring his reign to full power with the blood and pain of the non believers."

The robes nodded agreement and David began laying out their plan.

4.

They arrived at the mountain cabin a few hours before dawn. The large handmade refuge was located deep in the forest, well secluded from civilization. The closest town was twenty miles away, the closest neighbor, ten. Aven's step-father had left her the cabin after her parents death. She had come to think of this area as a small piece of heaven, a sanctuary.

The trio had not seen any other cars for the last half hour on the winding mountain road and it wasn't until Melanie turned off the highway, onto a dirt road, that she began to feel safe. She eased the jeep down the road for a few miles and then turned off on a rugged long unused logging road.

She fought the urge to accelerate the jeep, knowing how treacherous the pot holes and crevices in the road could be. She had no desire to tear the gas tank or bust the engine. The only thing she could think of was Aven. She had to find her, know that she was all right. The image of Aven's bullet ridden apartment, bloody hand print and her own ransacked house continued to flash in her minds eyes. She couldn't seem to shake the images from her memory.

There had been a rush of relief when she had found Avens'clue, knowing that she was still alive but that had been a couple of hours ago. Their pursuers seemed so determined, she wondered now if Aven had even made it to the cabin. Her two traveling mates had been quiet for the last few miles. Either they were tired or still trying to soak in everything they had learned about this new world.

Xena sat beside her in the passenger seat, keeping a watchful eye on their dark surroundings. The clear sky and full moon illuminated the thick lush woods just enough to manifest a frightening surreal atmosphere, almost like a scene from an old horror movie. Gabrielle sat in the back seat, staring out the side window, her increasing concern about Aven just as apparent as Melanie's. There was much more to this story than these two had volunteered and Melanie had the feeling that would change when they found Aven.

Easing off the gas, Melanie brought the jeep to a bouncy stop as they reached a large steel fence across the road. A big flourescent orange 'No Trespassing' sign was posted in the center of the fence and a thick heavy chain held the gate in place.

"Almost there." Melanie informed as she cut the engine, pulled the keys out of the ignition and left the safe, warm cab of the jeep.

Gabrielle shivered slightly as the cool mountain air rushed into the jeep and pulled the leather jacket closer.

Once alone Xena turned to look at Gabrielle, "You okay?"

Gabrielle shrugged, "All the wonders and scary things we have seen in this world, it wasn't until we got here to the mountains that I ... it just reminded me of home."

Xena had also wondered how they might find their way home after all this was over. She tried to concentrate on the mission itself, that was enough to worry about for now, "We will get back home." Xena reassured her as Melanie returned to the jeep.

Restarting the jeep, Melanie drove forward, passing through the gate. Once clear of the fence, she put the jeep in park and hopped out to close the gate. Minutes later they were on their way, the road smoothing as they rounded a sharp curve.

"There on the hill." Melanie pointed out the darkened structure on the approaching hilltop.

"It looks deserted." Xena stated as the jeep eased into the driveway and up the incline.

"Looks aren't everything." Melanie snapped, her concern now bordering on panic. Catching herself she added, "Sorry."

Gabrielle reached forward and sympathetically patted Melanie's shoulder, a reassurance she desperately needed now. As the jeep edged closer to the house, Melanie turned the headlights off. She cut the engine a few feet from the large covered front porch and stared at the darkened house as the vehicle glided to a stop.

The cabin was a large, comfortable, modern log cabin. The yard was neatly landscaped and the surrounding trees were dark and well manicured. There was no light or movement in or around the cabin, save for the soft breeze waving the tree limbs.

Melanie's impatience got the best of her caution and she jumped out of the jeep, running for the cabin. Xena and Gabrielle were out and moving right behind her. Reaching out, Xena snagged Melanie's arm and pulled her to a stop. Moving close she whispered, "Whoa. It could be a trap."

Melanie tried to yank her arm from Xena's grasp but found that the Warrior was stronger than she looked, "Let go of me. I have to find Aven."

In one fluid motion, Xena released her hold, drew her sword and held it in position to deflect the arrow that had appeared from the darkness. The arrow sailed by her so fast and close, she could feel and hear the whiz of wind as it passed by her and struck one of the post on the front porch.

"Get away from her." A voice commanded from the night.

Xena immediately turned to her left, trying to get a fix on the owner of the voice.

"Aven?" Melanie called out with relief.

Gabrielle moved up beside Xena and Melanie, staff held ready for an attack from the darkness. Xena cocked her head sideways as she heard the soft loading of another arrow, still unable to get a precise location.

"Move toward the cabin, Mel." The voice instructed.

Instead of following instructions, Melanie moved in front of Xena as a shield. Holding her arms out, both Xena and Gabrielle were no longer easy targets. "Aven, it's okay. These are friends."

There was no movement from the woods and no more arrows either.

Melanie knew that Aven would be even less trusting now than usual and tried another tactic, "The dream Aven. The friends from your dream."

For another second the woods remained quiet. There was slight movement as a shadowed figure emerged from the forest, cross bow still aimed and primed to fire. The figure turned on a light and aimed it at Melanie. Then the light shone on the other two. It held for a moment, the beam shaking slightly and went off.

Melanie took a few steps forward, "Aven? Are you alright?"

There was silence for a few seconds as the figure moved closer and then dropped the crossbow to their side. "I am now." Aven smiled as she met Melanie and hugged her tightly.

"I've been worried about you." Melanie scolded weakly as they separated.

"Same here."

"When I saw your apartment, bullet holes and all, and then found the bloody print on my wall I thought..." Melanie trailed off as Aven raised her bandaged left hand.

"A minor mishap with some broken glass." She explained, her attention drawn to the two shadowed women near the cabin.

"Come on. You have got to meet these two." Melanie smiled and led her over to them, making introductions.

It was time for another staring match, this time between Aven and the visitors. Even in the darkness the full moon cast enough illumination for the resemblance to be seen.

"You're real." Aven and Gabrielle said in unison as they looked over one another for a moment and then hugged.

Melanie and Xena were struck at how the women seemed to cling to one another, like a drowning person hanging onto a life preserver. They ended the embrace but continued to hold hands, amazed that the other actually existed.

Embarrassed by the emotion, Xena and Melanie looked around the area, still unsettled by the earlier events. "We need to get inside." Xena whispered to her descendant, "It's not safe out in the open and it's a bit chilly out here."

"Right." Melanie agreed, realizing that it was about twenty degrees cooler here than it had been in the city. "Let's get inside." She suggested and led the way to the cabin.

Once inside, Melanie turned on some light and started a fire to chase the chill from the cabin, while Gabrielle brought Aven up to speed on the events so far.

Xena had assumed the same protective posture about Aven as Melanie had with Gabrielle. She insisted on checking Avens injured hand and then to the amazement of both Melanie and Avens, stitched the cut with the skill of a surgeon. "Thank you." Aven replied as Xena finished re-bandaging her hand.

Xena smiled, still unsettled by Avens resemblance to Gabrielle and curious to know more about the girl.

"I need coffee!" Melanie replied as she went into the kitchen and began rummaging around the cabinets.

Gabrielle leaned forward, sheepishly asking, "What is coffee?"

Overhearing the question, Melanie leaned back into the livingroom, "A key element in my survival."

Aven smiled. The first true, honest smile Melanie had seen in six months. She felt her spirits soar a little higher as she turned and went back into the kitchen.

"Coffee," Aven explained to their guests, "Is something we drink to help us keep alert."

Gabrielle nodded. That one answer had brought another dozen questions to mind but only one relevant to this situation, "If it keeps you alert, then it keeps you from sleeping and dreaming?"

Avens' face was full of understanding and sympathy, "It keeps you awake for awhile, but not even coffee keeps the dreams away for long."

A few minutes later Xena held her head up and sniffed the air, "What is that?"

"Coffee." Melanie announced as she came in with tray, heavy with a coffee pot, cups, milk, sugar and some cookies. She sat the tray down and began pouring the steaming hot fluid into the mugs and handing them out.

Both she and Aven watched as Xena and Gabrielle tried their first coffee. "Smells good." Xena commented and took a tentative sip. She seemed to take to the bitter brew quickly. Gabrielle however accepted the sugar and cream and finally reached a blend she could tolerate.

They sat in a comfortable silence, each noting the change in mood and atmosphere since the four of them had come together. There seemed to be a force of power in the air, a new strength.

Aven leaned forward suddenly, her face a mixture of confusion and dire seriousness, "Wait a second. You said the portal that brought you here appeared during the battle for Olympus?"

"Yes." Gabrielle confirmed.

"This evil wanted to destroy the Gods and attacked them?"

Xena joined in, "Yes. It is the first step in forming the world to his way."

"That's not possible." Aven replied.

"I know it's a fantastic story, Aven but I believe them." Melanie jumped in, misunderstanding Aven's disbelief.

Aven shook her head, "I believe they're from the past, Mel, but the timing of the battle is wrong."

Now Xena sat forward, "What do you mean, wrong?"

Aven met Xena's eyes, "I mean it's happening about three years before it should."

Xena tensed, her distrust evident, "How would you know that. Are you a seer?"

"Historian." Melanie explained.

"Historian?" Gabrielle repeated, "You know history?"

"I study it, yes." Aven answered. "Specifically Ancient Greece. The battle for Olympus is well documented. It didn't happen suddenly. There were several major events that led up to it."

"Iolaus said that Hercules saw the signs when the Gods pointed them out to him." Gabrielle suggested, "That's why he called us to help."

Melanie's mouth dropped, "The Hercules?! You knew..ah.. know him, Hercules?"

Ignoring her question, Aven continued, "Iolaus was there? How old is Hercules son?"

"Son?" Gabrielle asked, "Why wouldn't Iolaus be there?"

"He doesn't have a son." Xena stated, "Hera killed is wife and children. Aries was responsible for the death of his second wife. He has no children."

"Yet." Aven replied, "He will have a son. According to the history the battle happened when he was about two years old."

Xena and Gabrielle stared at her in shock. Aven spoke of things she knew as history. To them it was yesterday or a time to come. Xena had also recognized the look on Aven's face when Iolaus was mentioned. She had sidestepped explaining her comment but Xena knew that the future would be grim for Iolaus.

"I've got to get some things." Aven said standing up suddenly and moving toward the back of the cabin. With a final glance she disappeared into another room.

"Excuse me." Melanie smiled and followed Aven.

Xena finished off her coffee in one long gulp, then refilled her cup, "These women. They're the ones from your dream?

"Yes." Gabrielle answered after a moment. "Don't you feel it, Xena?"

"What?"

"We were supposed to meet them. They are us. Our descendants and there may actually be a chance to undo or at least stop Dahok and his plans."

Melanie stood at the top of the basement steps. She could hear Aven rummaging around and slowly descended. The cabin had been built in the mid sixties and had been equipped with a bomb shelter.

As Melanie reached the bottom of the steps the question of what had happened to all of Avens' collections and books was finally answered. The collections lined the walls, many still in their protective wrappings. The floor was covered with boxes full of books. Melanie watched as Aven rummaged through a few of the boxes that now filled the shelter. She stopped when Melanie asked, "When did you do all this?"

Aven looked around the room and shrugged, "A few months ago. I didn't think you'd mind."

Melanie stepped closer, "Of course I don't mind. It's your place. I just wondered where everything went and I still don't understand why."

"I knew they would be safe here." She finished as she zeroed in on what she was looking for and dug deeper into a box.

Melanie locked her arms across her chest, "Safe from whom?" When Aven glanced up at her, she saw the fear in those blue eyes again and decided to drop it. "You need a hand?"

Aven gratefully accepted and a few minutes later they reappeared in the livingroom carrying a box of books, laptop computer and other assorted items. In no time the floor was littered with books and papers.

Aven chose one of the oldest looking leather bound volumes and returned to the couch as Melanie hooked up the laptop. Gabrielle moved next to Aven as she thumbed through the book, "What language is that?"

"English." Aven answered. "All these have been translated from their original Greek. Here it is." She stopped and read a few paragraphs to herself.

"What does it say?" Xena asked moving closer to them.

Aven stopped, "Sorry. I was just familiarizing myself with the text. Basically it talks about the battle and how fierce it was. That most of the heros from Ancient Greece came there to defend Olympus."

"I saw Perseus, Atalanta and Jason there myself." Xena volunteered.

Aven smiled and continued, "The book says that the battle lasted for three days and many lives on both sides were lost before Dahok's evil was stopped."

Gabrielle's eyes widened, "Stopped! How?"

Aven scanned the paragraphs, "It says a mysterious religious Icon was the key to stopping him. Only something holy could stop the unholy. The most prominent legend concerns the blood of Christ."

Melanie had joined them by now, watching as the old Aven slowly reemerged.

"Who is Christ?" Xena questioned.

"In our time we worship one god, although he's known by several names, there is only one. He is our source of comfort, strength and answers. Christ is his son, a holy figure of good and love." Melanie supplied.

"I met a man named David and he told me of someone like that. The God of the Israelites." Gabrielle mentioned, thinking of their adventure with Goliath.

Now Avens's eye lit up, "So you've heard of him."

"You're God is the God of the Israelites?" Gabrielle said in disbelief, "David said he was powerful but to hold power in this time, he must be strong."

"There is no greater source of good." Aven finished.

"Where did this Icon come from?" Xena asked anxious to get the information.

Again Aven turned to the book, "It doesn't say. Just that it was wielded by an unlikely warrior and stopped Dahok. There are other things mentioned here that led up to the battle and from what you've told me they haven't happened yet." Closing the book Aven looked at Melanie, "So the question is, why did he attack now? He's not strong enough to win."

"Evil still has a strong sway, even in this time." Melanie suggested, "Maybe he somehow found out about the Icon and decided to change the outcome."

"Time travel?" Aven questioned.

"Hercules told me that it took the power of Zeus to open a portal to a parallel world. Maybe their combined powers punched a hole in time." Xena surmised, "If he did know about the Icon, maybe he traced something to this time and attacked Olympus to open a doorway. In the dream, Gabrielle said there were two evil forces, one we knew..."

"And one we did." Melanie concluded.

The mention of the two from the dream visibly affected Aven and Gabrielle. Both fell silent and seemed to shrink a little. It was a reaction that neither Xena or Melanie missed.

"Okay," Melanie switched gears, "So is it possible there is something here in our time that could lead them to this Icon thing? A map or something."

Aven recovered, her mind racing, "Or the Icon itself."

The statement caught everyone's attention and the room fell silent, all eyes on Aven. Standing up, Aven walked across the room to the fireplace. She stared into the flames for a second and then turned to face them. "Think about it. If the history books are right this battle happened before the crucification."

Xena and Gabrielle bristled at the word. "Who's?" Gabrielle asked for them.

"Christ's." Melanie answered, "He gave his life for our sins. The Romans crucified him."

"Romans!?" Xena repeated, not sure she had heard correctly, "Was Caesar involved?"

"You know Caesar? Julius Caesar?" Melanie piped up with a mixture of awe and surprise.

"We're acquainted."

The tone of Xena's voice caused Melanie to sit back a little and wisely she dropped the subject.

"Caesar was long gone by then." Aven pressed on. "Anyway, it happened several hundred years after Olympus, so it makes sense that the Icon did come from the future." She finished and began pacing in front of the fireplace.

"But how could Dahok know of something from the future?" Gabrielle pondered aloud.

"You two." Melanie said, pointing to Aven and Gabrielle, "You found about one another from a dream. What if this Dahok has followers or even a descendant in this time and what if they were history buffs too. They found out about this Icon and managed to contact him."

"The man in the dream?" Gabrielle suggested. Then realization of what that meant struck her and she understood why both had called her mother.

Aven too paled as the connection was made. She felt her knees growing unsteady but before she could fall, Melanie was at her side offering support. "You need some rest." She urged as she guided Aven to a nearby chair.

Xena had moved beside Gabrielle, "That goes for you too."

"There's no time." Aven whispered in shock, "I helped him research some of this stuff. When I first started with the company, my assignment was the evils and monsters of Ancient Greece."

Xena turned on them, "You helped him!? Who is this man from the dream?"

"Dahok's descendant." Gabrielle supplied, "And Hopes."

"David Hawks!" Melanie gasped, "Is a descendant of this great evil?"

"And you helped him." Xena looked accusingly at Aven.

"She didn't know." Melanie defended and moved closer to her friend.

Gabrielle stood up, face still pale, "Stop it you two. If there is anyone to blame here, it's me."

The room again fell silent, all occupants soaking in the revelations and implications. "I'm going for a walk." Gabrielle stated and left the cabin.

After a few seconds Xena followed her, "I'm going to check around outside."

Melanie watched them go, squinting as the morning sun poured through the opening door. The night had been so filled with excitement that she had not realized how much time had passed.

Aven slid out of the chair and began rummaging around the floor until she found the book she was looking for. Opening it, she began scanning pages.

"Aven?"

"The answer has to be in the books." Aven replied as she tossed the one she had aside and moved on to the next book. "We have to find the Icon before he does. I have to fix this."

Melanie kneeled down beside Aven. She could sense the turmoil raging in her friend and worried that Aven might be losing her grip. Carefully she chose her words, "It's not your fault, Aven. I'm getting a little confused here as to what's going on but you are not responsible for this mess. From what I'm hearing this started before we were even born."

Aven laughed sarcastically, "He used me. In high school he made it a point to befriend me. He knew even then and has been using me for all these years. My interest in history, especially Greek mythology, I thought he appreciated my talent, my research skills. He used me to help him unleash evil into the world. I was so naive." She went back to her books, immersing herself.

Melanie, feeling cut off again went into the kitchen for more coffee.

Xena made a quick check of the area, allowing Gabrielle time to calm down. She found the young woman a few yards from the cabin. Gabrielle was sitting on a fallen tree. She stared out across a lake screened on the far side by a wall of trees.

Taking a seat beside her, Xena remained silent, knowing that when Gabrielle was ready she would talk.

The air was crisp and fresh. Her leather coat blocked out the chill and she took a deep breath of the mountain air. The rising sun over the lake made it look like a sparkling diamond mine, and a few bird chirps and songs floated on the breeze.

"It's beautiful here." Gabrielle said softly.

Xena inhaled another deep sobering blast of air. "Yes, it is."

Gabrielle looked down at her feet, her hands toying with a twig, "Because of me this may be gone soon, if we can't stop Dahok."

"Gabrielle..." Xena began but was cut off.

"Don't even try it, Xena. My actions opened the door for him. I gave birth to his...child." Gabrielle raised her eyes to meet Xena's, "It was bad enough knowing the pain I caused in our time, but to know that the pain has continued on, through time. To know that our lines will continue to pay for my mistakes..." Gabrielle broke down crying from the depths of her soul. Xena pulled her close and held her. Her own guilt at her part in Dahok's emergence, tugging at her conscience.

They sat there a long while, clinging to one another for comfort. As Gabrielle's sobs subsided, Xena shook off the guilt she felt. She locked it away in the farthest part of her mind and soul, concentrating on their current situation.

"Maybe we're being given a second chance to right some of those wrongs." Xena suggested, "Now. In this time."

Gabrielle pulled away from Xena, wiping the last of the tears from her eyes.

"Think about it." Xena urged hopefully, "Aven said he was moving earlier than he should. Even though he does have a descendant in this time that knew the history and warned him, Dahok was so worried that he has possibly changed history by moving to soon."

Now she had Gabrielle's full attention and pushed on, "He was stopped when he was at his most powerful. Because of that knowledge he's trying to prevent that defeat by securing the object, the Icon. He's not strong enough to defeat the Gods now and if we can get the Icon before him, well there's no way he can try again in three years. We can change things now, with Melanie and Aven's help."

"A second chance?"

Xena smiled and grasped Gabrielle's shoulder, "Yes. Unless you have a better explanation for our currently being in this situation and a thousand years in the future."

Some of the light was returning to Gabrielle's eyes, "You may be right."

"Second chances are rare."

Gabrielle stood up, "We have to get back to the others. Aven may have found an answer or need our help." With that, she started back up the path to the cabin, Xena close behind.

As they neared the cabin, they heard loud voices, followed by a crash. Both women broke into a run, Xena drawing her sword in mid stride. They hit the porch at full speed as there was another loud crash inside the cabin.

Xena kicked the door open and leapt into the room. Instinctively she ducked as a coffee cup smashed into the wall by her head. She raised her sword, prepared to take on the intruders but found only Aven and Melanie in a heated argument. Sheathing the sword, she stepped to the other side of the room, pulling Gabrielle out of the line of fire as well.

"Just drop it Mel." Aven advised, firmly gripping a book.

"I will not." Melanie shot back, "All I want to know is what happened, Aven. When you and David went away that weekend, something happened and you changed."

Aven chewed her lip, her eyes dropping to the floor, "Nothing happened."

"Bullshit." Melanie slammed her fist on the table, harder than she meant to.

Aven cut her eyes toward Melanie flashing a warning, "For the last time, Mel. Please drop it."

"No." Melanie replied defiantly, "I have let it drop for the last six months and watched you disintegrate. I want the old Aven back. We need her to wipe this Dahok guy out of exsistance. What did David do? Did he hurt you?"

Aven shook her head and turned to walk away when Melanie grabbed her arm and spun her around, "Just tell me. I'm your friend and I want to help."

Xena recognized the look that was on Aven's face and moved closer. Gabrielle took up position a few feet away, ready to follow Xena's lead.

Aven yanked her arm away from Melanie, her hand forming into a fist, "You can't help me." She stated in a flat, cold voice, "I've been to hell and I've seen the Devil's face."

Although Aven never raised her hand, Melanie stepped back as is she'd been punched. The tone of Avens voice and the look in her eyes, left her unsure of what to say or do. Before she could recover and make an attempt, she felt a firm hand on her shoulder. Turning, she saw Xena, "Let's go outside. You can show me the layout of this place."

Melanie turned back to Aven, who had already withdrawn to the far side of the room, kneeling beside the fireplace and staring into the flames.

"Come on." Xena urged and pulled her toward the door, "Gabrielle will keep an eye on her."

Melanie offered no resistance and let Xena lead her out of the cabin.

Gabrielle watched Aven for a minute and then took a seat on the couch. She picked up one of the books and began paging through it. Although she couldn't understand the language, there were some illustrations of ancient Greek mythological creature. She looked at the pictures, studied them. "These drawings don't do them justice." She stated after a moment.

Coming out of her haze, Aven looked over at her, "What?"

"These drawings of the Centaurs. They don't reflect how noble and brave they really are. The drawing seems to focus on the animal, not the whole."

Aven walked across the room and sat down beside Gabrielle. Peering at the drawing in the book she asked, "You know a Centaur?"

Gabrielle smiled, "Several. In fact my godson Xenon is a Centaur. I'd always heard stories about them as a child, about how violent and war like they were. It wasn't until I met one and got to know him that I realized that the stories were just that, stories. They are intelligent, loyal and yes, fierce warriors, but only when forced to fight. If the cause is just, they will fight to the death. Even when the odds are against them."

Aven looked up at her, knowing she'd been pulled into a conversation she'd rather avoid. "Are the odds against us, Gabrielle?"

"They could be."

"Unless I pull myself together." Aven concluded.

Gabrielle shrugged, "It's not easy. I know. Believe me, I know. When something happens to you that... shakes you from your foundation, it's a long, hard trip back. The key is to learn from what happened and move on. If you don't, you'll lose yourself and everyone you care about."

Aven sat back against the couch and sighed, "Easier said than done."

Gabrielle sat quietly, deep in thought for a few moments. When she'd reached her decision she too sat back against the couch and turned to face Aven, "I'm going to tell you how this great evil began. When I'm done, I think you'll see my point about moving on." Settling into a comfortable position, she began recounting the trip to Britannia.

Xena stood back and watched as Melanie stomped back and forth. She recognized the frustration and anger that her modern twin was experiencing now. Xena herself had gone through it in her younger days and she had channeled it into battle and conquest. That was not an option her counterpart had. In a way that was a good thing but then again, not. It was disturbing and comforting to know that her descendants still struggled with the same feelings and strengths that had forged her.

"I pushed too hard." Melanie mumbled to herself. "I only wanted to help her and I pushed too hard."

"You're concerned." Xena stated.

"Yeah, so concerned, I almost pushed her over the edge. I just feel so..."

"Frustrated?" Xena supplied.

Melanie stopped pacing, "Yes."

Xena nodded, "I know the feeling. Gabrielle and I have been through a lot together. There have been some times when I have felt so frustrated and helpless, I thought I'd explode."

Melanie tentatively took a step toward Xena, like a novice seeking knowledge from a master, "What did you do?"

"It's one of the reasons my fighting skills are so good. You focus. You channel that rage and emotion into something useful."

"I can't very well go roaming the countryside with a sword, fighting off warlords." Melanie replied, discouraged and sarcastic.

Xena reached out and tapped Melanie's forehead. "Not every battle has to be physical. Use your head. It's your best weapon."

Melanie let that soak in. She considered herself intelligent and she did possess an amazingly analytical mind. During mock battles, work, play and everyday life she was focused, quick on her feet, everything Xena suggested. The problem arose when her emotions got in the way.

Her quick temper was her main enemy. When she was passionate about something, her temper could be provoked with ease. That combination had cost her competitions, a job and on occasion a relationship. Today it had almost cost her best friend.

Xena could see the dawning of understanding and acceptance on Melanie's face, "From what you've said, Aven has been through something terrible. You can't make that go away but you can be her friend."

"You speaking from experience?" Melanie asked with a smile.

Xena didn't answer. She only raised an eyebrow and smiled.

"Alright." Melanie surrendered, "So you want a tour, huh?"

"I'd like to be familiar with the area in case Hawks finds us first."

"Let's go." Melanie said and led the way.

When Gabrielle had finished, she watched Aven. The reaction she got wasn't the one she had expected.

"You're the one." Aven replied with a hint of awe.

"Excuse me."

Aven took Gabrielle's hand and led her to the back room and down the steps to the bomb shelter. She left Gabrielle standing at the doorway and went straight to a large metal box. Kneeling down in front of the box, Aven punched in the three number combination on the box's lock. Lifting the lid, she reached in and gently lifted out a cloth wrapped item.

Carefully, she pulled the layers of cloth away and revealed an old, time worn book. "I've always been interested in history, especially my own heritage." Aven replied, softly running her hand over the books cover. "I had an advantage in that my family, particularly my Grandmother were also historians."

Gabrielle eased over to join her and kneeled beside her. Aven smiled and continued, "This book is a translation of the diary from one of my very first ancestors. My Grandmother traced our family back to ancient Greece and found this diary, or the original scrolls and had them translated to English." Aven looked at Gabrielle, "It's your diary."

Gabrielle stared at the book, stunned, "I write stories. I don't keep a diary."

"You will." Aven grinned.

Gabrielle cautiously accepted the book from Aven, as if she expected it to burn her. She opened it and looked at the strange language on the pages. From the first time she had dreamed of their meeting, she knew they were connected. Deep down she had suspected they were related, even before Melanie had mentioned it and she had come to accept it. Now she held concrete proof in her hands. "What happened in Britannia is in there?"

Aven shook her head, "No, but it's eluded to like pieces in a puzzle. When you told me what happened all the clues came together and the puzzle was solved."

Gabrielle's mind reeled. She struggled to comprehend what was being said. Her life, a life she had not yet lived, was chronicled on the parchment in her hands. The future. All the mistakes, joys, and sorrows.

Gabrielle felt a hand on hers, "It's a heritage that I'm very proud of." Aven said with conviction.

"I...I have more children?"

"Yes." Aven hesitantly answered, "I can't tell you any more, It could affect the time line. I may have said too much already but know this, you lead a full, exciting life. Not without its bad times and hardships but you do well."

Gabrielle realized now that this was a second chance, that she could make a difference. Despite Dahok and Hope's evil, her descendants would continue, always fighting them. "No. You've told me all I need to hear except one thing."

"What?"

"How did he hurt you Aven. What did he do to make you want to stop living?"

Aven took the diary back from Gabrielle and clutched it to her for security, then slowly began describing the events that led up to the weekend trip she took with David Hawks.

She and David had been friends since High school. The two brainy loners had found a commonality of purpose in each other and bonded quickly. They had remained friends even after school. David had urged her to come to work for him at the family company. He flattered her, telling her that her skills at research were just the thing he needed to move the company forward. During her time there she had proven herself time and time again. Her talents helped the company reach the status it held today and David was always encouraging her and rewarding her. Raises and bonuses followed, and eventually she was named head of the Research department of the corporation.

It had seemed only natural when their friendship grew deeper that they began dating. For two months she was happier and more content than she ever thought possible. Every day they became closer, working and spending all their free time together. Then he had suggested a long weekend of skiing, a suggestion she eagerly accepted.

It had been a long drive to the isolated cabin in ski country. They had discussed many things, work, skiing, nature and history. There was never any reason to suspect that anything was amiss. When they arrived at the cabin, he had arranged for a bottle of chilled champagne be waiting to start off the weekend.

It wasn't until she got very drowsy after one glass of champagne and David began asking her questions about her family that she suspected something was wrong.

Dan Kinsey's arrival sent her warning radar off, but whatever had been put in her drink kept her weak and unsteady. She had tried to get up from the couch but Hawks easily shoved her back down. When she tried again she was slapped back in place.

Her shock and confusion, convinced her that this had to be some kind of nightmare. She asked him what was going on, what kind of game was he playing.

His response was another stinging slap to her face. He sat down beside her, Kinsey standing silently across the room. Hawks assured her that if she gave him all the information he needed, everything would be fine. He would take her home and they could forget this ever happened.

He tried to caress her face but she pulled away from him. For the first time in her life she was frightened of him and her lack of control.

Laughing, he had leaned in close to her and whispered, "Tell me about your dreams."

When she refused, Hawks motioned for Kinsey. Standing up, Hawks went over to the hallway where their luggage still sat. He retrieved his briefcase and set it on the dining room table. Opening it, he fumbled in the contents for a few moments before coming back to her with a syringe.

Aven struggled to get away from the approaching hyperdermic but Kinsey pinned her down against the couch, her weakened state not making it much of a challenge.

"This is a new drug we've been working on." He informed her as he tapped the syringe, "Similar to Sodium Pentothal but proven to get much better results. The only downfall is its side effect."

Trying to pull away from the two men, she only made Hawks angrier. He grabbed her arm, twisting hard enough to bruise and then jammed the needle into the vein of her arm. "It causes quite a bit of pain, so the sooner you tell me what I need to know the sooner the pain ends."

Xena and Melanie returned to a quiet cabin. They could hear a hushed voice coming from the back and Melanie stealthily got closer to the basement door to overhear. Xena was uncomfortable with eavesdropping and stayed out of earshot. She looked away and when she looked back saw Melanie easing down the steps. Deciding not to eavesdrop, she moved close enough to respond if needed.

Aven was leaning against the wall, her knees drawn to her chest. Gabrielle sat in front of her, listening, her hand on Aven's for reassurance. Aven stared ahead, not seeing anything but the memories of that weekend.

"Between the drugs and the pain I lost track of time." She continued slowly, clenching and relaxing her left hand as continued. "It felt like I was there for weeks. I told him everything I knew, answered any question he asked. It still wasn't what he wanted. Finally he got tired of asking and said he'd get the information himself. He... he looked into my eyes and I could feel him... climbing inside my mind. That's when he started showing me things."

"Like the nightmares?" Gabrielle questioned.

Aven laughed softly, a laugh of despair and lost hope, "Oh no. That was a good dream compared to what I saw." She fell silent, tears welling in her eyes. Fear engulfed her, threatening to sweep her away. Then she heard the words from the dream, "You are not alone." and she saw Gabrielle's face and behind her, Melanie's.

Nervously licking her lips, she resumed, "David said that if he couldn't convince me maybe his father could. He stepped aside and I felt a new presence in my head." Again she stopped, unable to describe the fear that it brought. With a deep breath, she moved on, "The things I saw while he was in my head...I begged for blindness. Then death. There are some things that no one should ever see and if I told you even half of them you'd be damned just like me. Instead of blindness, I now have those images burned into my brain so that every time I close my eyes, I see death, destruction, Hell. Just as I thought my sanity was gone, I saw... Dahok's face. His true face. That's when I wanted to die. I prayed for death, would have embraced it if only I never had to look on that face again."

Gabrielle stared at her, mouth agape from shock. The pain and suffering of her counterpart almost so tangible that she could feel it as well. From behind her she heard Melanie's rapid breathing and could tell that the woman was just as anguished as she was. Aven's terror had become their own.

"I guess my brain had all it could take, and shut down." Aven continued, "The next thing I remember is waking up on the drive home."

Gabrielle closed her eyes. To know of Dahok's evil and experience it was one thing but this woman had seen his true face. Dahok's attack on her had been physical and she had bore his child. His attack on Aven had been a mental rape, it's progeny, the woman's desire to fade away and die.

"Why didn't you tell me?" Melanie asked, her voice nothing more than a croaking whisper.

"The trip back from the cabin was quiet," She replied, "He never said a word until we pulled up outside my apartment. He warned me not to tell anyone what had happened. He knew that I didn't care what he did to me anymore, but there was still one way to get to me." She finished, meeting Melanie's eyes.

Disbelief colored Melanie's features, "Me?"

Tears began streaming down Aven's face, "My family is dead. I still have my grandmother but we hardly ever see one another. I love her but you are the one constant in my life. The only other person I have in the world and care about is you. You're my best friend, my family. He told me they'd be watching both of us. Then... he showed me another vision of what...they'd do to you." Aven was trembling, tears no longer contained. "I had to protect you. The only way to do that was to keep you away."

Melanie felt her own tears trying to escape as Aven collapsed against Gabrielle. Locking her jaw she stood up and eased out of the room. Walking up the stairs and back into the living room she barley noticed that everything had turned red. Instinctively she grabbed the gun from the coffee table and headed straight for the front door.

"Where are you going?" A voice asked through the fog.

"I'm going to kill the bastard." She growled, never missing a step.

Suddenly there was a barrier in her way. An imposing six foot tall, leather clad woman, holding a sword. Melanie clicked the safety off the gun.

"That's a good idea," Xena agreed, "And I'll even help you. Later. Right now there's something more important to take care of."

Melanie's eyes narrowed, her trigger finger itching, "What!?"

"Aven." Xena answered simply.

The red haze began to clear at the sound of that name. As her stability returned she realized who was standing in front of her. The words from their talk only an hour before echoed in her mind. "I'm sorry." She said and flicked the safety back on.

Xena had relaxed the sword, "No need. Her healing begins now and she needs her best friend to help her."

Melanie closed her eyes and focused on her breathing, inhaling deeply. Squelching the anger that had consumed her, she found her center. She held her breath a moment then forcibly exhaled, pushing out the rage with her breath. Taking another cleansing breath, Melanie forced her mind to focus. The discipline from years of Karate helped her now. Gratefully, she felt her pulse slow and a sense of calm settle over her. Melanie looked at Xena and nodded her thanks and then returned the gun to the coffee table. She disappeared to the basement to take her place by her friends side.

When their research continued a couple of hours later, there was a new energy in the cabin.

Melanie watched in relief as the Aven she had known started to reemerge. Still haunted by what had happened, by admitting and telling the details of the experience, she had freed herself from a self-imposed prison.

With new purpose, she focused all her energy on finding the Icon. The best place to start was in the books. She dived in with gusto.

Engrossed in her work, she never noticed how Xena, Gabrielle and Melanie watched her, a mixture of awe and wonder reflected in their expressions. Oblivious to everything she did not notice when Melanie rummaged around the kitchen and found enough to fix a meal. When a plate of food was placed beside her, she ate until every last crumb was gone.

Xena and Gabrielle napped on the couch after the meal, leaving Melanie on guard duty. And still Aven searched. She made notes on a pad, traced and retraced her steps. When she had covered all the books, she moved to the lap top computer.

When nap time was over, Melanie went through Avens closet and found Gabrielle a pair of jeans and sweater. They were more appropriate and fit better than the baggy skirt and sweater Jacques had given her.

By late afternoon Aven had gone as far as she could and sat back in the chair, looking at the lap top screen, "I can't do anymore."

"What's wrong?" Xena questioned.

Aven turned around and looked into their expectant faces, "From everything I've got, I've managed to figure out that the Icon is in the United States." She answered, rubbing her tired, bloodshot eyes.

Melanie shot to her feet, "That's great. Where?"

"That's the problem." Aven sighed, "I need more info to get an exact location fix."

"What's to stop Hawks from getting the same information." Xena asked with concern, "He may already have the Icon."

"No." Aven stated with conviction, "He doesn't have it. I have one piece of the map that he doesn't and without he's never going to find the Icon. That's why he ...that was the purpose of the ski trip."

Melanie moved closer, staying protectively close to Aven.

"A piece of the map?" Gabrielle repeated.

"The diary." Aven smiled, "It tells where the Icon was found in Greece. From there it's just a matter of backtracking and finding the clues." Her smiled faded a bit, "The problem is, I've used all the information I have to get this far. I need access to more."

Melanie's eyes lit up, "Jacques!"

"Huh?" Gabrielle asked.

Aven caught on, "The main frame."

Xena and Gabrielle exchanged looks of confusion.

Jacques answered the phone on the fourth ring, much to Melanie's relief, "Heelloo." He said in a melodious voice.

"Jacques." Melanie grinned, "Are you all right? How's the shoulder?"

"Mel! Girlfriend!" He greeted his own relief evident, "Are you and your friends safe? Have you found Aven?"

"Yes to all of the above. Now tell me how you are."

"Just a flesh wound." He assured her, "The doctor said no permanent damage, just some dreadful pain."

"I'm sorry Jacques." Melanie apologized, her voice softer, "I never meant to get you involved in this, or hurt."

"Oh, pish darling." Jacques was forever the optimist. "No harm done. That's what friends are for and it was quiet an adventure. Plus there was something good that came out of it."

"What good could come out of getting shot?"

Jacques laughed, embarrassed. "Because I met the most attractive intern at the Emergency room. We're going out this weekend."

Melanie couldn't contain her laughter. Only Jacques could turn a life and death situation into the dating game. "That's great Jay. I want to hear all about it when this is over, but right now I need another favor."

"Are there guns involved?" He asked cautiously.

"No. Computers. We need your access to the main frame."

"It's yours."

She handed Aven the phone and after a brief friendly exchange, Aven began detailing what they needed. She was silent for a few seconds, then thanked him and hung up.

"What now?" Gabrielle questioned.

Aven shrugged, "We wait. I'm supposed to call him back in two hours. I ring my computer to his, it downloads the information and hopefully, we hit the road in the morning to get the Icon.

While they waited Aven and Melanie used the time to prepare for their trip. They gathered hiking and camping equipment and any other supplies they might need in their search. Not wanting to be overburdened they packed only the essentials.

Gabrielle packed Avens' books back in their boxes with care and then took them back to the bomb shelter, making certain the room was secured and locked.

Xena had moved out to the porch, sharpening her sword and keeping an eye out for Hawks men.

Melanie watched her from the window and then looked at her own sword. It was a fine weapon for mock battles but the steel was not the best. She had been lucky with the thug that attacked her at her house but the weapon would not serve her in a real battle. She glanced at Aven's bow and quiver of arrows sitting in the corner. For competitions and archery displays, they were great but were lacking as a deadly weapons.

The only weapon they had that could match Hawks was her own colt. It was poor insurance against his numbers and resources.

"We need to make a stop once we head out." Aven voiced, approaching from behind.

"Weapons." Melanie said flatly.

"Hawks will come after us with everything he's got, once we're out in the open."

"I'm glad you left the cabin in your step-dads name or we wouldn't even be safe here."

Aven hesitated, "You know we'll have to loose the jeep too. He knows it."

"Yea." Melanie sighed regretfully. The jeep was a cherished possession to her. Aven had often kidded her that she treated the jeep like a child.

"Will Ram help us?"

Melanie nodded, "I think so. I've got the Renaissance schedule on disk. It won't be hard to find him."

Xena had finished sharpening the sword and rose to her feet, then walked out into the yard. Selecting a suitable clear spot, she firmly planted her feet in the dirt and began swinging the weapon. They watched as the sword arced and Xena began doing figure eights, the sword becoming a blur in the air.

"Whoa." Was the only thing Melanie managed to utter, her eyes alight with excitement.

"Why don't you go out there? Maybe pick up a few pointers." Aven suggested.

Melanie looked at her with childlike enthusiasm. "You don't think she'll mind?"

"No. We've still got about half an hour or so before I call Jacques and all of our gear is packed, so go ahead."

No further encouragement was required. Melanie grabbed her sword and reached for the door. Stopping, she turned back to Aven, "I'm glad you're back."

Aven smiled, "I'm glad you never gave up."

Melanie blushed softly and opened the door, easing out onto the porch. Aven watched as Melanie tentatively approached the Warrior. Aware that she had company, Xena stopped her exercise and said something to Melanie. Melanie replied shyly. More conversation followed and Melanie drew her sword, demonstrating her skills for Xena. Assessing her descendants' ability, Xena stepped forward and offered her advice and slowly went through a few moves.

Smiling, Aven turned from the window.

Xena, Gabrielle, and Melanie stood around Aven and the lap top as they waited for the download from Jacques. When finished, the system beeped and Aven disconnected the phone line from the lap top. "This may take a while." She informed them as she uploaded the information and began sifting through the data.

As the sun went down and night came calling the cabin got cooler so Xena stoked the fire. Exhaustion had finally overcome Melanie and she slept soundly in the lounge chair by the fireplace.

Gabrielle draped a blanket over Melanie and looked down at the sleeping woman. She resembled Xena, even acted like her in some instances, but Gabrielle was also reminded of herself. Of the two, Aven was the quiet, serious one, like Xena. Melanie possessed an exuberant friendly personality, like herself. It was an odd merging and exchange of personalities and it left Gabrielle wondering how her other descendants had been.

She had also come to realize something else. That what-ever power created Xena and herself and forged their lives, it was their destiny to do it together. Their descendants were fated to come together at some point in their lives, like she and Xena had. It seemed to be a friendship that would last through the ages. With everything she and Xena had been through the last few months, it was a comforting conclusion.

"What are you thinking about?" Xena asked, breaking the revelry.

"Friendship." Gabrielle answered.

"Yes!" Aven shouted a short time later.

Melanie sat up, wide awake. Xena, who had become quiet fond of coffee, almost dropped her cup. Gabrielle, who had been leaning against Xena and starting to doze, fell behind onto the pillow as the Warrior stood up. Scrambling back to a sitting position, Gabrielle jumped off the couch to her feet.

"You found it?" Melanie asked as she tossed the blanket aside and joined Aven at the computer.

"I do believe so and it's closer than we thought."

Melanie looked over her shoulder at the image on the lap top, then scanned the notes Aven had made. "Utah?" She asked in disbelief.

"That's where every clue points. I've double checked everything."

Laying her hand on Avens shoulder, Melanie leaned over and studied the marked section of the map. "Aven, I know that area."

"I know." Aven said raising her eyebrows, "Creepy, huh?"

"What's creepy?" Xena questioned, gazing at the map from over Avens other shoulder.

Melanie pointed to the map, "That area in Nevada is where our grandmothers lives."

"Time to pay them a visit." Aven stated aloud

"You could be putting her in danger." Xena reminded them.

"My grandmother is a linguist and historian. Avens is an archeologist. They've worked on quiet a few projects together and if anyone knows where the Icon is in that area, it's them. They're both tougher than they look and love adventures."

"So that's where we get it." Aven joked and stifled a yawn.

"Yea and you need some rest before we leave."

"I'm fine." She argued unconvincingly.

Xena stepped forward and kneeled beside Aven, "You have been through a lot the last few days. Everyone has managed to get some rest but you. You have done a great job on locating the Icon and you'll need to be at your best when we find it. I want you to get some sleep. I could make you go to sleep but I'd rather you do it on your own."

Aven's eyes widened at the hint of the threat. Looking around the room she had the distinct feeling of being ambushed. She was good but no way could did she stand a chance against all three of her rested comrades. Throwing her hand up in surrender she sighed, "Fine. As soon as I map out our route, I'll get some sleep."

"I can do that." Melanie volunteered, "I'm more familiar with the area anyway and I've had some sleep. The three of you can rest and I'll pull guard duty."

"Agreed." Aven said grudgingly. Although she was exhausted she was afraid to sleep, afraid of the dreams.

As if she could read her thoughts Melanie patted her on her shoulder, "If it even looks like you're dreaming, I'll wake you."

Aven's eyes glowed with gratitude.

"I'll relieve you in four hours." Xena said as she grabbed a couple of blankets from the couch.

"Where are you going?" Aven asked as Xena and Gabrielle headed for the front door.

"Outside." Xena answered non-chalantly.

"We're used to sleeping outdoors." Gabrielle explained.

"Uh huh." Aven and Melanie said in unison as the two warriors disappeared into the darkness.

Exchanging glances, Aven went to lie down on the couch and Melanie laid out the map on the dinning room table and began studying the fastest, safest route.

Kinsey strode into Hawks office confidently, wearing a proud smile on his lips. When Hawks saw his expression, he immediately sat up with interest.

"We have a location, Sir." Kinsey declared bravely.

Now Hawks was smiling, "Finally. Where?"

"An isolated cabin in the mountains near Lake Tahoe. We don't have an exact address but we do know the general location down to a ten mile radius."

"Do we have a team in the area?"

"Yes Sir." Kinsey confirmed, "A four man scout team. I've already sent them to investigate. When we have confirmation, I can have a full squad there in half an hour."

"Excellent Mr Kinsey." Hawks commended and stood up. He walked over to his assistant and took a stand beside him, "Why has it taken this long to find them?"

"They just accessed the main frame a couple of hours ago." He explained nervously, "Then we had to trace who the user was and where he sent the download data. The address was a name that wasn't associated with Gabriel or Prince. We had to do some background checks to verify a connection."

"Are you sure it's them? I'm getting tired of these misses."

"Almost certain Sir. That's why I ordered a scout mission first. The parameters I set for the computer search were very specific."

Hawks patted Kinsey on the back, "Your idea that they might use a computer to search for the information was a good one and has paid off. What kind of information did they get?"

"Old history texts, religious myths, maps, and a history of Dahok. Nothing you haven't studied before."

Hawks rubbed his chin, "All right. Keep me posted. If it is them, I want them alive. For now."

"Yes sir." Kinsey replied and turned to leave.

"Oh, Dan?" Hawks called him to a stop.

"Sir?"

"The person that was responsible for the background searches. The one that let the cabin information get by them."

"Yes sir?"

Hawks smiled, "I want them terminated. Permanently."

Kinsey nodded and quickly exited the office.

Aven struggled to break free of sleep as the remnants of the dream released her. It had not been a nightmare but a vision. She had seen a helicopter loaded with men carrying guns, flying through the darkened skies. "They're coming." She whispered and sat up on the couch.

The cabin was quiet except for the crackle from the fireplace. Quickly looking around the room she found it deserted. A steaming cup of coffee sat on the table next to the maps and atlas.

Aven eased off the couch, uneasiness settling over her. Then that she heard a succession of sounds outside the cabin in the front yard. A buzzing, a groan, followed by a muffled thud.

Instinct kicked in. Grabbing her staff, she went out the side door. Crouched low, she searched the darkness and found nothing. Moving stealthily she headed toward the front of the house.

Melanie lay on the cold ground, her nerves and muscles still tingling from the tazer gun. She had been inside studying the map when she had heard a noise outside. Assuming it was Xena or Gabrielle, she had gone outside to see if everything was alright. As she reached the bottom step of the porch she saw two approaching figures.

Her brain told her it was not Xena or Gabrielle a second after the tazer had been fired. By then it was too late to dodge the incoming projectile.

The darts hit her in the chest and shoulder and she felt as if she'd been kicked by a large, angry mule. Falling to the ground she struggled for breath and consciousness. It took a few seconds for the stun to wear off before she could realize and process what had happened.

"They're here." Her mind screamed. She tried to yell out a warning but could only groan softly.

The man with the tazer gun dropped to his knee beside her. Trying to move away, she was shocked to find that her body no longer responded to the commands she gave it. "Are the other three inside?" Tazer man whispered in her ear.

She had to stall for time, to give the others a chance to get away. "Alone." She wheezed with great effort.

Tazer man looked at his partner and motioned to the side of the cabin. Immediately, the camouflage man eased up the steps, his own tazer gun primed and ready.

There was a noise from the darkened woods to the side of the cabin. Tazer man looked up, wondering what kind of animal made the low guttural sound he had heard.

Aven hit him with the force of a freight train, knocking him tumbling away from Melanie.

He rolled to a stop and was trying to get to his feet when she hit him again, delivering a blinding kick to his chin. He crumpled to the dirt, still struggling to rise up but she spun in the air and landed both feet squarely in his chest, pushing the air from his lungs and cracking a few ribs in the process.

His partner leapt from the porch and ran towards them. Melanie managed to turn her head to the side and tried to yell out a warning, but could only muster a louder groan than before.

Camouflage man took aim and fired the tazer darts into Aven's back. He was the one stunned, however, when they had no effect.

Aven clenched her fist and with all the power she could summon delivered a smashing blow to Tazer man's face. Rising up, she shook the blood and tissue from her fist and turned on her new attacker.

Melanie was surprised by the animalistic fury on Aven's face and in her eyes. Aven cocked her head sideways, watching Camauflage's movements and then leapt toward the man, baring her teeth.

He was caught off guard by the ferocity of the attack. Dropping the tazer gun, he reached for the Baretta in his belt when a foot caught him in the stomach. Doubling over, another foot connected with his chin. Giving him no time to recover, Aven put her staff into motion. Twirling it with blinding speed, she began delivering numbing hits to his body. She was so intent on her punishment of him that she never saw a third camouflage man running towards them.

Melanie smiled when she saw Xena appear from the darkness and cold cock the man into unconsciousness. As he fell, Xena's eyes fell on Melanies' prone figure and fear flashed across her face. Leaving Aven to finish the job on her attacker, Xena bounded over and dropped down beside Melanie.

"Are you alright, Melanie?" Xena asked with concern as she brushed the loose hair from Melanie's face and checked her for injuries.

Her body ached but the tingling sensation was fading and her limbs were sluggishly starting to respond, "Getting there." She answered weakly.

With a final blow of the staff, Aven crushed the man's skull, splatters of blood freckling her face and clothes. He dropped to the ground like a rag doll, Aven staring down at him, ready to continue if he moved again.

Gabrielle approached her cautiously, "Aven?" She called softly.

Aven jerked her head toward Gabrielle, ready to attack. For a spilt second Gabrielle saw no sign that Aven recognized her, then the darkness faded from Aven's face. She looked at Gabrielle for another second and then down at the fallen man. Dropping her staff, she turned and in an instant was by Melanie's side.

"Mel?" She said in a quivering voice, "I thought you were..."

"Tazer." Melanie assured her. With great effort she grasped Avens hand as further proof.

Relief flooded over Aven as she and Xena gingerly helped Melanie into a sitting position.

A wave of dizziness washed over her as the blood recirculated to her limbs but sitting up seemed to help dispel the effects of the tazer stun even more.

"We have to get out of here." Gabrielle stated as she appeared beside them. She had retrieved Avens fallen staff and now held one in each hand.

The man Xena had knocked out was groaning as he came to and Xena rushed over to him. Melanie and Aven stared as she helped the man sit up and with two fingers, punched him in the side of his neck. The man stiffened and gagged. "I've just cut off the flow of blood to your brain. You'll be dead in thirty seconds unless you answer my questions."

As scary as Hawks was, he was no match for the fear that Xena instilled in him now. "Who sent you?" She asked.

"Hawks."

"How many more are there?"

"Ten, fifteen."

"Where?" She pushed impatiently.

"Be here in forty minutes." He gasped, face turning blue.

With another pinch, the man fell over, unconscious again.

"Let's get moving." Xena advised.

Xena and Gabrielle carried Melanie inside while Aven secured the weapons from the attackers. Picking up the last gun, she noticed the jeep sitting at an odd angle. Moving close, she saw the reason. Three of the tires had been slashed. Closer examination of the jeep revealed that the distributer cap was missing as well. Cursing under her breath, Aven hurried back into the cabin.

Melanie always had amazing recuperative powers and now was no exception. Slowly she was walking around the cabin, trying to shake off the effects of the tazer and guiding Gabrielle which maps and paperwork to gather up for their trip.

Xena knew the minute she saw Avens face that there was a problem.

Taking a deep breath, Aven decided to share, "The good news is we have some firepower now. The bad news is the jeep won't be taking us anywhere."

"My jeep!?" Melanie whined.

"Do you know this area well enough to lead us out of here on foot?" Xena questioned.

"If they're that close, we'll never make it." Melanie reasoned.

Aven perked up, "The bikes!"

"Bikes?" Melanie repeated, "As in plural, more than one?"

"Yea, I rode the Softtail up here. When I brought my other stuff up, that included the Heritage 600."

"Cool!" Melanie smiled.

"What's a bike?" Gabrielle questioned.

"Can all of us get out of here in them?" Xena asked next.

"It's like a mechanical horse." Aven explained, "And yes we can get out if here on them. You guys get the gear ready. Mel, are you sure you can manage?"

"I'm no chopper chick like you, but I can keep it in the road." She joked. Seeing Aven's scolding look Melanie turned serious, "I'm fine, just a little sore."

Still Aven didn't move. "Really." Melanie assured.

Aven finally relented, "Okay. I'm going to check the bikes. Blast off in ten minutes." She vanished out the back door into the night.

Xena's curiosity was peaked by the mechanical horses. "I'll start taking these out." She volunteered grabbing a couple of knapsacks.

She followed the sounds coming from a large shed a few yards from the cabin. Easing into the shed, her jaw dropped when she beheld the sleek chrome and metal horses. "Bikes?" She asked.

"Oh yea." Aven answered, eyes twinkling, "Gorgeous, aren't they?"

Setting the bags down, she moved closer, reaching out to touch the bike, but pulling back as if it might burn her.

Standing up beside the Harley Softtail, Aven picked up the knapsacks, "Go ahead Xena. It won't bite."

Xena moved up beside the bike. As Aven tied the bags onto the Heritage, Xena ran her hands over the smooth, cool chrome and black metal on the bike. Fascinated, she followed the contours of the bike, moving her hands to the handlebars. "These are the reins?"

"Yes." Aven answered, joining her, "We still have real horses in this time. Melanie's very fond of the real kind, but I like these beauties. They have more power and the speed of ten horses plus all the dangers of the real ones."

Xena was about to ask another question, when Aven turned her head to the side, listening. "Forty minutes my ass." Aven grumbled and headed out of the shed.

"More men?" Xena asked, jogging beside her.

"Choppers." Aven replied. Seeing the confusion that answer brought, she elaborated, "Flying machines carrying Hawks people."

Melanie had also heard the helicopters and met them at the door, stating simply, "Trouble."

Grabbing the rest of the gear, the four women left the warm cabin, the sounds of the craft getting nearer. Like a well trained machine, Aven and Melanie had the gear tied to the bikes in seconds and pushing them off the kick stand, eased the bikes out of the shed.

"No helmets." Aven gasped as they aimed the bikes toward the woods, away from the cabin.

"Hard heads." Melanie shot back and climbed astride the Heritage.

The sounds of a large number of people approaching from the front of the cabin ruled out an argument over bike safety.

Aven jumped on the Softtail and simultaneously both women brought the engines to life. Even with mufflers, the distinct Harley sound filled the air, luckily the helicopters helped mask the sound.

Xena and Gabrielle stepped back as the bikes roared to awareness, the sound a little unnerving and frightening.

"Let's go." Melanie called to Gabrielle.

"Climb on." Aven encouraged Xena.

Gabrielle approached tentatively. Horses were never her strong suit and this metal one was defiantly not inviting.

Shouting voices made her decision and grabbing Melanie's shoulder, she jumped on the bike. Xena followed suit. "Hold tight." Both women instructed their passengers and then put the bikes in gear.

When Hawks men came charging around the corner of the cabin, the only thing they saw where the fading red taillights in the distant woods.

They rode the bikes up the old horse trails deeper into the forest. Several miles later, as they approached a fork in the trail, Aven motioned for a stop.

Braking the bike, Melanie rested her legs on the ground and eased up along side Aven.

"Gabrielle," Melanie gasped as the fleshy steel bands crushed her ribs, "You can ease up now, I can't breath."

"Sorry." She mumbled and relaxed her hold.

Aven looked overhead and spotted the search light of the helicopters at least a mile away but coming quickly.

"Aven?" Melanie called as she looked behind them.

All four women turned to see the flames rising in the distance. A thick, black smoke filled the darkened skies. Headlights from the four-wheel drives that Hawks people were using, wove across the clearings and paths below them.

"Bastards." Aven whispered, knowing the sanctuary was gone now.

"The diary! Your books!" Gabrielle realized as they watched the destruction.

"Did you put them down in the basement room?" Aven asked.

"Yes, and I made sure the door was locked."

Sighing, Aven smiled, "Then they'll be safe. The room is fireproof."

"They're getting closer." Xena warned.

"What now?" Melanie questioned.

"We split up and meet at Four Rivers. You stick to the trails." Aven instructed.

"And what are you going to do?" Melanie asked, knowing already what Aven had planned.

"Xena?" Aven called over her shoulder, "Are you up to running these guys for awhile?"

"Yes." Xena replied enthusiastically. Clearly she had taken quickly to the mechanical horse and wanted to see more of its capabilities.

Gabrielle on the other hand, found herself wishing for the safety of the metal wagon jeep.

"Two hours." Aven estimated.

"You better be there." Melanie stated with concern.

"We will." Aven winked, "Now get going."

The minute Melanie put the bike in gear Gabrielle resumed her tight grip. "Relax Gab. We'll take it slow." The hold lightened and Melanie eased up the horse trail.

"Show me what this horse can do?" Xena urged with excitement.

"Hang on." Aven smiled and opened the throttle.

"There!" The watcher in the helicopter pointed as the bike broke cover. He radioed the coordinates to the land vehicles and immediately two Land Rovers raced to the clearing.

Aven gave the bike full throttle and weaved between the clearing and the woods. She had spent some of the best summers and vacations of her life in these mountains. During that time she had hiked, rode and explored just about every inch of ground within a ten mile radius. When she had brought Melanie up here, she too had loved the area and was almost as familiar with the landscape as Aven. But Aven knew the land like her own apartment, a fact Hawks men weren't aware of. Xena held on tightly, the speed and fear of the strange machine only adding to her excitement.

Aven slowed the bike, giving the closest vehicle a chance to catch up with her. The driver took advantage of the opportunity and sped up, closing to within a few feet of her rear tire.

Holding the bike on course, she let him follow her several hundred yards before she suddenly veered to the right and was swallowed by the forest.

The few seconds they spent staring after the bikes taillights cost them. When the driver turned his attention back to the rover, he saw the huge fallen oak tree in his path. Slamming on the brakes did little good as he crashed into the barrier. The front of the rover crunched up like foil, killing the two in front instantly. The two in the back seat were critically injured.

"One down, one to go." Aven whispered as they watched from the woods.

The other rover neared the scene of the wreck and once again Aven and Xena were off.

The helicopter lagged behind as the Land Rover skidded to a stop. Cursing, the driver of the Rover spun out in pursuit of their prey, the helicopter flying above the wreck and radioing in a report.

Traveling at break neck speed, Aven maneuvered the bike over hills and around debris until she reached the next stopping point. She brought the bike to a halt in the middle of the path, staring down the approaching 4x4. Xena said nothing, only trusted that Aven knew what she was doing.

The helicopter was trying to catch up to the speeding rover as it advanced on the still bike. "Bitch." The driver of the rover muttered and floored his accelerator.

Aven calmly held her ground.

As the driver approached, he did not question why the bike did not escape. When the man in the passenger seat tried to urge him to approach with caution he shouted, "Shut up!" Hit the steering wheel, hoping for maximum ramming speed. It wasn't until he was close enough to see Aven's eyes and her smile that his reason suggested a trap.

Aven gunned the bike forward, Xena jerking backward, holding on for dear life. The land rover passed within inches of them before sailing off the embankment.

It seemed to float in the air for a few seconds before dropping and smashing into the dry river bed below, exploding into a bright fireball. The fireball rose up into the darkened sky, almost taking the helicopter with it before the pilot pulled away..

"That's for my cabin, Shit head." Aven saluted as a wall of heat blew past them.

Once again the bike was moving and it quickly vanished into the surrounding woods, leaving the helicopter helplessly hovering over the burning river bed.

Adjoing Hawks office was a private gym furnished with state-of-the-art equipment. He was in the middle of a strenuous workout when he was brought the news of the cabin raid. Kinsey had wisely let the messenger deliver the news himself.

The foolish man had proudly finished his report by saying that the cabin had been destroyed, even though the four women had temporarily eluded their troops.

Hawks focused all of his anger into a single look at the messenger.

Kinsey entered the gym a few minutes later and found the messenger's twitching body on the floor. The force of his exploding heart had forced massive amounts of blood from his eyes, ears, nose and mouth and it was now soaking into the beige carpeting.

Hawks had returned to his workout, turning his attention to the punching bag. "Tell me, Dan." He asked as he fell into a rhythmic punching. "Why with all the people and resources at my disposal, are four women still roaming the country side and preventing the coming of my Fathers' Kingdom?" His voice had risen with each word and with the emphasis on Kingdom, he punched the bag hard enough to send it flying across the room.

The bag rolled to a stop at Kinsey's feet. He had begun to wonder himself if Dahok was as powerful as David claimed. Why, if they had seen the women coming, could they not have provided a more accurate location of their arrival when they first came through the portal? Why had the Gabriel woman been able to keep the icons location a secret from them? If anything, the four women seemed to be the ones with the real power.

Hawks snapped his head in Kinsey's direction, "Dan? Are you having doubts?"

Kinsey buried his questions deeply, "Of course not, Sir. I was just wondering what their next move will be. Our time table is very strict."

Hawks took a menacing step toward him, "I'm well aware of the time table, Dan."

Kinsey stepped back, aware of overstepping his bounds, "I'm sorry, Sir. I would never question you."

Smiling, Hawks dropped to the floor by the messengers body and began doing single armed pushups. "Not to worry, Dan. I know exactly what their next move is and where they're going."

"I'll make sure we have a top-notch team ready to go." Kinsey replied and backed toward the door.

Hawks finished his push ups and moved over to the weights, "Not necessary. I've already made the arrangements."

"Sir?"

"There's been a change in plans, Dan." he informed as he began lifting dumbbells, "I've been shown a new way."

Kinsey's face dropped. He had always been in on every plan and executed most per Hawks instructions. Now he was out of the loop and that meant that his life expectancy had just dropped drastically.

"You have one more chance, Dan." Hawks said, reading his thoughts.

"I'll do anything sir. My life is yours to command."

"Accompany the next assault team and ensure the safety of my bride."

Kinsey's eyes widened, shock apparent, "B-Bride?"

"Yes." Hawks responded and inhaled deeply, "It's time that Dahok's lines were merged and produced an heir."

Four Rivers was not really a town but more of a stop in the road at the foot of the mountain. There was a gas station, an all night dinner, an old market and post office. The main visitors were truck drivers, and vacationers on their way to ski country.

When Xena and Aven rode into Four Rivers, Melanie and Gabrielle were waiting impatiently outside the dinner. Melanie suggested a quick cup of coffee before they headed for Navato California, the site of the Faire.

Once inside they took a booth in the back, away from direct line of sight from the outside and ordered their coffee. When the waitress left them, Xena began relating the details of the adventure they had. Aven remained silent, focusing her attention out the far window, oblivious to the conversation.

Worried about staying still too long, Melanie suggested she and Aven gas up the bikes while Xena and Gabrielle finished their coffee.

Riding the bikes across the road to the gas station, they parked and began pumping the fuel into the tanks.

"You alright?" Melanie asked after several minutes of silence.

"Fine." Aven answered, never taking her eyes off the gas pump.

Shock, Melanie told herself. She's in shock. Aven had been the type of person who would wreck her car rather than hit a squirrel or dog in the road. She was soft hearted and gentle and it was one of the qualities Melanie admired the most about her friend. Now she was calmly carrying on after taking at least six lives. The two at the cabin had been the result of instinct and rage as well as self preservation. But the occupants of the rovers had been premeditated. Aven knew the woods well enough to flee without leaving bodies scattered about. Melanie remembered how she had felt when she killed the man at her house. Xena had called it 'Warrior's instinct', a response to a life threatening situation. Aven had committed murder with her eyes wide open.

"I was just wondering," Melanie began anew, "If... it bothered you. Taking another life. I mean we see it on T.V. and in the movies but to actually be the one to have the blood on your hands."

Aven topped off the tank and replaced the gas hose. "No." She answered cooly. She put the gas cap back in place and turned it tightly, "I suppose it would if I let it, I just don't let it. They started this, not me."

Melanie frowned, unsettled by Aven's lack of emotion.

Xena and Gabrielle came out of the dinner and started across the road.

Aven saw them approaching, "We better get moving. We've got a long ride ahead." Turning she moved toward the station and disappeared inside, paying for the fuel.

Gabrielle picked up Melanie's mood immediately, "What's wrong?"

"I'll tell you later." Melanie whispered as Aven came back out.

The bikes roared down the darkened highway, side by side, and Melanie couldn't help but be troubled by the darkness that was hanging over her friend.

Stopping only for fuel, they made good time, reaching Navato but arriving too late in the evening for the Faire. They found a camp ground on the outskirts of town and decided to start fresh in the morning.

Melanie introduced Xena and Gabrielle to hot showers and Xena introduced Melanie to hunting for dinner. Aven went through the motions of getting cleaned up and helping set up camp but she still remained quiet and a bit distant.

After dinner, Aven excused herself from the camp fire and went for a walk and to check the perimeter.

When they were alone Melanie had related her concerns to Xena and Gabrielle. "See what I mean." She pressed after Aven disappeared.

"She's been through a lot." Gabrielle offered weakly, "She's probably just trying to come to grips with it."

"Yea," Melanie conceded, "I hope that's all it is. It feels like she's slipping away again and I don't know why."

"Give her time." Xena interjected. She maintained the optimistic look on her face but inside she recognized what was happening to Aven. After the Rover chase she had seen a strange fire in the girls eyes. Xena had recognized that look. She decided to keep a closer watch on the young woman.

5.

For the first time since they left the Battle at Olympus, Xena and Gabrielle felt like they were home.

The Renaissance Faire was like a giant Solstice festival. Although the costumes and surroundings weren't exactly like ancient Greece, it was close enough to be comforting. Flags and ribbons of various colors and designs waved in the early morning breeze. The smell of cooking foods and soft lute music floated on the air like an intoxicant.

It was still early so the majority of people milling about were workers, crafters, musicians, and die hard Faire lovers like Melanie. Booths were set up for crafts and food and those were the first places Gabrielle headed for. Xena quickly pulled her back, amazed at the girls never ending appetite, no matter the situation.

Further down the parkway, stages were scattered about for magicians, jugglers and other performers. In the distance they saw a large roped off area and Melanie explained that it would be the scene of several mock battles and weapons competitions at various times during the day.

The booth where ancient weapons replicas were forged, displayed and sold was located close to the battlefield, and it was there the four women ventured.

Melanie had met Ram Thomas at her first Renaissance Faire almost twenty years ago. Even then he had a reputation as a master sword and weapons maker. He was intelligent, good looking, charming and mischevious. He was just her type and there had been an instant attraction, resulting in a three year relationship. The break-up however, left lingering animosity between them but still they parted as friends.

Ram was a master manipulator and enjoyed control. In her younger days, Melanie had interpreted that as concern. As she got older and wiser that had changed.

He was bent over the forge, heating a sword blade with his back to them as they approached. Melanie couldn't help but admire him. Coal black, shoulder length curly hair descended in ebony waves down the nape of his neck. He wore tight black leather pants, no shirt, only the blacksmith's apron. His hard, muscular back and arms glistened with sweat.

Melanie took a deep breath to focus. She still found him alluring. "Ram?" She called as they reached his booth.

He stood up straight, "Only one voice in the world can say my name like that." He turned to face them with a wide smile and twinkling eyes.

"Ares." Xena murmured.

Ram's eyes widened as he moved from face to face. "There are two of you?" Both of you?"

Xena stared at him. Before her stood Ares or one of his descendants. It made her wonder who else from her world would have a twin in this one. Lysues, Marcus, so many others she had lost might still be a part of this world.

"Ares?" Gabrielle whispered to Xena.

He quickly recovered his surprise and moved toward them, aiming straight for Xena. "Gemini actually." He answered turning on the charm. "Names Ram Thomas, and you are?"

Sighing Xena realized that even in this time, no matter what name the descendant had, it was still Ares.

"This is Xena and Gabrielle." Melanie introduced, "They're...relatives from out of town."

Ram looked at Melanie and Xena, rubbing his beard in contemplation, "Double the pleasure." He muttered under his breath.

"Take a cold shower, Ram." Aven snapped impatiently.

Aven was always quiet and easy going and he was caught off guard by her open hostility. "Geez. Did somebody double dose on attitude this morning?"

Melanie grabbed his arm and pulled him close before an argument could erupt, "Ram, we need your help."

Sliding his arm around her, he pulled her closer, hand resting on her backside, "All you have to do is ask."

Removing his hand from her rump, Melanie used a scolding look to convey her message and his attitude vanished, "Okay. What's up?"

"We need weapons. The good stuff." Melanie informed him.

He stepped back, feigning insult, "All of my weapons are the 'good stuff '." He finished by sweeping his arms towards the wares in his booth.

Xena stepped forward and plucked a sword from the shelf. Taking a step back, she began swinging the sword, getting the feel of it. The others stood back, giving her plenty of room. Building up momentum, Xena brought the sword down against the anvil and it promptly broke in two. Xena held the sword up and looked at the broken remainder. "Good stuff, huh?" She said sarcastically, tossing it to the ground.

"Well..." He stumbled as she drew her own sword from its hiding place in her coat. Repeating the exercise, this time when the sword hit, sparks flew and small chips of the anvil splattered the booth.

Awed, Ram eased closer, staring at the sword instead of its master.

"Ram." Melanie called, recapturing his attention, "Weapons. Now!"

Looking around to make sure no one was watching, he motioned them to follow. Xena sheathed the sword and brought up the rear as they were led to a large panel truck behind the booth. After another cautious look around, he unlocked the back doors. Swinging them open, the four women peered inside the darkened truck and saw only boxes and drop cloths.

"I don't see any weapons, unless you're going to throw boxes at them." Gabrielle groused, her own frayed nerves beginning to show.

"Looks can be deceiving." Melanie smiled and climbed into the truck. The others hesitated until she motioned to them, then they climbed into the truck. Once everyone was inside, Ram shut the doors as Melanie turned on the light overhead.

Ram smiled at them teasingly and walked to the side of the truck. Positioning his fists, he slammed them against the side panel. Instantly, the white metal disappeared and was replaced with fabric lined compartments. Swords of high polished steel sparkled from their hiding place. Moving across the van, he repeated the action on the other side, revealing daggers and a cross bow.

"Ta da." He grinned and stepped back as the four women went in different directions to do their shopping.

Observing their tense manner, he spoke again, "I can't help but wonder why you need these." Melanie stopped her sword consultation with Xena, and turned toward him. "You're not the type to cheat in a competition, Mel. And Aven may be a little hostile today but she never would."

"I never cheat." Melanie shot back defensively. Xena rested a steadying hand on her shoulder, calming her. "We need some weapons." She began again, "We've got some trouble and need to be armed."

"Why not guns? A sword is a wonderful weapon but poor defense against a bullet." He replied.

"We have guns, but we need something extra." Melanie answered.

"For home defense?"

"Personal defense." Aven stepped in. Grabbing the crossbow and quiver of stainless steel arrows, she felt the comfortable weight and smiled.

Sensing a deadly undercurrent he decided to back off a bit, "See anything you can't live without?"

While the others continued their search, Aven approached Ram, whispered something to him and then followed him to the far corner of the truck. Gabrielle looked up in time to see Aven accepting a small black box from Ram and hiding it in the waistband of her jeans. Quickly she averted her eyes, curious.

Melanie finally settled on a sword and was familiarizing herself with the weight and feel. Xena continued to admire the craftsmanship of the swords but seemed satisfied with her own. She did however, choose a boot dagger as added insurance.

"We also need wheels." Aven informed Ram as she took her place by Gabrielle.

Gabrielle was fascinated by one of the daggers and gently removed it from its place. "That suits you little lady." Ram complimented over her shoulder.

"It's beautiful." Gabrielle blushed, "But I prefer my staff." She grasped the staff firmer for emphasis, "It's never failed me yet."

"Wheels?" Aven reminded.

Ram rubbed his chin, "Well, I could let you use my Bronco but between that and you're shopping spree, you're looking at a big ticket."

"How big?" Melanie asked, hand on her hip.

Aven stepped in, dangling two sets of keys, "In the parking lot are two Harleys. A 95 softtail..." Ram rolled his eyes and sighed, "And a Heritage Classic."

Melanie was caught by surprise. Aven loved the Heritage. It was one of her most prized possessions, her baby. For her to offer it so quickly shocked and disturbed her.

"Your Heritage Classic?" Ram quizzed unsure of his hearing and excited by the prospect. He had admired the bike for years and now was almost watering at the mouth to own it.

Aven jangled the keys, "Yes. Do we have a deal?"

"Aven?" Melanie interrupted, "We can find another way. Don't trade the bikes."

Ignoring her, Aven held the keys up in front of Ram, teasing him.

Before he could take them, Xena snatched them away from Aven, leaving Aven glaring at her for the intrusion.

"Bronco keys first." Xena explained.

When he produced the keys, Aven quickly accepted them and nodded to Xena, who handed Ram the motorcycle keys.

Aven promptly tossed the Bronco keys to Melanie, "You're the best driver on four wheels."

Ram extended his hand, "Pleasure doing business with you."

"You take care of that bike." Melanie warned, "We will be back for it."

Aven shook her head, "I won't be needing it anymore." Then she half heartedly shook his hand, "But we do need a bag for this stuff and where is the Bronco is parked."

Ram was getting tired of the tension he felt in the truck. He wanted this deal done and the four women gone. "Bronco's on the other side of the battlefield. I've got an equipment bag out in the booth."

"I'll get it." Aven volunteered. She handed Gabrielle the crossbow and exited the truck.

Ram had known Aven for nine years and never had he seen her act like this. "What is her problem? She's doesn't even look like herself much less act like herself. She seems...darker."

"Bad day." Xena answered with an eyebrow raised, hoping to discourage any more questions.

Melanie and Ram had been friends too long and she didn't want to throw it away, "I'm sorry, Ram. We've been under a lot of pressure the last day or so. We're all a little edgy." To further smooth his hurt feelings, she leaned forward and lightly kissed him. She pulled back before things got out of control, which often happened when they were together. "You were the only person I could come to for help."

"Liar." He smiled and kissed her cheek. Pulling her closer he leaned in and became serious, "You know that if you need me or my help, I'll always be here for you."

She met his brown eyes and saw his sincerity. When he let down his macho exterior and showed his softer side like this, she was reminded of the reasons they stayed close.

"Shouldn't Aven be back by now?" Gabrielle asked with worry.

Xena was out the truck door in a flash, Melanie and Gabrielle, close behind. They rounded the corner of the booth and found a small army waiting on them.

A large muscular man stood in front, holding Aven in a firm grip. The pistol he held in her ribs was clearly visible.

Dan Kinsey stepped forward. "Good Morning, Ladies." He smiled, "It's been a merry chase but it is now over. Mr. Hawks patience is only so long and you have exhausted it."

"Let her go." Melanie ordered through clenched teeth, longing for the sword she had left in the panel truck.

"Sorry, no." Kinsey replied shaking his head, "You'll be joining her and coming with us. Now."

Melanie looked desperately at Xena and Gabrielle. She could see Xena sizing up the situation and knew that there was a plan forming, but her impatience was overpowering her. Turning her gaze back to Aven, they locked eyes. Aven radiated anger and confidence. Melanie caught the signal.

With as much force as she could muster, Aven rammed her head backwards, catching the gun mans throat in a smashing blow. Before he could pull the trigger, Ram had appeared and tossed the man aside.

"Catch." He yelled as he tossed the sword in Melanie's direction.

Instinctively, Melanie reached up and caught it in mid air by the hilt. Grasping it firmly, she faced Hawks men, ready and able.

Xena let out a war cry that froze the blood in Melanie's veins and signaled the start of the battle.

They were outnumbered three to one but that didn't seem to faze Xena or Gabrielle. Retrieving her staff from their gear by the weapons booth, Gabrielle jumped in the fight with both feet. Even Ram grabbed a sword and joined in the ruckus.

Not wanting to draw undo attention from the locals or the police, Hawks men refrained from using their guns and raided Rams' booth for weapons.

Xena recognized two of the men as robed followers of Dahok. They had the followed the fanatics through the portal and she moved toward them.

A small group of Faire' attendees had begun to encircle them, assuming that a mock battle had begun.

Hawks men were more accustomed to guns than swords, maces and battle axes, but they were holding their own despite the fact that several of their weapons broke in battle.

Melanie felt the warrior spirit of her heritage blooming within her. Meshing her natural skills with Xena's pointers, she charged onto the battle field, almost a mirror image of her ancestor.

Aven and Gabrielle fought in a similar style but where Gabrielle fought only in defense, Aven was using deadly force and relishing in the battle lust.

Melanie again heard Xena's battle yell and looked around in time to see her leap up and somersault in mid air, coming to a landing on top of one of the robed men. Two of Hawks men charged her, one swinging a mace, the other a sword. Laughing, Xena waited until the last second and leaped into the air again. With their quarry gone, the two crashed into one another, falling backward, unconscious.

Before she could observe anymore her own attackers moved in. Emitting a high pitched battle cry of her own, she joined the battle. Her sword meet the approaching battle axe as it arched in the air toward her. Letting her anger add to her strength she pushed the battle axe away, it's owner tumbling backward. Twirling her sword, Melanie brought the sword down, dropped to one knee and with a backward thrust, stopped the attacker that was trying to sneak up on her.

Aven and Gabrielle were double teaming on tree sized man. Their staffs moving and striking so fast, they were nothing more than a blur. Beaten to a pulp, the attacker dropped to the ground. Exchanging nods, they parted and began fending off other attackers on their own.

Ram was enjoying the fracas as well. Not only was he a master weapons maker but he was also a skilled fighter. Laughing and tossing out insults, he reveled in the combat.

The gathering crowd applauded as the suit wearing villains were being defeated by Ram and the twin fighting machines.

The other Faire' workers, sensing trouble had suited up and moved in to help Ram and his friends, much to the delight of the crowd. With reinforcements moving in, Xena, Melanie and Gabrielle regrouped, hoping to use the opportunity to make a quick getaway.

"Where's Aven?" Melanie asked, out of breath.

Three sets of eyes quickly searched the fighters still in the battle. Suddenly Xena stiffened and broke into a run, heading toward the employees' parking lot. Sensing trouble, Melanie and Gabrielle followed and once clear of the battle saw what had launched Xena into action.

Aven's semi-conscious form was being half carried, half dragged by two men, one of them the robe bearer.

Nearing the parking lot, a tall, leather clad figure emerged from behind a tree next to the parking lot, blocking their path. Stunned, the three women skidded to a halt.

"Barbara?" Melanie asked, disbelief unconcealed.

"Callisto." Xena stated flatly.

The blond woman smiled and held her sword in front of her, "Surprise Melanie." She greeted sweetly with an underlying air of menace.

"What are you doing here? This is a dangerous place right now." Melanie asked, still reeling in shock.

"Oh, I know how dangerous it is. That's why David sent the best." She answered smugly, tightening her grip on the sword.

"You know her?" Gabrielle asked Melanie, never taking her eyes of the new intruder.

"Yea." Melanie nodded. "We took fencing and self defense classes together." Directing her gaze at Barbara, Melanie continued, "I've known you for three years. You can't be involved with him. We're friends."

Barbara rolled her eyes mockingly, "Acquittances, dear. We were never friends. You were just another assignment."

Again Xena marveled at how the descendants in this time were so much like their ancestors from her time.

Melanie was stunned, trying to accept that she had been completely fooled and betrayed by the woman. Seeing this, Xena stepped in, "You two get Aven, I'll deal with this one."

Gabrielle gripped Melanie's arm, "Let's go."

"Yeah, okay." Melanie answered, still dazed.

Barbara moved to stop them but Xena blocked her way, "You'll deal with me first."

Nodding, Barbara took a step back, sizing up her competition. "So. You're the original, huh? David makes sure that we know our heritage. I know the part you played in my ancestors life. I'm Barbara Castille and it's going to be my pleasure to take you down and stop your damnable line." She finished and assumed a fighting stance.

"Yeah," Xena agreed taking her own fighting stance. "You rant just like her too."

Snarling, Barbara lunged at her, sword held high. Xena stepped in and met her, their swords releasing an ear splitting clash as they met. They swapped hits and lunges for several minutes. Long enough for Xena to realize that Castille was good. Almost as good as Callisto. Almost.

Melanie and Gabrielle chased down the would be kidnapers. The men dropped Aven to the ground and prepared to fight off the rescuers. Delivering a double spin kick, Melanie dispatched her target. Gabrielle administered a one-two hit with the staff to her opponent's face, chest and stomach, dropping him quickly.

Both women rushed over and kneeled beside the now unconscious Aven. Melanie reached out and retrieved the small dart stuck in Avens' neck.

"Poison?" Gabrielle asked with worry as Melanie examined the dart.

Melanie quickly checked and sighed with relief, "No, just a tranquilizer."

"Trank-- what?"

"She's just asleep." Melanie assured and started to pick Aven up.

Hearing a yell just behind them, both women turned in time to see Ram tackling a man that had been taking aim on them with a gun. After he had knocked the man unconscious, he looked at Melanie and shouted, "Keys."

Melanie reached into her pocket and withdrew the Bronco keys as Ram took Avens limp body and lifted her over his shoulder. "Help your friend, I'll get the Bronco." He instructed, accepting the keys from her.

Nodding, she turned and saw two men with tranquilizer guns easing up behind the oblivious Xena as she battled Castille. Gabrielle was off like a shot, Melanie bring up the rear.

Xena was tiring of the Castille woman. Kicking out she caught the woman square in the stomach. Gulping air, Castille fell to the ground and Xena moved in over her, sword positioned at the fallen woman's throat. "Never mess with me or mine." She warned. "That's something your ancestor had a problem understanding too."

Suddenly she heard Gabrielle call out a warning. Half a second later she felt the sharp sting on her right shoulder. A wave of dizziness struck her without warning and her sword wavered.

Laughing, Barbara Castille took advantage of the distraction and scrambled away. There would be another chance, she reasoned as several Faire' workers began converging on the new fight.

Melanie hit the shooter and swung the sword down on his firing hand, severing it at the wrist. Screaming in pain, Dan Kinsey stumbled backwards, gawking at the bloody stump where his hand had been only a moment before.

Gabrielle kept running past them, headed for Xena. She reached her friend just as the warrior was falling and caught her. She eased Xena to the ground and held her tightly unsure of what kind of injury the Warrior Princess had.

The other gun man accompanying Kinsey, stepped back from Melanie when he saw the damage she was capable of. He reached out, grabbed Kinseys' sleeve and began pulling him away from the fight.

Looking up, Melanie saw another of Hawks men moving on the incapacitated Xena. In the blink of an eye she launched herself, flipping and tumbling towards the aggressor. Had her name- sake been awake she would have been proud of the skill Melanie displayed as she came to a halt between the man and her friends. Raising her sword she snarled, "Come on."

He stopped his approach. There was a light in her eyes, that told him she would not fall easily.

Xena tried valiantly to shake off the effects of the dart and continue fighting, but she no longer had control of her limbs and consciousness was quickly fading away. Gabrielle stayed beside her, thankful that Melanie had arrived when she did.

She jumped when the Bronco suddenly appeared and slid to a stop beside them. Ram was out of the truck and helping her get Xena to her feet in a matter of seconds.

Leading them to the back of the Bronco, Ram opened the back door. Aven was laid to one side and he hoisted Xena in beside her.

"Get in the front seat." Ram told Gabrielle as he shut the back door.

Gabrielle obeyed and noticed that Ram had even loaded their knapsacks in the Bronco at some point. She turned and looked out the window and watched as he cautiously approached Melanie.

"Mel?" He called in a calm, soothing voice, "You need to get in the Bronco and get your friends to safety."

She turned on him, eyes glaring with hatred.

"Mel?" He continued, "We'll cover your escape but you have to leave NOW."

She dropped her sword, blood lust fading slowly. Glancing around she saw that the Faire' workers were handling the rest of Hawks people. Looking over Ram's shoulder she saw Gabrielle's anxious face in the Bronco's window. Taking a deep breath, she lowered her eyes and moved toward the awaiting means of escape.

"Be careful." Ram replied as she walked by him.

Stopping, she took a step back and lightly kissed his cheek. "Thank you. For everything."

He smiled and winked, "Get moving."

Jogging to the drivers side of the jeep, she quickly jumped in and dropped her sword in the back seat with the other weapons. Glancing at their sleeping cargo, she smiled and turned forward. Putting the Bronco in gear she tore out of the battlefield, headed for the desert.

The battle was lost. The two remaining robed figures did not know which way to retreat. They had already lost two of their number fighting the she-devils that opposed their master. This strange new world was confusing and intriguing. All the noise and machines yet all they wanted now was to retreat to the Sanctuary of Hawks. Knowing that Kinsey was their guide they grabbed the injured man from the fight. Stumbling as they went, they led him away from the chaos.

"The war wagon." He instructed. It was a fitting name David had given to the company van.

One on each side of him, they guided the way to the van they arrived in. Noting the spurts of blood from Kinsey's mangled wrist, one of the men used a piece of his robe as a quick tourniquet.

The one called Joe had been left behind to watch the van. He saw their approach and revved the engine to life. He climbed out to the van and ran to the far side, throwing the double doors open. Dragging the weakened man into the van, Joe gave a final shove from the outside and slammed the doors behind them.

Slumping into the seat Kinsey twisted the bloody bandage until he felt the blood flow trickle to a stop. He began to notice how light he felt and was barely aware of the robed followers on each side of him.

The van tore out of the Faire grounds, leaving deep ruts in the dirt and grass. Nestled between his companions Kinsey felt their body heat wrapping around him and shivered against it. "Get me to Hawks." He ordered. Then he slumped into unconsciousness.

A short time later Kinsey was roused by an older man shoving a needle in his arm. It took him a minute to realize it was the Chief Medical Officer of Hawks industries. "Morphine for the pain Mr. Kinsey."

Allowing himself to relax he felt the drug settle over him like a warm summer breeze. A sudden clear thought of David broke the revelry. Jolted back to awareness, he fought the sweet blackness. Eyes wide he struggled to sit up, grabbing the Doctors coat for help, "I have to see Mr. Hawkes now! I have to explain!"

"You are in no shape to be moving around, Sir." The doctor stammered. His tone and the look on his face reflected that he knew of Mr. Hawkes temper as well.

"Now! Please." With a yank, he hauled himself up almost pulling the Doctor over. Kinsey winced in pain as his arm was jolted. A line of sweat had broken out on his forhead. "I have to give him my report and try to explain."

Sighing, the Doctor nodded to his assistant. The young woman moved in beside him, trying to staunch the bleeding limb again. The Doctor left for a minute and returned pushing a wheelchair. With the nurses help, Kinsey was eased off the table and loaded into the chair. The instant his feet touched the floor, his face fell deathly white. While he fought the spinning in his head, the Doctor walked across the room and picked up the phone.

As he spoke to his employer the Doctor kept his voice low and full of respect. "Yes Sir. Yes Sir. Right away Sir." Finishing his call, he replaced the phone to its cradle. Turning back to face his patient, the Doctor looked pale. "Mr. Hawks wants to see you at once. He asked me to bring you up immediately." Moving behind the chair he grabbed the handles and he pushed it toward the elevators.

The silence of the elevator unnerved the Doctor. "I have bandaged your wrist but it is only temporary. You need surgery to repair the remaining damage. If not you may loose the use of that hand or bleed to death."

Kinsey looked down at the bloody stump where his hand once rested. "Those are the least of my worries."

The bell on the elevator chimed and the doors opened revealing the top floor where Hawks office lay. Pushing the chair out of the elevator, the Doctor eased down the hall to the lion's den.

"Leave us." Hawks ordered.

Trembling, the Doctor stepped back from the wheelchair. "S-Sir, he needs medical attention." Hawks did not bother to answer he simply continued to stare. Intimidated, the man backed out of the office, leaving his patient with his employer. With a final glance he shut the office door.

Walking over to the wheelchair, Hawks grabbed both arms and turned the chair to face him. He kneeled down in front of his servant his voice smooth and gentle. "Dan. I see you are hurt. What happened?"

Kinsey swallowed hard. "A minor injury Sir."

"And our quarry? Am I to assume that the mission was successful? The Warrior Princess is dead and my bride is here?"

The injured mans' breathing increased. "There was a problem Sir. They defeated us and escaped."

Hawks did not move. He remained silent looking at Kinsey. Disappointment and mock concern lined his face.

Kinsey looked at his employer in desperation. "All the people at the Faire helped them. We were outnumbered. They overwhelmed us."

Slowly Hawks stood up. He impaled Kinsey with one look as he stepped away from the chair. "You have been faithful and loyal to me Dan. You have accomplished things that no one else could. You have been by my side through it all and I am in your debt."

As Hawks began to pace in front of him, Kinsey kept his eyes glued to his master. "There are two kinds of people in my Father's Kingdom Dan. There are warrior and victims." Hawks stopped suddenly in front of the petrified man. Glancing over his servants head he gave a subtle nod. Barbara Castille silently eased into the office and Hawks again turned his attention back to the man in front of him. "I am sorry to say that this latest failure now places you in the later category."

With no warning Kinsey felt a tearing in his chest. Looking down he saw the sword blossoming out of his chest. A flow of red cascaded down his shirt and he jerked his head back to Hawks. He could only manage a groan as his body began to slide down in the chair. Releasing her hold on the sword Barbara stepped away from the back of the chair and watched with a smile.

Never uttering a word Kinsey slumped to the floor, the shift in weight sending the chair rolling backwards.

With a grin Barbara nimbly side-stepped the moving chair. Taking a few steps forward she stood over her prone victim. She stooped down and reached for the weapons handle. Casually, she eased the blade from the dead man's body. The blade became wedged in his ribs but she did not allow that to stop her. With a firm yank, the weapon was released, the motion causing Kinseys body to jerk.

Never taking her eyes off Hawks she slowly ran her finger up the blade collecting a coating of red. Trailing all the way to the tip, she then inserted her finger into her mouth. Closing her eyes she seductively sucked her finger and slowly pulled it out of her mouth. "Finger licking good." She purred and raised an eyebrow. Done with the ritual she bent over and cleaned her weapon in Kinsey's coat. Her movements were rhythmic as she slid the blade between the layers of fabric.

Cocking her head up she met Hawks eyes once again. The smoky desire she saw reflected there made her heart thud in her chest. Arching her back she stood up straight, turned slightly, making sure her shapely rear-end, teaseing him.

Continuing to hold Hawks glassy stare she sheathed the sword. Taking her time she slid the blade into the leather scabbard. Sighing, she finished the act and swayed over to her lover. She stopped directly in front of him, only an inch separating them. Tilting her head back, she smiled and reached out grasping his shirt. With uncommon strength she ripped the shirt open, buttons scattering across the room.

He could feel her breath on his lips and together they met, lightly brushing lips in greeting.

No longer able to control his desire David cupped her face in his hands, tangling his fingers in her long blond hair. He firmly pushed her down, letting her nibble his chest and stomach until she was on her knees in front of him. Guiding her hands he allowed her to unbuckle his belt and pants and they fell to the floor.

Leaning forward Barbara rubbed her face and hands against his thighs and groin. The silk of his shorts only added to the friction. He threw back his head and closed his eyes a groan of anticipation escaping his throat. The groan suddenly became a bellow of pain when Barbara's teeth sank into the soft flesh of his thigh.

Outraged, he slapped the woman away from him. The force of the blow sent her reeling backwards across the room. She landed against the wall with a sickening thud. Unfazed, she looked at him and laughed. It was a laugh low and throaty, full of passion and desire. Righting herself she began to crawl back to him. She stopped every few feet, watching her lover closely. Hawks nodded her forward.

Reaching Kinsey's body she stared at the puddle of blood surrounding him. Raising her eyebrow in question she slid her hands through the puddle. Once her hands were coated she brought them to her face and painted streaks on her cheeks. David watched, licking his lips in excitement. His eyes widened as her hands vanished beneath her blouse and continued to paint.

Looking at him for encouragement she smiled when he said, "More."

She stretched out until she was lying spread eagle in the crimson puddle. Running her hands across her body she rolled like a cat. The red fluid painted her skin glistening red and her clothes seemed to melt into her. Meeting David's stare she lifted her hand to him.

"You are such a slut." He replied. He grabbed her hand and pulled her feet. Then he pulled her close so she could feel what her show had done to him.

"That's why you like me." She responded. She mustered her best innocent look and stood submissively against him.

Hawks grabbed her blouse and ripped the silk off her shoulders. The remaining tatters fell away and hung at her waist. Firmly seizing her arms he pulled her closer and leaned down, devouring her full breast. The taste and smell of blood brought his desire to new heights. He could also smell her arousal and then he lost all control. Throwing her to the floor, he ripped the rest of her clothes away and took her. The glazed eyes of Dan Kinsey were the only witness to the violent and heated union.

Continued In Part 2