Disclaimer: Characters are owned by others, the story is mine. I have been blessed with the help of some the most talented women in the Xenaverse. I am indebted to them all, Unfortunately, I was still the one to write it. But their spirited assistance just proves what a special place this is. I am very grateful to Eve Ng, Maribel Piloto, Barbara Davies, Advocate, Lariel, IseQween, Georgia, Verath, Mary Morgan, Lawlsfan, and my partner in crime, Archaeobard. Quite a list, because I am very fortunate.

Synopsis: Champion takes place in an alternate timeline, in which Gabrielle ran away from Potadaia before meeting Xena, received the rite of cast and became princess of the Amazons under Queen Melosa. When the Queen became mortally ill, Gabrielle faced a challenge for the Queen's mask by Velasca and sought out the very newly reformed Destroyer of Nations, (who had returned home, only to be nearly stoned to death by the townspeople of Amphipolis.) Suicidal, she is stopped by the young princess who challenges her to a staff fight, hoping to goad Xena into being her Champion in the challenge. Not amused, Xena nearly kills the young girl, but not before she recognizing the girl's bravery, and the strange connection between them

This story begins at the end of Champion as Gabrielle, who has been unconscious for several days, awakens believing she has failed to convince the warrior.

Mail is always appreciated and answered Kamouraskan@yahoo.com

Part Three

Xena looked around the cell. It was actually a captured slaver's cage, with the hut built around it. Once out of the chains, she had begun pacing. Three strides back and forth, combined with stretching exercises. The fact that she could escape at any time was not relieving any of her tension.

She caught the sound of her guards moving away from the hut, and she reached automatically for her chakam, halting just before she touched the vacant loop. There was another noise and she felt her stress levels instantly and magically drop, and she almost smiled as she heard the hesitant footsteps outside.

"Gabrielle."

Her smile grew at the concern she heard in the quiet voice outside. "Are you okay?"

Xena looked around her cell and couldn't resist teasing the princess. "Why? Is there something else I can do for you?"

There was a sigh from outside.

Gabrielle's head slumped foreword. "I don't know what to say...."

"Gabrielle. If this is making you uncomfortable, I can always leave."

That earned a reluctant giggle. "I'd like to talk, if that's okay"

Gabrielle continued to smile on hearing the exaggerated groan, followed by, "Why am I not surprised?" There was silence for a moment, broken by an almost plaintive, "Why don't you come in?"

The princess moved closer to the side of the hut and whispered "I have to look out, so that we're not overheard." Now it was the girl's turn to be silent before continuing. "Anyway, I really don't want to see you in chains."

"I'm not in chains. I don't like them."

"Oh? So you just...took them off? But they were the biggest we have."

She seemed almost disappointed, and Xena nearly felt like apologizing. "I was spending too much time in other people's dungeons, so I took a short course from this expert. He showed me that the larger the chain is, the more pry points it has. The longer it is, the more chances of finding a weakness. Of course, that works with people and armies as well."

"This expert wouldn't have been named Autolycus, would it?"

"Ah. You've met."

"He, well, he knows Hercules."

Xena thought for a moment of her time with Iolaus and the demi-god. "What was that like, traveling with them?"

"Does this mean I can tell you a story?" Gabrielle didn't disguise her eagerness.

"Why not? I wasn't going anywhere for a while...."

So, taking a moment to get comfortable, and separated only by the bars and thin wood and thatch, Gabrielle finally got her chance to tell the story of the Titans. How she had tried to show off to some villagers, and nearly destroyed them and their town. Xena sat back with her eyes half closed and listened to the clear voice. Neither could have said how long the tale took to tell. They both were aware that the circumstances should have prevented it, but for whatever reason they both forgot about the next day, and there was no one else they wanted to be with. Both could feel the warmth of the other's back, as well as the absurdity of their situation, and yet neither had felt so at ease for a such a very long time. Xena laughed occasionally in places that Gabrielle hadn't intended, but that was okay too.

When the story concluded, Xena asked "I can't believe Hercules even let you tag along. What did you have to do to him?"

"Well, they sort of put up with me more than anything else. And I kept getting in trouble." Gabrielle halted suspiciously. "You're nodding at that, in there. Aren't you?"

Xena immediately stopped that exact motion. Both women laughed. Another comfortable silence fell

Gabrielle stared up at the stars above her.

"Xena? Could you see the two of us together like that?" she asked. "Like Hercules and Iolaus? Traveling around the country, righting wrongs, saving and helping people who can't defend themselves?"

Xena snorted. "Gabrielle, I am many things, but I am not Hercules."

Gabrielle ignored the derision. "That's the point! You'd be Xena, the brave Warrior Princess, with her Amazon Bard by her side."

There was more laughter from inside the hut. "Nope, sorry Gabrielle, Can't see that. The bard part though, that I can see."

"It's something I've always dreamed of doing." She added, "and it's not like this Queen business is working out all that well..." There was another laugh.

"There are advantages to you becoming a bard. Maybe if you were telling stories you could keep your mouth shut the rest of the time. You might be almost bearable then."

"I thought about that...Hey!"

"Sorry." But there was still laughter in her tone

Both were lost in their own thoughts for a moment.

"Xena." Gabrielle whispered.

"Yeah."

"I don't think I can do this." Finally she'd said it. There was a small rustling, and Gabrielle was astonished to feel a firm hand rest itself on her shoulder. It was almost with wonder that she reached across and laid her own hand on it.

"You aren't talking about the fight now are you?" Came the voice inside the cell.

"No."

"Most people would have thought that getting me in here would have been the hardest part."

Gabrielle tried to swallow the lump that suddenly appeared in her throat. "It was." She took a deep breath. "Velasca offered me some concessions."

The warrior perked up. Strategy and tactics, this is what she knew. "Then the plan's working? She'll pass on swords now. She'll just need another little push to pick staffs."

"Xena. She offered me safe passage, protection for my friends, and their voice on council."

"So..."

"I said no."

"I thought you didn't want to be Queen....?"

Gabrielle interrupted. "You still die."

The princess could hear, anger? in that low, velvet voice. "Gabrielle. I defend myself."

"No. Not ... not anymore. You've done your part. Friends stand beside each other."

"Friends?" There was a movement in the brush, and Gabrielle looked up to see the guard motioning to her.

"Xena. It's the change of the guard's shift. The replacements aren't..."

"...aren't with you?"

"Yes, so I have to go. But Xena, I want you to know. I can't let you die this way, I've got to make sure that..."

"I die for the right reason?"

Anger crept into the princess' voice. "How many times have I told you, there's always a way, and if there isn't, there's a reason."

The voice inside the hut seemed lost. "I've accepted the reason, Gabrielle. And I don't need a 'way' anymore."

"NO! Don't talk like that. There are people who need you... I need you...The things I have to do tomorrow.... it would just be so much easier if it wasn't all dependent on me. I need you there, Xena, because I need to see you,...I need to be like you. I wish I was."

The response was quick, and firm. "No, you don't."

But so was the rejoinder. "Yes, and I have to be. I have to be, for everyone's sake, at least for tomorrow." There was a rustle, her hand was released, and then the Warrior was all alone again.

6

Velasca had awakened with the greatest anticipation for a day that she had ever known. As she dressed she could hear her people getting ready for the escort, and her heart beat faster. All the days spent watching, planning. All for this day, the first day of her reign. She put on her leathers with a growing sense of purpose, a visceral pleasure so great she could not hold back her own laughter. She thought about how her group was going to descend on the practice grounds scaring those sheep that followed the princess. The look on Gabrielle's face as the life eased from her body, when she finally realized her true destiny. About how the Amazons would cheer her name and kneel to her as she stood over the body.

It was going to be good to be the Queen.

Velasca's group had created their own compound within the village, and when she stepped outside she saw to her satisfaction that over one hundred warriors were masked and mounted, in full battle armor. She felt an adrenaline rush that was fed by her followers' excitement and basked in it. She held her hands up, and waited till all eyes were on her. "This is the day. This is the beginning!" she exulted. "You, each of you.... is the beginning! You... are my hammer! And with you.....I will build this Nation! It all begins today!"

Amid the whoops and war cries, she mounted her horse. "Little girl," she thought "You have so much to learn about leadership. Too bad you don't have any time left."

They halted below the rise that led to the grounds and grouped into formation. Velasca raised her hand, and then threw it forward as the command to charge. Then they reached the top.

What they saw there, caused those in front to draw up their mounts up so abruptly they came close to colliding with those behind them.

The practice grounds seemed to have been overtaken by some sort of circus. There were musicians playing and children everywhere. What was really confusing was the predominance of the colours red and gold. Everyone, children and adults seemed to carrying some sort of flower, or grain, or wearing clothing with those shades. The ersatz war party all froze there, slack jawed until Ephiny and Gabrielle, looking disgustingly confident in tanned Amazon leathers, rode up to them.

Velasca had some blistering comment almost prepared when Gabrielle angrily blasted the war party first. "What do you think you're doing!? There are children here!"

While the challenger was still trying to get her tongue to work, Ephiny continued, "Ardia, Vivia! Your nieces and nephews are down there! Are you trying to scare them to death?"

Shamefaced, the named Amazons removed their masks.

"What, "hissed Velasca to her opponents, "do you think you're doing? Are the kids supposed to watch?"

Gabrielle answered smoothly. "Of course not. But the official period of mourning is over, and today they'll have a new Queen. So we decided to have a festival of Life to celebrate. Before we escort them away, we thought they should have some fun. I'd have thought with your confidence in the outcome, you would appreciate it?" The princess wrinkled her nose.

Ephiny asked with a straight face. "Did we spoil something?"

The Challenger smiled thinly. "No. Of course not. What's with the wheat and Roses?"

Gabrielle shook out her hair, and let it catch the light. "My colours. Gold and Red. I'm hoping to have them adopted as colours of the Nation. Do you like them? Oh sorry. Guess you're not the best person to ask." Then the two turned their backs and their mounts and rode down to the party. Their laughter carried back to her on the wind.

Velasca turned to her warriors, her face like stone. "Dismount. Remove your masks." 'One more for you, little girl , but it won't count for anything by the time this day is done.'

7

Velasca felt she'd had enough surprises, but then she saw the warrior princess. Tethered almost casually, she was occupied with showing a young Amazon how to throw a spear. The Challenger finally exploded. "What is SHE DOING HERE!"

Gabrielle looked over nonchalantly. "Xena?"

"Yes. XENA. What is she doing out of her cell?"

"Well, with everyone here, there really weren't enough people to guard her." Gabrielle deliberately raised her voice. "Anyway, when they went to check on her this morning, she had removed her chains and opened the door."

Velasca dismounted and strode over to the warrior. "What kind of game do you think this is?" she demanded angrily "Why didn't you escape?"

Xena called out as loudly as Gabrielle had. "I gave my word to the Princess. I'm her prisoner. I just don't like chains." she shrugged casually, but there was a smile fighting to get onto her face.

Velasca looked about the grounds. Gabrielle's supporters were acting like this was a celebration. With the children and the colours dominating everything, her own group had been absorbed like a rock into a stream. And now, here was the infamous Warrior Princess brought out like she was her personal trophy. Velasca fumed at being out maneuvered by this child. Incensed, she turned to Xena and demanded. "You're doing this for her aren't you? Don't you understand that she can't release you? She doesn't have the law, or any authority to help you. She's just using you to screw with my head!"

There was pronounced smirk in the reply. "Lately, I can't resist a good cause."

Velasca reached back to slap the smile off the prisoner's face when the glint in Xena's eyes warned her. She pulled back her hand quickly, and smiled at the warrior's obvious disappointment.

"I nearly fell for that." She shook her head. "Another scam. No. That's not going to happen. I think it's time we got this show on the road."

The challenger moved to her Weapons Master and once more evaluated each of the weapons she had been practicing with as her ribs healed. Just as she assumed the Princess had. Her eyes passed over the chobos and the sword, resting finally on the fighting stave. The princess had become much too strong in the minds of her Amazons. She had to be made small. There was only one way to make sure that cult of Gabrielle would be broken now and that was to take her on with her own weapon. She went over to the musicians stand and tore a lyre from the player's hands and smashed it against a table, stunning the crowd. In the ensuing silence she called "I demand the Queen's challenge! I choose..." She drew out the pause to watch the expression on Gabrielle's face. "... fighting staffs". She was rewarded only by a relieved smile that gave her another chill. Shaking her mind free of that, she called to her warriors. "Clear this field of all but the warriors and the council!"

Velasca watched as Gabrielle reached over to Xena, and took her hand for a moment. She caught the glance between them and laughed ruefully. 'So that's it. Why didn't I see it before? Princess! I offered you everything you could have wanted, and still you're here to fight. This isn't about the Amazons at all, is it? You've become XENA'S Champion!' She tilted back her head and began to laugh.

8

Velasca looked about the crowd that now encircled the two fighters. She twirled her staff and gave a mock bow to the girl across from her.

"So, Princess, let's talk about Destiny, shall we? That seems to be a favorite subject of yours. Here's MY Destiny. I'm supposed to take that mask from your cold stiff hands, execute the second greatest female warrior of all time, and then take this nation to its greatest heights. And it all starts with your blood."

There was no submission in that set young face. "That's not what's going to happen. You end here, Velasca."

Velasca laughed loud and long. "Tell it to Artemis. Oh, I forgot, tell it Hades. Because you've got as much chance of making it to the Amazon Fields as Xena here does."

Gabrielle gripped her staff tightly, feeling its familiar strength through her palms. "Enough talk, Velasca."

"Couldn't agree more., Princess. I'm eager to begin."

Velasca made a few feints, laughing as Gabrielle moved to block them. Finally she made a backhanded sweep and the first blow was struck. Gabrielle was relieved to note that it lacked the sting of Xena's strikes. Another cross swipe and then an undercut, which Gabrielle easily avoided. Another strike and another. Each blocked. The watching Amazons grew restless.

Aware of her audience, Velasca taunted. "I already knew you could spar, Princess, but can't you ever take the offensive?"

Gabrielle gritted her teeth and ignored the jibe, watching as the dark Amazon circled her. Another strike and then she saw an a opening. But it was a false one and she barely avoided the counter strike.

"Good move, Princess, but..." then a full attack was launched. Straining to respond, Gabrielle was out of position and Velasca managed to get inside her defenses and strike her injured arm. The padding did not absorb all of the impact and Gabrielle felt the pain run up her shoulder. She looked over to the warrior, and Velasca took that moment to strike a blow to her cheek that almost stunned her, but she managed to stumble out of each in time to raise her staff to block the next blow.

Still keeping an eye on Gabrielle the challenger glanced back at the stoic warrior watching in chains. "Eh Xena? How does it feel? Having to let this little girl fight for you? It's almost romantic! Pity she'd have to put a sword in your heart tomorrow." She continued to laugh, turning back to her opponent. "But don't worry, little princess. I won't be doing that. No, I intend to savour that precious heart. I'm going to have it cut out and served to me on a platter the night before we march on the Centaur's village to destroy every one of those animals and their friends."

She smiled, as a flush of anger appeared on the Princess' face. Then Gabrielle rushed forward.

It was clear that the two were evenly matched. Gabrielle was swifter, but that was not enough to balance Velasca's greater height and weight. The warrior watched with her mask firmly in place. No one could have told from her stance or expression how she agonized with each strike, or that she felt each hit.

Exactly as Xena had predicted, Gabrielle's chance finally came. The Princess saw the flicker of the eyes to the ground before the move was made. Then Velasca dropped her eyes and rolled to snatch a handful of earth to fling into her face. But the princess was a move ahead of her and as Valasca wheeled she was struck heavily on the head and then again on the shoulders as her body reacted to the strike. She managed to stagger away before a third stroke made contact. She stood and tasted the pain, and stared at the grim girl across from her.

"Tell me again about your Destiny now, Velasca!" Gabrielle was panting, hazily aware of the blood in her mouth.

Velasca advanced warily, but continued to taunt the wounded girl, speaking softly, but with confidence. "I said, I will kill your supposed Champion, cut out her heart and eat it on the night before our first battle."

That was enough to break Gabrielle's concentration. She growled and moved in, and Velasca countered, found the opening and struck another blow to her head, and Gabrielle tottered for a moment. Somehow, finding a core of strength she had never tapped before, she brought up the staff, , and struck the challenger with all the force she found there. She was barely aware that she had finally managed to strike a solid blow to her opponent's ribs and though she didn't hear the crack, she knew they had been broken again. The blow staggered the Velasca, and even half unconscious, Gabrielle's body remembered the drills, and she brought the other end up to catch Velasca's forehead solidly as she was bent over gasping. The dark Amazon fell on her side dazed and barely able to breathe.

Gabrielle swayed, and though she really needed time to clear her head, she staggered over to the fallen woman, shoved her body flat with her foot, and placed the tip of her stave against her throat. Velasca gasped for air.

"Tell me about your destiny now!" The crowd grew silent.

Velasca stared up with defiance burning in her eyes. "Go ahead and kill me, Princess. Please, go ahead. Let's see you draw your first blood. I promise you, it'll make the sentencing of Xena easier."

Gabrielle ignored her, and called over her shoulder, "Ephiny! Bring out Rasas."

There was a murmur as the healer was dragged through the crowd, and released, tottering, beside the two fighters..

"Tell your sisters what you did. Tell them!" Gabrielle commanded.

The healer collapsed on her knees. "I broke my oath..."She muttered.

"Louder!"

"I BROKE MY OATH! I set your arm so that it would crack under the strain of fighting, Velasca... Velasca, she forced me, she told me..."

"Enough. We don't need your excuses..." Gabrielle turned from her in disgust, and addressed the warriors. "AMAZONS!" She pointed at her fallen foe. "This is your great warrior? This Cheat, who couldn't be sure of her victory, and then tried to have me crippled? What honour does she have?"

There were mutterings, and the challenger's supporters lowered their eyes, unable to meet the fierce stare. Gabrielle turned again to Velasca.

"Stand up. Show us how a true Champion fights."

Velasca stared into the eyes of the girl above, She didn't move.

Gabrielle called to her supporters. "Stand her up."

The closest Amazon blinked in surprise. "Your Highness?"

"Stand her up!" Gabrielle repeated.

Gabrielle withdrew a blade from the sheath of the Amazon nearest her and tossed it negligently at Velasca. The Challenger caught it, shook off her supporters, and stared balefully at her opponent.

"Fight." Gabrielle taunted. "Fight or slit your own throat. Because I'm not going to stain my hands with the blood of a beaten cheat."

She turned her back, and Xena held her breath. Unlike in practice, her timing was perfect, and she whirled about to strike down the knife with her staff as it was thrown at her unprotected back. Changing hands, she struck Velasca on the side of the skull sending her to the ground.

"Coward AND Cheat," she shouted. "Stand up!"

"No." The words were groggy, but clear to all.

Gabrielle once again placed her stave on the throat. She stood over the body of the vanquished challenger and faced the abashed Velasca supporters. She called to them, "Who is the Queen?" Without hesitation, they each dropped to their knees.

"I demand your oaths of loyalty. Swear them, NOW! " She ordered.

As if they had one voice, they chanted. "We swear by almighty Artemis, by our sacred names and oaths that we will follow our Queen Gabrielle."

Turning to the spectators behind her she asked. "Council, are we united?"

The elders knelt and were quickly followed by the rest of the assembly.

Gabrielle looked about her, at the hundreds of warriors kneeling before her, and searched within herself to find any satisfaction. There was only exhaustion, and pain. She looked again to her source of strength, and held her pale blue eyes for a moment. 'I can do this. I must do this.' She returned her attention to the broken warrior at her feet.

"Velasca. This is the last time your name will be spoken by any Amazon." Gabrielle reached down, and steeling herself, not letting any see her distress, tore the upper portion of the leathers of the injured woman, exposing her Amazon crest tattooed into the challenger's shoulder. She brought the edge of the blade to it. Velasca closed her eyes, and Gabrielle carved the tattoo off of the shoulder, while the now former Amazon screamed in pain. Stone faced, Gabrielle discarded the palm size piece of flesh with forced disdain. Blood gushed from the wound. The crowd was frozen in surprise and shock, staring at the Princess as though a changeling had hatched in front of their eyes. Gabrielle put the blade to her victim's throat. She closed her eyes, and considered her action and its consequences one more time.

She spoke in a clear yet quiet voice that was heard by all.

"Velasca, I can kill you. BUT..... I don't have to now. Do I?"

She withdrew the knife and stood supported only by her staff.

"Do you understand? For me, you're better than dead. You're nothing now. I don't need to kill you... so I won't."

She raised her head and addressed her warriors. "Do you understand? I can kill, Artemis knows I want to, but I don't have to. So I won't. That's all. Nothing more."

She gestured with her free hand to Rasas. "Healer, tend to this...woman. She and you are no longer Amazons. You will be taken to the border, given a few coins, and your names will never be spoken by us again. You know what will happen if you ever are seen on any Amazon territory." She called to the Guard. "Get them out of my sight, and off of our land."

Xena watched, wondering at the sadness she felt. Everything had happened as they had planned. Why was there no exhilaration? Why was she staring at this fierce warrior she had helped create, and finding herself almost overwhelmed with the desire to comfort her? So much pain and strain. How much longer could she maintain this?

Gabrielle straightened once more, and Ephiny and Solari rushed to aid her. She waved them off, and began to walk off the grounds on her own. She caught Xena's eye, and saw the pain and sympathy there. She called to the guards. "Take the prisoner back to her cell. Make certain she is fed and is given a chance to clean herself before her trial. I only ask that she gives me her oath that she will not attempt an escape."

Xena spoke across the field of still kneeling Amazons. "I give my oath," She hesitated. Suddenly the plans seemed secondary. She only wanted this to be over. To be able to walk over to this girl and comfort her. For her to walk away from her now, was causing a churning in her guts that she knew would end only if...she wasn't who she was... "I ask to be sentenced now. There is no point in a trial. I freely admit to the charge of murder. I would like to be judged by the Princess, and not by the Queen."

Gabrielle closed her eyes wearily, and gestured to the still prostrated assemblage, fighting tears. "It's too late for that. There's only the Queen now....The taking of the mask is just a formality."

Xena scanned the masses of bowed heads, and acknowledged the truth of that statement. She felt embarrassment at her momentary weakness, and committing herself, drew herself to her full stature. "Nevertheless, I ask for a judgment now."

The Queen took a deep breath. The two women, the only ones standing in the open field, gazed at one another. The distance had never before seemed so great between them. But the Queen's voice was firm.

"Then, I find you guilty, and responsible for taking the lives of my sister Amazons, for which you will pay. Your exact sentence to be announced after the masking ceremony. Guards. Take the prisoner back to her cell."

Their eyes held for a moment, and Gabrielle saw only acceptance there. She walked away, followed closely by her seconds. There was a silence, until one voice began a chant. Then another, and another until finally it had spread throughout the crowd. "Gabrielle! Gabrielle! GAB-ri-ELLE!"

It seemed to have no effect on the girl. In her daze, the walk to the Queen's hut seemed to take an eternity. She turned to her friends, and quietly said to them. "Send the healer in half a candlemark. I need time to be alone. Please. "They nodded and watched as she slowly entered the hut and closed the door.

Once inside, the new Amazon Queen emptied the contents of her stomach, and continued to retch long after there was anything left in it.

9

When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we see
I won't be afraid
I won't be afraid
Just as long as You
You Stand By Me

-Ben. E. King

Eponin approached the prisoner's cell with a great deal of trepidation. Gabrielle had seemed to have complete assurance that Xena would still be inside, and that there would be no need of a full escort of guards, but the Weapon's Master had serious doubts. It was one thing for Xena to stick around to watch her pupil win her match, it was another for her to remain after she had been sentenced to death. And sure enough the cage door was open.

To her surprise it was still occupied by a prisoner whose charisma dominated the cramped space. Xena had taken the opportunity to clean her armor and stood waiting as if she was a dignitary looking forward to the royal summons. The Amazon noticed that once again the chains with which she had been bound last night were neatly coiled in the corner.

She nervously cleared her throat. "You ready?"

Xena gave a short nod and moved out of the hut ahead of her. She looked about the village and noted the scattered remnants of the celebration that she had listened to throughout the night.

"Looks like it was quite a party." she commented.

" Ah, you know, Amazons."

"Uh huh."

"The guest of honour didn't seem in the mood...the Queen didn't stay up very late..."

"The Queen?"

Eponin looked to see what was going through the warrior's mind, but there was no expression she could read. "Yeah, she took the mask. The treaty with the Centaurs is ready to be signed, too."

"Good." was all the warrior said. "I hope she keeps the mask. She'll make a great queen."

Curiosity drove the Amazon to ask "What do you think she's going to do?"

There was a shrug. "Doesn't matter. I agreed to accept her judgment."

This was the woman who had driven armies by the sheer force of her will across the length of Greece? "Even...?"

Xena turned her pale eyes on her. "Yes."

They continued to walk along in silence, until Xena asked, "I thought Ephiny was to take the mask."

Eponin nodded. "Ephiny says that if Gabrielle has changed her mind, even if she played each of us like pawns... that's what a great Queen has to do, that's what the Nation needs. And I've sworn to follow her whatever she does."

In the Queen's hut, Gabrielle rinsed her face one more time. She called to Ephiny in the next room. "Where's Va...where's the challenger now?"

"The healer took her to a tavern in town. They had enough money to stay there for a few days. We'll keep a watch."

The Queen took a towel and mopped her face. "Keep up the watch, but don't waste too many women on it."

"We haven't heard the last of her." Ephiny warned.

Gabrielle sighed. "I know, but at least she no longer has any support inside of the Nation."

"That's true. After she embarrassed her supporters, they're now your most fervent subjects. And they'll do anything to prove their loyalty."

"Good. That was the idea," Gabrielle said coolly. She made a final adjustment to her leathers and joined Ephiny in the main room.

"You were a long time in the Temple this morning...any luck?" Ephiny asked.

Gabrielle shook her head. "I was hoping that..."

"...if you showed enough respect for Artemis, the priestesses would support your decision? I don't think you have a chance in Tartarus of getting them to go along. You're just going to have to accept that not everyone will agree with what you do."

"This is different. The challenger said I had neither the Law nor the authority. I think I can find the law, but did yesterday give me the authority?"

Ephiny smirked. "Just take a step outside, your majesty."

Gabrielle took the proffered mask and opened the door of the hut to stand outside where the Amazons were already gathered. The talking and give and take stopped immediately. All of her subjects were immediately at attention, and several dropped to their knees. Gabrielle returned to the safety of the room.

"Whoa!"

Ephiny grinned. "Don't worry, in a week they'll be blaming you for the food in the mess tent."

Then Ephiny caught sight of several objects in the woodpile and recognized them as Gabrielle's story scrolls. "What are they doing there?" she demanded angrily.

Gabrielle's face was as firm as her voice. "After yesterday, I knew that... I decided they were the things of my childhood, and that part of my life is over."

Ephiny stared long and hard at her Queen before ordering her, "Sit down."

There was a moment of rebellion, before the girl lowered her eyes and sat on a chair.

Ephiny began by pacing about, and then sat facing her queen. "Gabrielle. There was a king, a wise man, and mighty warrior. There are many stories of his victories and his wisdom. But what made him special, what made him a great King, is that he was also a poet. Gabrielle..." she said retrieving a scroll. "These are not your childhood, these are who you are, a part of your soul. Don't exchange a part of your soul for the mask. You'll end up with neither." She placed the scroll in Gabrielle's hands. There was a moment of silence, and then everything that she had been holding inside burst, and Ephiny found herself holding a sobbing Queen in her arms.

10

The Queen and her Regent stood on the platform, the throne behind them, surrounded by staves and emblems of office.

There was no sign of her earlier weakness. Gabrielle, masked and looking every inch the rightful Queen, confidently addressed the assembly. "Amazons. Sisters. We are here to sentence a woman for the horrific slaughter that she committed ten summers ago. I have received a communication from the Northern Tribe detailing the events which occurred and I have been given the authority to pass sentence upon her. I ask, Is this woman present?"

Xena strode forward, halting only when the spears were crossed in front of her. "I am."

All eyes turned to the tall warrior in the centre of the commons.

"You have already admitted to these crimes?" The Queen asked.

"Yes."

Gabrielle turned to the stocky weapon's master. "Eponin, the prisoner is not bound. Why is that?"

Stonefaced, the Amazon shrugged. "There seemed to be little point. I found her unchained with the cell door open again."

Gabrielle looked back to the warrior. "Prisoner. Why didn't you escape?"

"I was bound by my oath."

"Please speak so that all can hear you. You have agreed to submit to Amazon Justice, regardless of the outcome?"

"Yes."

Gabrielle appeared to contemplate the answer for a moment. "You present a puzzle to many of my sisters. Your recent actions are in sharp contrast to your reputation. You nearly destroyed an entire generation of leaders, and yet you are willing to submit to our authority. Would the woman who committed these crimes have submitted?"

There was a moment's hesitation, then, "No."

"Would she have spent the past moon's cycle teaching another in order to prepare her for an Amazon challenge...?"

Xena didn't like where this was going and interrupted. " Gabr... your Highness, I may have changed...somewhat... but I am still Xena, I AM the woman who committed those crimes."

The Queen's eyes seared her through the mask. "Do not contradict me. I was speaking."

The Warrior muttered just loudly enough for the Queen to hear. "Oh Gods... just kill me now...." and despite the seriousness of the situation, Gabrielle had to bite back a laugh.

"You were nearly killed by the men of your own army over the saving of a child."

"Yes."

"You allowed yourself to be stoned by the people of your home?"

There was only the hollow answer. "I have no home."

Gabrielle needed to collect herself before continuing. "In the last moon's cycle, you were intending to take your own life, when I interrupted you?"

There was no answer for a moment. There was a slight flush, but no change in expression. "Perhaps."

"Then we would be giving you what you ask for, if we were to execute you?"

Xena clearly resented this questioning, "I don't know, perhaps."

The Queen then pointed to one of Velasca's former lieutenants.

"Ardia, you are our best swordswoman? "

The tall Amazon steeped forward confidently. "Yes."

"You have been very vocal in your demand that this woman be executed?"

Looking both ways to her fellows, she said slowly. "Yes, my Queen."

Gabrielle gestured towards the warrior. "Then, go ahead." Ardia turned to face the warrior, and certain parts of her anatomy began to tighten involuntarily as the warrior only acknowledged her with a smile.

Ardia swallowed.

Noticing the discomfort, Gabrielle made a show of being solicitous. "Oh, I see. You're not an executioner?" Ardis nodded gratefully. "Perhaps if you had some of your sisters to help shoulder your burden? Select the 10 best fighters after you."

Xena's shoulders slumped slightly as Ardia began to select a squad. But she kept her eyes on the girl on the platform.

When the selection was completed, the Queen spoke to her. "Oh Xena? You WILL defend yourself." At this the warrior seemed to grow taller, and Ardis and her squad noted with alarm that the smile had returned with even greater force, and that the blue eyes fairly glowed with anticipation.

Ardia wavered. "She is unarmed."

The Queen tossed a padded practice staff towards the prisoner who caught it, examined the padding and looked to the Queen questioningly.

The Queen explained, "wouldn't want anyone to get hurt." Though her face was hidden by the mask, Xena somehow knew that it covered a smirk. At that moment, Xena knew for the first time that no execution was planned, and almost to her surprise, a weight she had known she had accepted was removed. The Amazons were startled when they heard the unfamiliar sound of deep rolling laughter coming from the Warrior Princess.

"Oh boy." Ephiny muttered to Eponin who stood guard to her left.

"What?"

"Remember how all this started when Gabrielle asked me about how warriors respected each other after they'd fought one another? That led to her challenging Xena. Looks like now she's gonna try her theory on a larger scale."

The Amazons cautiously approached the warrior, but not cautiously enough. Two were struck and disarmed before they could blink. At this, the remaining 9 rushed her. There was a momentary crush, but then, with a shout, they were all thrust back. The warrior stabbed the stave into the ground, and using it as a pivot ran horizontally around the circle they had formed using her left foot to kick away their blades and the right to batter their skulls. Then springing above the group she landed outside the circle, half of whom collapsed. Leaving her with four very nervous Amazons. Who again tried to rush her.

Gabrielle had lifted up her mask in order to watch the fight, and her eyes were gleaming with excitement.

Meanwhile Ephiny and Eponin had moved their heads close together and were making a running commentary.

"Our peaceloving queen seems to like a brawl," observed Eponin

"I don't think it's the brawl, more the brawler...."Ephiny replied, as they both continued to enjoy the spectacle.

"Ooh, that's gotta hurt."

"Our Queen's not the only one who's enjoying themselves; look at Xena's smile."

"As long as it's not facing me in combat, sure."

"But is it going to work?"

Well let's see. " Ephiny mimed an imaginary abacus. "Gabrielle already had her own supporters," she slid a series of illusory beads to the right with her index finger. "Now she's going for all of Velasca's people and the warriors...that'll just leave the legal sticklers and the priestesses."

The last Amazon was disarmed and sent flying, and Xena casually spun the staff one more time before tossing it to land with the others on the stage.

"Show off," whispered the Queen.

Xena's lips quirked slightly, while she waited for the Queen to continue.

"Xena, could you please explain to your opponents what their errors were?"

For the next quarter candlemark Xena painstakingly recapitulated each parry, each strike. Illustrating to each of the Amazons where they had made the wrong approach, and what alternatives they had missed. At the end, there was a light in each of their eyes that spoke of something more than admiration.

At one point, Gabrielle muttered to Ephiny "What is it with warriors?" but the Regent only shrugged and grinned.

Standing again, Gabrielle took a breath and addressed her tribe.

"Amazons. Do you see what we have here? This is the greatest warrior in all the known world! A woman. Clearly meant to be an Amazon. Stolen from us by Ares. My friend Ephiny said that Xena was a powerful tool and I agree. How can we let such a tool be wasted? This woman spent only a few days training me for my match, and I was able to defeat a master with the staff. Imagine if she were to teach our training programs regularly? Can you imagine her at the head of our forces? A woman who knows every warlord and has beaten most in the field? Imagine having her lead our forces, defend our land from raiders, Persians, Romans...?"

Ephiny surveyed the warriors as they stood rapt, entranced by their sovereign's pictures. "Imagine?" she whispered. "They're creaming their leathers." Eponin slid a few more imaginary beads over.

"But...." Gabrielle interrupted their reverie, "her crimes are too great. A great tragedy, because she has shown that she can be trusted. That she is willing to follow Amazon law, even if her own life is forfeit.

"A great loss...

"However. I note that the scrolls state that she must PAY for their lives. Money, of course, would only cheapen their loss, but killing this fantastic asset would not bring their lives back either."

"Perhaps..." and several faces now looked to her hopefully, "Perhaps, there is a suitable punishment, that would allow us to spare her. I would first have to consult with our Patron.

"Before I pass this sentence, I call upon Artemis to validate or dispute my decision."

There was no expectation in the crowd. They had seen the invocation of the Patron before and this was thought to be no different. So there was a sharp intake of breath throughout the crowd when in front of the stand there was suddenly a tall dark form in leather and armed with a bow and quiver.

Another sparking flash and Artemis was facing Gabrielle on the podium. The Queen began to lower herself to join the rest in kneeling, but the Goddess stopped her. Placing her forefinger under her chin, she stared into the girl's eyes.

Gabrielle voice trembled. "I didn't know if you would come. You didn't respond in the temple..."

"I told you before, Chosen." Gabrielle cringed slightly as she felt the shock wave that word caused in the kneeling Amazons, particularly the one by her side "...that until you take that mask, I will not protect you, or interfere when others endanger you."

"Consider yourself lucky," grunted the prisoner, earning a flash of anger, and the Goddess vanished and reappeared suddenly in front of Xena.

Artemis stared into the former warlord's eyes. "I don't like you very much."

Xena's only response was to fold her arms across her chest. The Goddess continued. "And you weren't supposed to be mine. You were supposed to be Athena's, but you let my brother seduce you. So I'm not about to do you any favours. But for her..." The Goddess didn't complete the statement, and merely gestured towards Gabrielle

"There's a lot of that going around lately," the warrior deadpanned.

That merited a twitch around the lips from the Goddess. She turned and addressed her Nation. " I will not dispute the decision of my Queen in the matter of this woman." She acknowledged the bow that Gabrielle made to her, then glared once more at Xena before glancing again at Gabrielle. In exasperation She said "I am going to go and kick Aphrodite's ass for this, you know that." and then she vanished. As the stunned silence drew on, green eyes stared into blue, as both considered what those last words might have meant, then they both found something else to look at.

Epinon reached into the air and slid the rest of Ephiny's imaginary beads over. "That would be game, set and match, I think," she said dryly.

Ephiny ignored this, and simply stared at Gabrielle for moment, before roughly yanking her aside, and trying to find her tongue. She finally blurted out. "CHOSEN! Just how long were you planning to keep that a secret? All those years that I assumed that Terreis had just gone nuts when she passed her right of caste to you..." Slowing down rapidly when she saw the expression in the Queen's eyes. "Well... maybe not nuts, but Gabrielle! Why did you even fight the contest if you were the God's be blessed Chosen?"

"I didn't know. Not really. I thought...Anyways, She wouldn't have helped. I had to win it honourably. She doesn't believe in shortcuts."

Pulling away from Ephiny, the Queen again addressed her subjects. "I am now prepared to pass sentence. I hereby order that Xena be indentured to the Amazon Nation and its tribe, until she can replace those lives she has stolen. Until she has saved two lives for every one she has taken. Until then, she remains under the sentence of death. I think that this is a far more appropriate form of repayment. The irony and justice of the Destroyer of Amazons being charged with the task of helping us to protect and rebuild the Nation is only fitting."

She turned to look at her teacher.

"Xena, I sentence you to servitude, to be given the opportunity to repay the lives which you brutally stole. To be at the call of this nation for its defense, and the training of its young. To be its sword, no matter what the personal cost."

There was a slight pause as Gabrielle once more gathered her courage.

"Her first assignment will be to accompany me as bodyguard for my mission to the Northern Tribe, in order to try to help them rebuild, or if necessary, bring them to a new home. And because this tribe needs a full time Queen, I cannot let this tribe stand leaderless. Therefore as planned, I hereby pass this mask to a more capable ruler, to hold it until I am capable of leading this tribe as it deserves to be led."

She removed the mask and with both hands presented it to Ephiny.

Ephiny shook her head. "Gabrielle! What about Artemis? what about your destiny?"

Gabrielle placed the mask in her friend's hands. She stared out across to the warrior in front of her, and found her to be smiling.

"Eph, I'm just going on a journey. I accept my responsibilities, and I'll be in your hair more than you may want. But part of that responsibility is knowing that I still have much more to learn. But you know? One thing I've been learning lately, is that you shape your destiny with your own hands."

12

Xena checked Argo one more time so make sure the saddlebags were secured She threw one arm around the golden mare and spoke gently to her. "Bet you'll be glad to get away, eh girl? After hanging around here for so long, huh? And we have a new friend..." Argo's pulled back slightly. "Don't be like that, you'll get along fine..." but Xena noticed with chagrin that it was half command/half plea. She tightened the stirrups as she continued to stroke the horse.

So was it really that simple? All of those years of darkness and bloodshed, papered over by a sentenced blessed by a God?

That wasn't even remotely true..

Gabrielle still had no idea who she really was. And what would happen when she learned? Well, if she was determined to enforce this sentence, she'd learn soon enough. Her rapidly growing depression was distracted by a strange sensation that she had begun to associate with the young Queen's presence. She turned to see the blonde approaching. She was struggling with a large satchel, and wearing the most hideous green top that Xena had ever seen on a living mammal. Xena tried to ignore the glowing smile and green eyes, and crossed her arms sternly. Time to get things clear.

Gabrielle stopped short. "What?"

"You are not putting that on my horse," she said flatly.

"These are my scrolls. They go where I go. I also have the laws we may need for renewing an Amazon tribe."

The two stared at one another. Frowning, Xena took the bag with ill grace and began to carefully store the cases. "Gabrielle, I don't follow orders very well, so I think we're going to have to establish a few rules. Most important being: When we are on the road, everything that I do better than you, I'm in charge of."

Gabrielle was taken aback. "Well, that's like...Like what?"

"What we do, when to fight, how we hunt, our general schedule..."

"What does that leave me?"

"Ummm...cooking?"

"I don't think so."

"General cleaning..."

"Guards!"

"Gabri-elle..."

"Look. You're under a sentence of death. On a mission of redemption. Supposedly my bodyguard for this trip north. I should be ordering YOU around...But.... I'm willing to compromise...maybe we could consult about the schedule, diet, and the rest we'll work out as we go along. Okay?"

"Fine."

"And as for fighting...."

"No. Definitely. I am not having you..."

"....I am not going to sit back and watch..."

When did this start getting away from me again? Xena thought. "Gabrielle. When you said I had to save two Amazon lives for every one I took, were you talking about individual Amazons, or the same one over and over and over...?"

"Very funny."

"I thought so..."

"I can look after myself."

"I am going to be very busy aren't I...?"

And I'll see your true colors
Shining through
I see your true colors
And that's why I love you
So don't be afraid to let them show
Your true colors
True colors are beautiful,
Like a rainbow

-Cyndi Lauper