Julie stormed into the living room. "I cant believe him he is so unbelievably maddening." she hollered walking through the house.

Joseph walked in directly after her and closed the door loudly behind him, "Come on Jules I didn't do anything! Its not my fault." Julie fumed but didn't dignify his defense with a response. She simply stormed to her room and shut the door.

Joseph followed her not wanting her to be upset with him. She had such a keen sense when it came to him that he didn't even have to tell her what he was up to half the time, she just knew. He stood outside her door and knocked. "You better still be decent cause I'm coming in." He barged in and found her laying face down on her bed. She was more upset than he thought. He sat down and with a heavy sigh and put a hand on her back letting big brother instincts take over. "Jules everything ok. Its not like I was really in any danger. Ares needed some shaking up and you know it with everything going on in the middle east you know he has a hand in it! Besides we would not have found out about the unearthly natural disasters other wise. He knew it wasn't natural."

Julie turned over and acknowledged him finally acquiescing to his explanation. She had unshed tears in her eyes that glistened in the light filtering thru the blinds. Her eyes where such a brilliant shade of blue it almost hurt to look in them sometimes. Her long curly blond hair was wet around the edges of her face. Her brother sighed and hugged her taking her smaller body to his larger frame she seemed so small in comparison in her half grown midteen body. She hugged him back and she sight slightly "I guess your right I just worry for you ya know."

Though only half way through her teen years, Julie had seen much more than anyone else her own age, let alone anyone else on the face of the planet. Many years ago, she was given a very special secret. Her brother, eight years older than she, was half god. As hard as it was for her to believe it, he demonstrated and showed that it was in fact the truth.

A long time ago before their parents had gotten together, Joseph was born. His mother did not remember bedding down with anyone, so for the longest time, the father of her child was a mystery. From his birth, Joseph exhibited an extraordinary power. This power usually came to be in times of heighten stress, fear, or other highly emotional situations. You see, Joseph had to unique ability to project and indeed even concentrate energy. Essentially, he was a living energy conductor. Joseph's body was often thought of as one sculpted by the gods. He was about six foot five, weighing roughly two hundred and twenty five pounds. A very athletic body with light brown hair. For the longest time, Joseph, his mother, and the man who he thought of as his father searched for an answer. The three searched every corner of the world for a possible answer to this most puzzling of questions.

Then one day while in Greece, Joseph was visited by a stranger. The stranger told Joseph of his remarkable past. Joseph, shocked and intrigued by this stranger's knowledge, followed him up the great Mount Olympus. Upon arriving at the top, what Joseph saw mesmerizing him. Grand building, a magnificent palace, the scenery of beautiful trees, lush grass and twinkling gold that lined each and every building made him think this place was build by the gods.

"Indeed it is," agreed the stranger.

"What?!" responded Joseph in a shocked voice.

"Joseph, I bid you welcome to Olympus, home of the gods," welcomed the stranger as he took off his hooded robe.

"Wow, never did I even imagine that it existed," Joseph said as he continued to gaze around in wonder.

"Yes, Olympus is a magnificent sight," spoke the stranger who's shoulder length curly gray hair fell to his shoulders as he lay his robe on a nearby bench.

"Who?who are you?" suddenly asked Joseph.

"Me, I am Zeus, king of the gods. But more importantly, I am your father," replied the man as he adjusted his tunic over his mighty body.

To say Joseph was shocked again, was an understatement. He had never dreamed that he was a son of a god. Sure, he had thought, heck, he was even sure that he was some kind of mutant like the ones he had read about in comics but not a god. Not a god. He spent the rest of the day in Olympus, talking and learning more about his father and the his power. Eventually, he would even bring his mother and father to the hallowed halls for a visit and to back up his claim.

Through the years that followed, Joseph embarked on many adventures. Sometimes against the gods, sometimes with them. However, he quickly learned that in order to keep his family safe from harm from would be oppressors, he would have to keep his power and his new found heritage a secret. Only his mother and father knew of it besides Joseph until one fateful night.

Joseph was just about ready to go forth on another adventure when his younger sister Julie had caught him red-handed.

"Where are you going at this hour?" she asked with the look on her face that she knew he was up to something.

"Nothing, I'm just going outside for some fresh air," Joseph tried to counter.

"Don't give me that. I know you, and I know you're up to something," retorted Julie steadfast.

Finally, after several minutes of arguing back and forth, Joseph conceded his secret. Julie was shocked but at the age of thirteen, she accepted it. On one condition, she would get to tag along on the adventures that Joseph deemed not to risky.

Thus, for the last three years, the two have been encircling the globe, fighting mythological beasts, sea monsters, witches and searching for treasure.

Joseph knew that part of Julie hurt this time came from the fact that he wouldn't let his sister come with him to confront Ares. He knew, even with her training with her selected weapon, the chobos, the last three years, she was not in his league or in Ares.

Later that night they were sitting in the living room discussing what Ares had spilled to Joseph. " I don't like these 'natural disasters'" he said his eyes looking into the to watch the dancing flames. They both sat on a the aquamarine couch that he had let her pick out. It was her favorite color not quite as lovely as her eyes though.

Julie sighed heavily, "Jay..." she started propping her feet up on the coffee table, "I know this is going to sound as stupid as it does in my head but I think I have something to do with all this..." Joseph looked at her suddenly considering this, then turned his gaze studying the intercept designs on the oak side table where the lamp and his empty dish now sat.

"I will admit, Jules, you have got keener instincts than any human I know. But how could you of all people have anything to do with this?" Julie shrugged.

"I feel it in my bones bro...its creepy there something wrong." Joseph nodded and moved closer to his younger sister putting a companionable arm around her. Joseph watched her for a minute closely his godly senses screaming something was amiss. 'ah oh,' he thought.

"So I guess were off again then huh? Lets get packing and we'll leave in the morning. I think we should start in the where Ares has had his hand in it never know what might turn up." Julie nodded her agreement. "Come on you looked wiped go on and get some sleep and ill see you bright and early."

"OK Jay ill see you in the morning, love ya bro. Night." she exited to the guest room they now designated hers since half of her junk was at his house anyhow. He couldn't believe how much she'd grown in the last three years. Most of it spent traveling with him. Her parents had pulled her out of school at a young age to home school she had been so sharp they did not want to waist her mind in a public class room. She seemed to be following behind her brother in her academic prowess. He taught her religiously, all her subjects, weapons mastery, survival techniques, self defense, and problem solving. Their parents were not ever disappointed when she came home she always had all her studies up to date and finished on the deadline.

Unbeknownst to Julie Joseph and their parents had had a lengthy discussion about her visits to him. They knew there was more there than just hanging out with big brother the demi god. But Joseph refused to divulge there secrets and their parents didn't see the need in pushing even though they worried immensely. He had taken her under his wing now for three years with out even so much as a scratch or ruffled hair on her head when she flew in the door every month or so for a week at home.

Joseph sat up late that night watching the fire burn low and lick at the logs with a dying force as the fuel was used up and the fire spent its energy. He couldn't believe she knew already. 'Damn that girls sharp' he mused, 'What am I going to do with her.' His mind turned toward the conversation he had had with Ares.

"You know that brat has something to do with this.." Ares had said.

"What in the hell are you talking about," Joseph had demanded.

"Your sister fool! She is all tied into this! She has the blood of the greatest warrior woman or otherwise that ever lived on this stink hole of a rock. She has much potential. What I wouldn't give to get my hands on that fire again." Joseph at this point had jumped a daydreaming Ares and tumbled with him to the ground. Wrestling for a few seconds Julie's brother got the upper hand and pressed hard down on Ares's throat.

"You will never get your hands on my sister! If you come near her I will not hesitate to make your death painful and slow." Ares laugh dispite the situation.

"She is a descendent of Xena : Warrior Princess, my chosen, and my past queen. She turned on me and then fought for good after another half bastard like you, Hercules, turned her. Then that damn annoying blonde bard she saved and then befriended turned out to be her bonding soul mate, and destroyed her for me forever. Damn the Fates!!!" Josephs patients were rapidly coming to their end.

"What in the fucking hell does it have to do with my SISTER?!?!?" He yelled pressing down harder on his windpipe.

"Xena and Gabrielle were part of the evil that now awakens within the earth once more! They are the key! And if you don't correct the past she will have no future." he said raspingly in between gasps for air. Joseph let off stunned by this news. That was when he look once more at Ares gave him a good taste of the business end of a fireball and disappeared to check on his kin.

He knew now that he was going to have to keep her close on this one. He love that young woman that had brought an untold complication to his life 3 years ago. But she had been invaluable in his adventures with her keen instincts and whit. She had turned out to be especially good at martial arts as well as any weapon she decided to learn. However, she had a sensitive side also. She didn't much care for the bloody fights they had encountered the world wide. She had killed in the heat of battle that had been purely self defense in ever instinct. When left an out she took it as he had always instructed her too unless she saw he was in trouble and she had disobeyed him on a few occasions that ended up saving his butt. She had a good knowledge of when she needed to stay behind and when it was better for her to try and remove herself from the fray.

He pondered once again about this woman Ares had spoken of. He knew he had to track them down in history and go back and fix whatever it was that shook the future now. He was afraid that if he didn't do so soon that his sister wouldn't be here much longer. And him being half god he would be the only one who would know that she was gone after time altered itself. And of all things she felt it! I can't tell her, he reasoned to himself, She would just be scared and if this missions is as dangerous as I think its gonna be then that could cost her her life either way. He nodded settling on the fact that he would not tell her till absolutely necessary but he had a feeling she would figure out faster than he would what to do when for the simple fact that she felt it.

The next morning 5 a.m. came early. It seemed to Julie that she had just went to bed but it had been a full 7 hours that she had gotten. On the other hand, Joseph had slept little but was still up before she was ready to go even before her alarm clock went off that he had set. He waited for the tell tale thud of the alarm clock on the floor to signify she was rousing. He knew it would take another ten minutes to be conscious and then another ten for her to be decent. So he waited patiently for 20 minute till he entered her room like clockwork and helped her finish packing. 5:30 found both ready to go. He had commissioned a driver for the day to take them to the airport. He could simply flash them there but Julie preferred a less spectacular way of travel because to mortals the feeling of flashing from one place to another can be disorienting and nauseating. After the one and only occasion he had teleported both of them some where she had spent ten minutes in the bushes relieving her stomach of its contents. He had felt terrible and just changed his plans to accommodate his travel companion. He knew she was a side kick but she resented the word with a passion so he refrained from using it to often accept to rise her ire once in a while.

The plane took many hours to get to the middle east. They had been there before on more than one undertaking and had found a few trustworthy Allies that opened their home to them when they were in the vicinity. They had decided to start in Syria where they knew they could evade the rising hostilities between the US and most of the middle east. After almost a full day of flying the plane finally landed.

They were met at the airport by their friends Nasira and Khali whom they had met a year ago. Nasira was a middle aged woman who had never had children but was highly educated despite the oppressive atmosphere most women were subjected to. And her husband Khali was a distinguished man in the community that kept abreast of what the gods were up to no to far from his home country they were some of the very few who knew the truth.

The ride to their house only took and hour as they arrived in the outskirts of Halab, one of the largest bustling industrial cities in the country. Their home was a modest one that they took pride in it was spotless upon entering. Nasira removed her hair covering after she was inside the house and the door closed. She was covered head to toe save her face and hands as most Arab woman were for modesty sake and religion. They quickly invited us into the sitting room where we sat and were offered tea.

"Now tell us the specifics Joseph. I know you were not at liberty to divulge much on the phone," Khali said.

"Well to make a long story short the natural disasters are anything but natural and there is something awakening in the earth that means to destroy the whole planet in its wake. A great darkness would follow its ascension." Joseph clarified. "There is only one large problem my sister has something to do with it all. I do fear if we don't act quickly she will be in terrible jeopardy." Joseph finished and sat back.

"You don't know any more than that?" Nasira asked in a deep accent but excellent English.

"That is why were here," Julie chimed in. "The middle east seems to be the central focus of the disasters. There is so much bad energy in the air I don't know how you guys can stand it. No wonder there is so much fighting going on." She shivered.

They all sat back and thought for a few minutes. Then Khali spoke, " well, I will put in a call to a friend of mine at the local Geological Society. He can be trusted not to ask questions. We might find some answers and one of the sites of the disasters. Would it be worth a look?" Joseph liked this idea it would keep Julie occupied and maybe have helpful clues about what was going on. Joseph knew he was going to have to go find out more about Xena and this blond bard areas was referring to, and how his sister might be involved. He had a feeling it wasn't going to be simple this time but to save Julie and the world for that matter, he added as an afterthought, he would do anything. The fates were the only people, gods, or anything he could imagine that could tell him what he needed ot know but they were always so cryptic that most of the time they left even a gods head spinning.

"Alright," Joseph spoke up bring everyone's attention to himself. "Here's the game plan, you guys take the disaster sight and I'll dig up more info on this Xena person." He quickly got up hoping to avoid Julie's impending interrogation. But he wasn't quick enough.

" And just where do you think your going to get this information?" she asked in a huff not liking to be left behind.

" I am going to research at the library." he lied with no qualms. She eyed him suspiciously knowing him to well. But he was usually completely honest with her. Why would he lie now?', she wondered, 'should I let him get away with it?' She let it slide knowing he probably wouldn't let her go along anyhow so saving her self the exertion a fight would take she let her tiredness win over and let it go.

"OK," was all she said with a nod. Joseph eyed her a moment he was not expecting that at all. He had already prepared for the argument and everything and she just gave in. That worried him, and upon looking at her closely he could see the strain what ever it was she felt was putting on her reserves. He would keep an eye on her he vowed to himself but would not confront her now with what his observation of her had revealed. "Don't get to close." He warned. Julie nodded.

"Ok everyone I'll be back later tonight. Don't know how long I'll be gone." Everyone nodded and watched him leave.

Julie watched him go thru the door knowing instinctively he had caught her submission had sent him warning on her condition. She had done it half on purpose and that would save a lot of time in the long run.

"Alright are we handed out of here or what are the plans?" she asked Khali.

"Let me give my friend a call he should be arriving at work about now." Khali said as her moved toward the kitchen to make the phone call.

"Tell me about this Xena person your mentioned." Nasira prompted.

"Oh ok, well all I know is that she is knee deep in this evil force thing what ever it is. We are going to need to find out more about where and when she lived and find out what she had to do with it all." Nasira nodded and watched her husband come back in the room. "So?" Julie asked.

"He is there he said he would meet us out at a fault line about two hours drive south of her in to the desert. There has been much activity there and there is a chasm opening in the earth at one point of the fault, luckily its away from any civilization." Julie nodded.

"Alright its as good a place as any to start. Did you say two hours?" she groaned.

"Yes my friend two hours by car we will pack a lunch and leave soon I don't think we will be getting back before lunch time and we will need our energy to investigate the sight." He smiled at Julie and wondered how one so young got wrapped up in her older brothers adventures. But from what Joseph had told him about her before he met her a year ago she is quite the a lot of help. The woman-child had a fire in her that he had seen in few others and the only disconcerting thing he found about her was the sharp color of her eyes. They could be very cold when they wanted to be. The last time they had met he had been on the other end of a suspicious piercing stare and attempted to not have a repeat of that look. Julie fairly huffed.

"OK OK well lets get this show on the road I'm not feeling to hot about this it think were headed in the right direction, if my innate senses are on track, which i might add they always are." She commented with hard won confidence. She had learn to trust her skills at an early age, the eerie ability to sense danger and heightened senses that seemed to be superior to those she met, but the last three years that had come in very handy.

The made their way to the car after Nasira packed a large basket of food. Julie took one more look inside the house before shutting the door behind everyone. She knew when she grew up she wanted a house like theirs, not to flashy but comfortable with three bedrooms and two baths upstairs and basement. Most of all she loved the colors Nasira had chosen for her house a burgundy and brown motif that flowed from one room to another and into the fabrics over the two large stuffed chairs in the living room and the couch between them along with the throw pillows. She made a mental note to ask Nasira to decorate her house when she had her own and closed the door on her dream home making a dash for the back seat of the 80's ford Taraus that they owned.

It was roomy in the back seat of the car enough so she didn't feel closed in, something she hated. The blue of the car seemed to melt into the sky as they drove along a freeway out toward the dessert. Two exits later they were in the middle of nowhere on a two lane road in bad need of repair. Julie's inner clock judged that they had been traveling about an hour and a half as she picked her self up farther in between the two front seats to look out the windshield.

"We're almost there," she stated. The couple looked at each other and then back at the road. They both had a feeling they were gonna find something that they didn't have any business getting involved in and this teenager was going to bring them to the trouble.

The pulled off onto a dirt road about ten minutes later and drove another 10 into the dessert of the two lane highway. They came upon the end of the access road where it seems several geologist had been coming since the vizier started. The trio parked and they all emerged from the car to have a look around. They didn't venture away from the car very far still waiting for the geologist to arrive. It was a relatively warm for this time of year particularly in this spot it seemed. She knew it was the desert but there was some heat radiating from some where and the warmth unnerved her.

They waited for what seemed like forever to Julie, but was actually 20 minutes. Finally a light yellow small compact car that Julie couldn't identify under all the dust pulled up. A small man emerged at least a half foot shorter than Khali, and he was of very fair completion almost as fair as Julie but with brown eyes. He was plump and waddled with his girth but he seemed very nice by the soft smile on his face as he approached them. "Hello, friends. I guess we are all here to see this crevice eh?" His sights turned toward Khali. "Hello Khali you didn't tell me you were brining your lovely wife and this young lovely vision with you! Come let us go to see this fault I am sure you are all actions to see it." Khali walked up behind him and put and amiable arm around the mans shoulder like they had known each other for years which they had.

"Ah, Terek, my friend how good it is to see you thank you for coming out to show us around. It was so very important that we witness this right away." Terek just nodded knowing that would be the extent of the information he would be getting as usual but he trusted his friend explicitly and knew it was for a good reason. In many cases when he help his friend he was positively sure he didn't want to know what was going on so he was ignorantly blissful and wanted to remain that way.

He took the lead of the small party and walked about a mile north of where there cars were. Julie was thankfully dressed in a pair of cut off jean shorts that kept her very cool as well as a large t-shirt that used to be Joseph. She loved snagging his close. Her favorite shoes usually fit every situation that they had gotten into on their trips. Her high tops had served her well. Nasira seemed pretty cool herself for being covered head to toe in a white ensemble. Both the men wore light pantsuits cotton pants Terek's tan and Khali's white, matching his wife's clothes.

Suddenly a fracture in the earths crust was visible in front of them. The scientist Terek, walked up very close to the edge of the growing split in the ground, and the other followed suit watching there step. It was only about 2 feet wide but looked very deep they could see no bottom even in the morning's sun. "This all started about a month ago this has been growing ever since the first large earthquake that rocked the dessert. There is no evidence of any real plate tectonic activity beneath the continent however they earth is beginning to split and there have been several large earthquakes centralized here."

"What were the magnitude Terek?" Julie asked

"Six and above." He answered. There is something defiantly happening below the crust but its not the continents moving apart and of that we are positive." Every one went silent. Julie mulled this over in her head as did the couple beside her she was completely at a loss. Khali spoke up first.

"Shall we split up and search the edge of this to see if we can find any clues to its origin?" he asked.

"That sounds like a plan ill go south you guys head that way." She pointed north up the crag. This disconcerted Khali, if anything happened to that girl there would be hell to pay.

" Why don't you take Terek with you, That way if you have any questions he can answer them for you. We should meet back here in about three hours for lunch that means only an hour and a half walk in and then turn back." Julie looked at Terek. She didn't want to hurt his feelings so she nodded but really wanting to go by herself. Khali walked up to Terek and said something in Arabic she couldn't understand. It was one phrase he had said very seriously and only got a nod in return from the scientist. Then Terek turned to Julie and smiled and wrapped and arm around her shoulders and started walking south chatting with her about the fissure in scientific language that made her head hurt.

Nasira looked at her husband and smiled. "I am glad you made him go with her he will keep and eye on her with three teenage girls of his own," she laughed.

"Yes that is why I told him to watch her well I would not want to have Joseph come down upon me should anything happen to his little ray of sunshine!" They both laughed and began to walk up in the direction Julie had chosen for them. She was definitely a no nonsense girl that was for sure. If Khali didn't know the urgency of this mission he would have suspected her of being bossy.

While Julie and her crew investigated the natural disasters, Joseph was busy with his own hunt for information. He didn't go the library as he had told his sister. He instead went to mount Olympus to find out where the fates were located. He managed to track down several of the gods lounging about in supulent extravagance. He approached Athena as well as Hermes but both met him with guarded expressions and answers that got him nowhere. Artimus however overheard Joseph questioning Hermes.

"Come on fly boy you have to know where the fates are!" Hermes just sat and looked at him. "Hermes its a matter of life and death here! If you don't tell me the hole world down there is gonna go to Tartarus in a basket if you don't tell me now!" Joseph had grabbed Hermes by his toga now and was shaking him good.

All Hermes said was , "Why?"

Joseph threw him into his chair again, "My sister is about the disappear out of existence because some warrior Ares had the hots for a long ass time ago is connected to her and the earth is about to go on over load and blow its top and your asking me why?!?!?!" He was now in Hermes's face. "I need to know where to go and who to see to put a stop to this madness and find out more about this great evil before its too late. Plus I need more info on that Xena warrior princess person and her soul mate or whatever Ares was babbling about." But before Hermes could answer Artimus stepped up behind him and put a hand on his shoulder.

"Please be calm brother." She said as he whipped himself around to face whoever it was who dared touch him. He looked at her and realized it was Artimus.

"What do you want?" he demanded trying to reign in his fury.

"Only to tell you what you wish to know," she said calm and melodical. Hermes was giving her a dirty look that she read as traitor but the fool didn't know what he was talking about she had heard about what was gong on even Ares knew about the great evil, and they all knew where it stemmed from. Joseph was surprised and the shock quelled his anger some.

"Alright," He said settling down.

"Come we should find another place for this talk," She said. Joseph nodded not wanting to be interrupted he had a growing feeling he didn't have much time. Artimus transported them to a secluded glade on Olympus that only she knew about.

"OK lets have at it," Joseph remarked impatiently. Artimus began.

" You said something about a Xena Warrior Princess's soulmate did you not?" Joseph remained silent and she took that as a yes. "Very well I will tell you of Gabrielle my Amazon Queen, my chosen. She was born of farmers in ancient times and grew in a home not suitable for any child especially one i would come to find as my chosen and favorite. However there was a time in her life, a turning point at which i feared I would lose her before i had a chance to even bring her into my fold. Fortunately Hercules had just turned a very nasty warlord named Xena to the side of good not to far from where my chosen lived. Raiders were going to take her and several village girl as slaves but the newly turned Xena happened upon this scene and rescued them. This was the beginning of a long story of good deeds and love and loss that both they traveled together. After they met, there was no way to separate them for long before their birth their souls had been connect by a bond unbreakable no matter what the circumstances. They were meant to find each other and meant to live out every life of there's together as one. As they always have." Joseph took all this information in but it did not give him exactly what he wanted to know.

"Tell me what do they have to do with the great evil, and my sister."

"That i cannot do the fates will tell you what they will and we are not allowed to interfere." Joseph was fuming again.

"Oh fantastic so no help from anyone and now I gotta find when and where and not only that save my sister from this "great evil". GREAT just GREAT." Artimus made an allowance for his frustration and ignored it.

"The fates are sheltered in a cave near the foot of Olympus. You will find them waiting for you i imagine." And that was all she said as she disappeared. Joseph wanted nothing more then to now strangle Artimus if he knew where she had disappeared to. 'Damn' he thought a fervently, 'more cryptic nonsense.' A yell of frustration escaped his throat that reverberated thru the trees frightening the small game and with that he vanished.

He appeared at the mouth of the cave he assumed was the fates. He entered in a heated fashion storming thru the shifting passages. "Atropus!!! Klotho!!! Lachesis!!! WHERE ARE YOU!!!" he yelled as he walked determined thru the echoes.

"We are here" he heard a small voice to the right. He took the tunnel and come upon their spinning quarters.

"I have come..." he started but was cut off.

"We know why you have come hero." the crone said as she snipped a thread purposefully. "And this is all we shall give you :"

"The great evil awakens in the earth" the three fates recited together. "It was subdued long ago by the Princess and Queen." Xena and Gabrielle his mind translated. "Find his foot hold on this plain, in the past you quest lies before his strength in the world was unconquerable." He sighed. 'Oh great a kinda when and who wonderful, gods be damned.' He turned to leave believing they were done delivering there metaphoric puzzle. "Wait there is a warning for you," Klotho called. "The death of a warrior's son, heralds the end," and that was all.

Joseph just smacked his forehead. "Oh gee thanks," he remarked on his way out of the cavern. With a growl of frustration he began to leave the caves, and as he cleared the mouth he was abruptly hit by a sense of urgency to return to his sister. Her fear made him almost hit his knees.

Julie walked along the chasm carefully watching the edges for any tell tale signs of something amiss. "Terek, is there anything unusual about the fissure that you can see?"

"I'm afraid not miss It looks like several other fault crags that have developed naturally. There is just the readings at the station that do not seem equivalent to the growing fracture in the earths skin." They had been chatting on and off for sometimes mainly walking and looking. She had to admit he had been a help however he had held her up quite a bit she was used to walking double this pace. She decided if she was going to make any decent progress she was going to have to distract him and take off.

She quickly turned around and pointed back the way they came. "Look back there do you see that looks quite interesting..." She saw him turn around enough time to start a slow jog. Fast enough he wouldn't be able to catch her.

"I don't see any...." He turned around in time to see her retreating form. "HEY!! NOW YOU WAIT A..." He hollered after her.

"I'LL BE BACK ON TIME I PROMISE..." was all she yelled and she just kept going. He cursed his girth.

"I can't believe she took off," he said to himself. "There gonna have my head." he half chuckled half worried. There certainly was nothing he could do now so he took a seat under a ledge of a sand doom that provided some shade form the heat of near midday.

Julie continued to run for a mile or so and slowed to a brisk walk. She had sweat dripping in her eyes that she now took time to wipe away. That run in the heat had taken a bit out of her but she was determined and kept up her hurried pace. She needed to cover as much ground as she could.

The farther she walked the more uneasy she became her inner senses screaming at her. She was sure she had only been walking for an hour judging by her internal clock and the sun. Suddenly she felt something was watching her. She forced her self to keep walking in a manner that belied her growing unease. There was a rock in the pit of her stomach that had all of the sudden settled itself their the minute she felt she wasn't alone. She walked another ten minutes and still nothing felt any better. Tired of waiting for what ever it was to come to her she turned around and looked to the left where their were a few sparse trees. Damning herself for leaving her chobos at their friends abode she called out any way. "Alright whoever or what ever is out there, come on out!!" A form of light appeared then gave way to the figure of a man standing 3 feet in front of her making her jump back to a safer distance. "Who in the hell..." she stopped mid sentence. She had seen her share of the gods entrances. "Better yet, What do you want?"

He stared at her in mild surprise. "How did you know I was there?" he ask conversationally.

"I just did. Now again, What do you want?" To her aggravation the god chuckled.

"Oh my dear you are so like her," he said with a sneer that belied the fondness in his voice.

"Like who?"

"It doesn't matter," he replied. "You are all that matters now." He walked closer to her and she retreated. "You don't trust me? I'm wounded."

"Get to near me and I'll show you wounded!" She threatened.

"Oh that fire! You have the skill to I can feel it! And you could sense me. Amazing!" He closed the distance between them and his powers paralyzed her. He grabbed her chin and looked deeply in her eyes. There was a growing hatred toward this god as well as an increasingly urgent need to get away. There was something in side him that was familiar and that darkness she felt scared her for the simple fact a part of her inside seemed to be drawn to it.

"Those eyes, I have waited centuries to look into those eyes again! You would be perfect! Come be my war queen! Let us breed a whole new race of warriors that would be impossible to stop." Somewhere inside her warning bells went off and she knew that offer would cost her something much more precious than her life. It would cost her, her soul. The power holding her in place seemed to bend to her will suddenly as she broke his hold on her face and let her fighting instincts take over as she pulled back her right fist and let it fly. He was so surprised, he didn't even see the punch coming. It hit its mark and he went flying backward.

"I told you NOT to touch me you filthy perv! NOW LEAVE or Jay is gonna make you sorry!!" Ares was about the return the favor she had bestowed upon him when the earth started to shake. Ares fell to the ground as well as Julie as it rolled under their feet.

"I can wait" he yelled and disappeared.

"Don't hold your breath," Julie remarked snidely to his vanishing form. All she heard was laughter after the earthquake stopped. The split four feet from her seemed to have widened slightly. She looked southward down the crack in the ground and decided to get going again. The feeling in the pit of her stomach seemed to have left with the god. But now it was being replaced by and ever increasing fear. As she ventured forward she saw something glittering in the sun that looked completely out of place. As she moved toward it she was also headed in the direction of some rock formations that looked like they opened up into tunnels.

She finally reached the spot where she had seen the golden sparkle. She stared for along time. It was huge. A scale the size of her brothers splayed hand made from what looked like pure gold. She bent over to pick it up and pulled her self into a standing position. The scale burned her fingers and it began to spread down her arms as she felt an encroaching evil invading her body. She managed to break her grip free and dropped it back onto the dusty ground. She dropped to her knees by it catching herself with her hands trying to find her breath that had been almost taken from her body. She was in need of a place to sit out of the sun to recover. The nearest place she could see was the caves a mile or so away. She steeled herself for the effort and began her trudge forward.

Her hole body hurt. But that was nothing she hadn't dealt with before. She had survived much worse, but the tumbling emotions inside were enough to make her want to give up. Between that damn god, feeling like she was going to float away forever, and the evil she had felt moving into her body, she was completely wiped.

As she neared the caves she heard voices. A monotone chant she couldn't make out. Probably in some language long dead, she decided. She could feel the energy growing inside the cavern. This seemed to be the source of the energy she had been sense from the chasm. The earth shook again. She could feel it coming. 'oh shit' she thought as the chanting got louder. Then there was a burst of waves that exploded from the tunnels in front of her and a fit of dark power spewed form the shadowy recesses. The swell of energy slammed into Julie with pounding force. Screaming followed the outpour of sinister energy. The loud painful screaming, was then overcome by a deafening howl of rage so not of this earth Julie could never have imagined such a sound could be produced by anything alive or dead.

Julie felt the dark energy wash through her body like a tide and closed over her mind and took her back. The last coherent thought was sent to her brother 'BRO I'm in deep shit HELP ME!!!'. It took her spirit to a time and body that weren't hers and she watched horrific events unfold.

"Gabrielle!!" she heard herself cry but she had no control of the events unfolding. She saw a blonde woman not much older than herself being lifted up over flames that licked her body like a lovers caress. "GABRIELLE NO!!!" She felt a sharp pain in her heart at what she was seeing. There was an absolute despair building inside her stomach with one thought going thru her mind. 'I must save her.' Over and over again. She felt her body coil inside as she leaned down to her knees . "HOLD ON GABRIELLE" she screamed. She knew it was doing something horrid to her something she couldn't quite put her finger on something that she couldn't stop fast enough. She had already stopped the beast and now she had to get her away from the flames! She jumped in the air and caught the smaller woman in her arms and held her tight till she reached the other side of the pit. "I've got you now Gabrielle, I've got you ." She told her softly trying her best to comfort her. But the temple began to come down around them and she ran holding onto the precious person in her arms.

The vision faded but the feelings stayed she knew that was where it all started with those two women unfortunate were just tools of some evil god An evil one god named Dahok that wanted to destroy everything. She could feel her self fading form consciousness the overload on her brain accompanied by her current exhaustion had been to much and her body was shutting down.

Joseph appeared steps behind his sister having felt her cry for help. Just as he came into being her form was already falling toward him. He could feel the intense evil power around him emanating from the caves in front of him. His attention turned to his sister momentarily as she began to mumble something.

"Jay?" she asked half there.

"yeah its you bro Hun." He used terms of endearment sparingly his slip betrayed his worry.

"Jay the two women....the evil one..." She opened her eyes they were glassy and unfocused. "IT COMING!" was the last thing she said before she finally succumbed to the exhaustion. Just as he was about to lay her on the ground Khali, Nasira, and Terek came barreling down the flat expanse of the dessert toward them in the couples blue Taurus. The stopped the vehicle short of running Joseph over. They all jumped out and ran to him seeing Julie in his arms.

"What happened.....Where did you come from?" Questions greeted him from all directions. He had a few dosies himself but there was not time. He deposited Julie in Khali's arms. He looked at her and touched her face tenderly for an instant.

"GO NOW!! no time run!!" His warning was punctuated by an unearthly roar from the cave. The were all frozen in place, all except for Joseph. He gave Khali a shove. "HURRY!!" They all responded and turned on there heels and headed for the care. They saw him standing still and Khali was about to call something to him. "GO! AND TAKE CARE OF MY SISTER!!!" he yelled and turned toward the cave. He gave off an eerie aura about him suddenly as her resolute to go fight whatever it was coming out of the ground. He heard the car speed away across the sand behind him. Glad his sister would be safe he focused his attention on the battle to come.

The earth shook. Rocks, sand and dust flew into the air as the cave exploded. Out from the caverns dark depths came a beast of mythical legend. Its large golden body glistened in the sun. Its incredible wings stretched out in both directions, blocking out all sunlight that was behind it. The beast's incredible three heads reached far into the sky as it took its first steps on to the face of the earth.

"Oh My God! That monster has to be over fifty stories tall!!" Shrieked Khali as he looked back through his rearview mirror and put the pedal to the metal.

The monster roared with fury as it settled into its surroundings. Joseph stood his ground, looking up at the monstrosity that opposed him. Joseph folded his arms across his chest and slowly hovered up to eye-level with the beast. Now, the monster's attention as on the small man that was in front of it.

"Three heads, golden body, smells funny, you must be Dahok," smirked Joseph.

Over a hundred miles away, in the busy city of Halab, the people were going about their usual midday routine. Suddenly and quite unexpectedly a projectile flew overhead. The citizens only caught a glimpse of the missile-like object before it barreled into a nearby building sending glass, brick, and metal crashing to the sidewalk. But that wasn't the end. The projectile emerged on the other side of the building barreling through another and yet another structure, before finally coming to rest in a small billboard on the side of town. People scattered in fear from the falling debris, while other went to see what caused the destruction.

"Who packs on hell of a punch," Joseph finished his thought as he rubbed his head and got back up. In the distance he could see the demon coming after him

"Oh no, I can't let him reach the city!" Joseph said as a bluish glow surrounded him. He quickly flew back toward his opponent.

"Let's see what ya got" Joseph shouted as he flew on a collision coarse with the monster.

"Arrogant for a halfling!" it seemed to smirk as the three-headed abomination as it unleashed three energy rays form its mouths.

"Whoa!" shouted Joseph as he dodged the blasts.

"Muahahahahaha. Give it up half-breed not even a full god can stand a chance against might Dahok!" boomed the monster.

"Oh yeah. You like energy blasts. Here's one from a pro!" He retorted as he shot one back at the evil one. However, the effect was not what Joseph had anticipated. "No way!" yelled Joseph as the blast hit the monster and ricocheted back at him. Joseph had to be quick to dodge it successfully, which he did, but it also allowed Dahok the opportunity it desired.

The fifty story tall demon pounced on the opening. Joseph felt teh awe inspiring power that the beast wielded as it whipped him with its mighty tail. Fiercely kicking the half-god a mile high into the air and then using its three heads as a sledgehammer to send him hurtling down to earth and crashing into teh ground.

The battered and beaten hero slowly tried to push himself up off the ground

"Where is Godzilla when you need him," he jokingly gasped as he struggled to get up.

"Joseph, get out of there now!" came a voice. Joseph quickly recognized the voice as Zeus, King of the gods.

"I...I can beat this thing," Joseph replied bull headedly as he finally stood upright.

"You cannot. Dahok is too strong, you know what you must do!" retorted the god.

"No! We don't have to resort to that, I can beat it," continued Joseph as the beast landed in front of him.

"Still wanting more?" rhetorically asked Dahok as he swung his tail around blasting Joseph several hundred yard backwards.

Joseph groaned as he went sprawling in the sand. Fading in and out of consciousness, Joseph again struggled to get up.

"Joseph please! Retreat and do what you know what you must!" boomed Zeus almost pleadingly.

"But..but this world will be destroyed by this demon," replied Joseph as he collapsed.

"Do not worry about this one, if you succeed in the past, this world will be saved," answered Zeus.

"Mumbling your final prayers half-breed!!" thundered the monster as it made its way toward the fallen half god. Joseph rolled over now facing up at the monstrous demon.

"Hehahahahahahaah... just wait. I'll beat you yet," Laughed Joseph as he teleported away.

"What?!?! Where did he go?!?" roared the monster as it looked around.

"You cannot run halfling! No matter where you go I will destroy you!" it bellowed after several minutes of pondering where Joseph had gone.

The fight had not taken very long. Khali, Nasira, Terek, and Julie were only about half way home, Even with pushing the car as fast as it would take them. Suddenly, Joseph appeared in the back seat

"Joseph! How did you manage to do," Terek screeched before he cut him off.

"N...no time to e...explain. W...we have to get out of here," gasped the wounded hero trying to get a grasp on his injuries.

"What do you mean?" asked Nasira as she turned around to face him from the front seat

"H..Hold on," Joseph suggested as the entire car vanished into thin air. Seconds later, the five friends appeared outside of Khali's and Nasira's home. Joseph fell out of the car as he was barely opened the door.

"My friend, let us help!" offered Khali as he rushed to Joseph's side as Terek picked up Julie's unconscious form from the back seat.

"NNO. G...et out of here. I'll take J..Julie with me," Joseph asked as he reached a hand out for his comatose sister.

"But," started Terek.

"D...Don't argue, just go!" Joseph cut in with sudden force. the three remaining friends didn't try to fight anymore. Terek gently laid Julie down by her brother and the three slowly got back into the car quickly driving away.

"Don't worry sis, I'll take care of this," Softly spoke Joseph as the two vanished again.

"Athena! Hermes! Aphrodite! Quickly!" Shouted Zeus as Joseph and Julie appeared in front of him on Mount Olympus.

"Help us..." gasped Joseph as he began to slip into unconsciousness once again. The gods acted with out error. Athena and Hermes combined their powers and quickly healed Julie back to full health. However Zeus and Aphrodite were having a harder time of it.

"Wha? What's going on!?! Oh my Gods! Joseph!" Julie cried as she became aware of her surroundings.

"Ssshhh! Let Zeus and Aphrodite work child," Athena comforted as she stopped Julie form rushing to her brothers side.

"What's happened to him?" She asked as her bright blue eyes filled wiht tears while she struggled to escaped Athena's firm grasp.

"He confronted the dark one," Hermes informed her as he wiped his brow.

The next few minutes were ones of silent worry as Hermes, Athena and Julie as watched Zeus and Aphrodite combine their powers trying to revive the fallen hero.

Finally and with a sigh of relief, Zeus and Aphrodite stood up. "He shall be fine," announced Zeus as he wiped the sweat from his forehead.

"Ugh, What happened?" asked Joseph as he sat up

"Jay!" cried Julie as she rushed up and hugged her brother.

"It's a miracle that you are alive son," informed Zeus.

"What do you mean? asked Joseph still being smothered by his sister.

"The dark one could and should have killed you. Your wounds were almost more than what the gods could cure," answered his godly father.

"I'll get him next time," retorted Joseph as he managed to pull Julie up right with him.

"What dark one? What next time? asked Julie wiping her eyes with her sleeve.

"Julie, your brother was courageous enough to go up against a demon named Dahok. This evil one spells the end for the gods and humans alike. He is lucky he survived," spoke Athena as Joseph shot her a mean stare. "I am sorry Joseph but the truth has to be told," apologies Athena as she saw the look of rage Joseph had in his eyes.

Instantly it dawned on Julie what was going on. Suddenly, her vision that she had by the entrance of the cave made sense. Though she did not have all the pieces, The puzzle was becoming very clear now.

"This is the same evil one that that Warrior Princess tried to stop all those years ago," she said with her eyes suddenly clear. There was no response. The gods looked at each other and Joseph turned away.

"Why? Why didn't you say anything?" Julie asked her voice filled with hurt as she turned to her brother.

"I wasn't sure," he lied and she could tell.

"Now what do we do?" Julie asked thinking it better to get to the solution instead of berate him for keeping her out of the loop. Again, no answers were fourth coming.

"Joseph, you know what you must do," Zeus softly spoke.

"What must you do?" asked Julie.

"I must go back in time. To where this warrior and her friend fought this demon and help her put an end to it," Joseph replied.

"Don't you mean we?" Julie questioned as she felt as though this was going to be one of those missions where she was going to be left behind.

"NO. I must go alone. I can't risk you being hurt or even killed," answered Joseph as he turned and looked at his sister. She could see his sincere worry in his eyes telling her that this was one undertaking he was not sure he could accomplish

"No way! I'm coming too. You can't leave me here, especially after what I've seen and what I've felt the last few weeks," fumed Julie. "I'm apart of all this too!"

"What do you mean what you've seen and what you've felt" asked Athena cutting in before Joseph and Julie tangled in an argument they've had before.

"I've had a feeling of dread, like something truly awful was going to happened for the last few weeks. An ache in my bones like the might fly apart at any given minute. Then, at the entrance at the cave, before I passed out, I saw a blonde woman. She was hovered over a large fire. The flames were all around working some kind of magic or something. Then she was saved. It was like i was looking through the person's eyes that saved her. I feel connected to whoever it was in the vision, or rather whosever eyes i was looking through," explained Julie.

Another pause of silence came. The gods looked at each other. They knew what this meant. However, they silently agreed no to say anything. "Joseph, it may be advantageous to take her with you," suggested Athena

"NO! Under no circumstances" disagreed Joseph.

"Well why the hell not?" stormed Julie getting up in her brothers face. "I have a stake in this too!"

Joseph if Julie can in fact sense the evil one before it emerged she may be able to tell where it is and help you put an end to it. And she does have a genuine connection to this." pointed out Hermes.

"NO! If it is as strong a it is now, there is no telling how much danger we could be in. I can't risk having to make sure she is alright while trying to combat it. As well as I've trained her and as good as she is in a fight, she wouldn't stand a chance against that thing," refuted Joseph

"Hey! Is this going to be any different from the time we faced that Hydra? Or how about the time you had to save my hide from that centaur tribe gone mad? HUH?!?! Look, I know the risks and if I can be of any help at all I don't wee why you don't want me to come! I have a feeling if I don't go I'm not going to be here when you get back..." Julie said.

Joseph threw up his hands and turned around in a rage. he knew that he would need all the help he could get. But h did not want to risk his sister's life. She was right, the hydra was a hairy situation, and she had almost bit the bulled with the clan of centaurs, But this was a few levels above those.

"Joseph, it is my advice that you take her with you. If she can sense the evil one she can tell if you if you indeed kill it and she can guide you in your quest." advised Athena. Joseph mulled the decision for several minutes.

"Fine you can go, But you have to promise me you will not get in harm's way!" demanded Joseph as he finally conceded.

"Scout's honor," Julie quickly accepted. However, she knew as well as he did that harm's way had a way of finding her anyhow.

"Zeus, Artemis said the gods would be of no help. Can you at least give me a time to go back to?" he asked as he calmed down.

"No, but Athena and I will send you there. You'll find everything you'll need once you arrive. We can send you when you are ready," informed the king of the gods.

"Fine. Sis, you ready?" asked Joseph still mulling his decision over to take her.

"As I'll ever be," she answered anxious for this new adventure.

"One thing, how will you know when to bring us back?" asked Joseph. Zeus suddenly made two rocks appear in his hands.

"Simple, just smash these two rocks together, and we shall bring you back," Zeus said.

"Alright lets do it," the hero said as he stuck the two rock into his pockets. Zeus and Athena nodded and asked everyone to stand clear. They proceeded to combine their powers. Instead of healing, a giant, oval void appeared. It swelled and then shrank erratically before it finally became stable.

"Hurry, go now!" ordered Athena as she and Zeus strained to keep it open. The siblings rushed forward after a seconds hesitation and in a blinking of an eye disappeared into the void seconds before it closed.

ha were hurtled thru a corridor thru space and time much like a roller coaster one could ride at a amusement park. It lasted only seconds but it was fast and wild then a portal opened up in front of them. They went careening into the light of day where they rolled to a stop in the middle of a forest.

"Whoa!" Joseph said as he found his feet. "That was one wild ride. I wonder how many people would pay...." he stopped mid sentence as he looked over at his sister. Julie had made it to her knees and proceeded to throw up what breakfast remained in her from earlier that morning. He sighed and kneeled next to her trying to keep her hair back for her. 'For someone who could look death in the face and laugh,' he thought amused, 'she sure has a sensitive stomach.' She finally finished and wiped her mouth on her sleeve.

"Yuck..." she grumped. "That is so gross i hate throwing up!" Joseph patted her back in sympathy.

"Its alright Jules the ride is over now and will be for a while," he tired to comfort her with a soft smile. Julie smiled back at him and nodded bring back her good mood. Laying behind them were a few supplies that apparently a god or two had sent along with them. They consisted of two good heavy blanketed bed rolls, a pan, a pot, two full water skins, and a three small packages that held a first aid kit of sorts with herbs and rags in one, in the second there was some flint an and a small amount of kindling, and in the third was a good supply of local money. There was also a set of chobos that had been sent specially for her along with a knife for each, a sword, and another larger package that contained a generous amount of food. In the bottom of the food satchel she also found some roughly styled plates, cuts and cutlery. There were definitely back in the old times. The coinage they had looked very old. As she looked thru the packages that looked more like small cinched leather purses she was amazed at how rough they would actually be roughing it.

"So Bro, Where in the hell are we?" she asked looking around.

"Ancient Greece that I know for sure. When well its all relative it doesn't really matter as long as we find those two women and stop that demon!" Joseph said. Julie nodded in agreement. They picked up the generous supplies and found conveniently they all fitted on the loops that hung from the bed rolls. They then strapped the packs on their backs.

"Where to?" they asked each other simultaneously. Joseph shrugged.

"I thought you were the guide on this one Jules," he said smiling. He knew she was loving that. She closed her eyes as if thinking or perhaps listening to something inside her no one else could hear. Upon her introspection, her sharp hearing picked up a sharp clanging in the distance. Something was wrong. Her eyes snapped open.

"This way. Hurry!" She took off through the trees before he could respond. She followed the sounds that turned into banging metal she knew had was fighting as well as grunts and groans punctuated by a few yells of pain. As they neared they heard one finally screech and a hard hit of a body on the ground. They battle had ceased.

They were barreling through the forest at top speed hoping they would make it on time to maybe save whoever was being attacked. As they cleared the brush they caught sight of 3 large men standing looking down. The marauders suddenly saw the two of them running full at them and decided whoever wasn't worth it and headed for the hills. The pair came to a small clearing in the trees to find a crumpled form of a young woman maybe 5 years or so older than Julie. She had on a green top and brown wrapped skirt that looked strangely familiar. Her long blond hair was a pool of golden strand around her head spotted by the odd leaf now tangled in it. Julie recognized her now as she leaned down to look into her face.

"Jay this is her this is Gabrielle!! I know it is!!! I heard whoever saved her from that fire call her name!" Joseph joined her near the fallen woman. Julie gently rolled her from her side onto her back so she could get a better look at her to see if they could do anything. His sister had taken up nursing as a side subject in school that he really only knew about. She had become very good at herbal therapy and natural medicines as well as modern techniques. She had studied countless surgical procedures and watched the medicine channel avidly. She would be quite the nurse if she had a mind to work in a hospital, but her knowledge had come in handy throughout there activities in strange unfamiliar places where she and her natural remedies had saved lives so many times he stopped counting.

Checking her vital signs by first feeling her pulse out the best she could with no second hand to count by which seemed pretty normal. She then tilted the woman's head back to check her breathing which still was fast from her exertion but solid and strong. Joseph saw her chest moving and figured she was alive. He had a basic first aid knowledge that had helped them out of tough scrapes but Julie was the medical expert so to speak on this crew.

Julie's hands quickly moved down the females supine body, along all her limb feeling for broken bones and looking for anything out of the ordinary. Concluding there was nothing majorly wrong with her she searched her hairline for any bumps and found a doozy above her right temple. Julie winced as she saw the purple and blue marks beginning to show.

"Poor thing she's gonna have one hell of a headache when she wakes. But nothings broken she's got a bad cut on the side of her leg where it looks like a sword might have grazed her it could use a few stitches but I don't want to do anything till we get someplace we can make came and care for her. We're sure as hell not leaving her out here by herself." Julie looked at Joseph as he nodded. After Julie wrapped one of the strips of cloth around the blonde's cut, Joseph stood up and looked around for a decent place to camp. He saw a large rock formation, that started into the hills to the north, and figured there would probably be some sort of out cropping that might protect them from any unaccepted weather changes as their new charge recuperated.

"Come on," he said bending to pick Gabrielle up. " There should be some caves that way," he nodded toward the rock formation, "and we'll be safe there while you take care of her." He began to walk in a northerly direction as Julie followed close behind his lead caring the woman's fallen staff. The woman in his arms was surprisingly light but he could tell she was solid in her compact form. She looked like she had a vulnerability about her that set his protective instincts into high gear, almost like his sister did. He could tell she was maybe 20 but must have had a great deal of experience in fighting to have held off three men two of which twice her size off for a long time.

They walked in silence, Julie concentrating on what she was going to do when then made a camp and Joseph on the mystery at hand. As they reached the large rocky structure looming before them Joseph kept a keen eye out for anything that might resemble a cave. Not far away from where they were approaching it, he saw a shallow indentation in the rock that would serve there purpose and keep them mostly out of the weather. "There," he called back to his sister over his shoulder. Julie looked up and saw what he was talking about.

"Looks good bro nice work." They walked up to the small depression and saw it was only maybe 10 paces deep. Joseph walked into the back of the cavern and placed his burden gently on the ground. Julie followed him and put her pack down a foot away and then helping him off with his. "I'm gonna need a fire Jay," she said to him looking at Gabrielle. She untied her bed roll and laid it out. "Can you put her on here it'll be more comfortable for her." Joseph shook his head.

"You know you are too sweet for your own good," he said as a backhanded compliment as he did what she asked settling Gabrielle on the blankets. "OK I'm going to go get some fire wood you stay here and don't move I don't want anything happening to you while I'm gone!" Julie nodded. "Alright I'll be back in a few," he took one last look and watched her stroke her face tenderly. He shook his head again. 'Doesn't even know the woman and she's already getting attached,' he thought, 'she has a big heart and sometimes I worry about that....'

He went off to the right where he had seen some smaller dried branches that had fallen off an old tree on there way to the cave. He bent down to pick up them, gathering them in his arms along with some kindling on the forest floor.

Back at the camp site Julie had cleared a spot of all the brush and dead things rotting on the forest floor and proceeded to put some stones in a circle to contain their evenings fire. She quickly delved into one of the leather satchels and pulled out a hunk of cheese and some travelers bread and snacked for a while. She watched the woman she knew now as Gabrielle closely to make sure she was alright. 'I wonder where Xena Warrior Princess is' she pondered, 'from the vision I would think she would be here to protect this person, they seemed oftly close.' She looked down into her patients face and then scanned her body once more making sure she didn't miss anything. She finally noticed a gold band on her finger that she hadn't before and picked her hand up gently to look at the delicate piece of jewelry. "Wow, pretty," she said off handedly to no one unparticular. 'She's married,' the thought popped into her mind. 'To the warrior woman? Did they do that kinda thing back then?' she snorted, 'Could anyone have stopped her?' She laughed to herself putting her hand down.

Suddenly Julie felt a presence that was not Joseph. It felt strangely familiar but not at all peaceful. She knew there was someone out there. Damn where was her brother when she needed him. She sat there beside the comatose woman and automatically repositioned herself nonchalantly in between what ever was out there and Gabrielle.

In the bushes out of view the watcher saw the move and took it completely the opposite of what it had meant. The newcomer had thought the girl was going at Gabrielle and decided to make her move.

Julie heard the underbrush give way to a large body as she turned around to see what came at her. IT was a tall muscular warrior woman with long black hair, and she was headed strait for her in full attack mode! Her sword was held high and was closing in on Julie fast.

"NOOOOOOOOOOOOO," Julie cried arms raised and closing her eyes. But her scream of alarm was stopped suddenly when she heard metal hit metal.

Joseph had heard the foot steps get closer to him from the direction they had come, and knew that who ever it was, was headed toward his sister. He had dropped the wood into a pile he could come back and collect and had run to aid her. Just as he ran back to camp he had seen the woman coming at the cave sword drawn meant for a death blow. His had just cleared the scabbard on his back in time to stop her from entering the cave.

Their swords met with a loud clang as her momentum drove him into the cave a pace or two. He held the her there momentarily digging his sword into hers. "What the hell are you doing you mad woman?!?!?" he yelled at her. He was pissed.

She threw his weight off her with a flick of her sword and jumped back. "What have you done to her," the attacking woman hollered as she met him with another down stroke. Joseph deflected it easily and threw her weight back this time making her retreat a step. Joseph kept his moves defensive till he could gather what her major malfunction was.

"What is your problem lady? Your the one that almost smited my sister! And if you had you would have been really sorry," he told her and meant it. Julie had seen him once what he did to those that hurt her. When that Centaur had bound her so tight her wrists bled and smacked full across the mouth for screaming he had killed him on sight with no qualms no remorse. He had no pity for those who chose to use her to get to him, it was just asking for a death sentence. Julie was beginning to believe that this warrior was much like her brother in that respect. The swords clashed again and something sparkled in the sunlight filtering thru the trees. It has glinted off a small band on the warriors hand. She knew then.

"JAY..." she called out trying to reason with him.

"Not now Julie!" he grated thru gritted teeth. It was no use for them. She just sat back next to Gabrielle and figured they would sort it out probably before killing each other.

"What did you do to her?!?!!?" the irate warrior shouted at him again. She stepped back and tried a lower sweep toward Josephs ribs which he deflected with a low block.

"Jesus, woman! We didn't do anything to her! We FOUND HER like that you crazy bitch!" Joseph repelled another slice toward his chest. Suddenly the fight stopped. The raven haired warrior halted mid stroke. His lack of aggression in the fight caused her pause after his words finally registered in her brain. She still held up her weapon menacingly not quite ready to give up the ghost.

"What do you mean found her like that?!?!"

"Finally!" Joseph exclaimed. "I wondered how long it was gonna take you to listen! By the God's!" he threw up his hands.

Julie stood up after she felt the blonde start to move, "If you two are done making asses of yourselves Gabrielle is coming around!" They both looked at each other and then back at her. They were both half stunned at her forwardness, but Jay knew she had figured it out before they had. Both the warriors came into the cave and walked toward the supine form and the girl sitting over her. Joseph kneeled behind Julie and the other woman crouched her knees next to Gabrielle taking her limp hand lovingly. Joseph got a good look at the warriors face for the first time and saw the startling familiar piercing blue stare back at him. 'Those are Julie's eyes,' he thought, 'never in anywhere else in the world have i seen that color she inherited them from this woman this was Xena!' Gabrielle continued her struggle to move through the fog in her brain toward consciousness.

"Jeez, I know blondes are bred to be dumb, but damn are brunettes thick! OOF" Julie elbowed him squarely in the bread basket for that little comment. Not only did she not like being teased about her hair color she didn't need their new guest up in arms again.

"You'll have to excuse him. He hasn't had a nap today." Xena's menacing look turned to one of mild amusement as she took in the two people in front of her. For the first time she looked into Julies eyes. They both felt the connection deeply. That was defiantly similar to what she had been feeling in her bones but it didn't feel exactly the same. At times she would catch her brother on occasion marveling at her eye color when she pinned him with a stare now she knew what it felt like to get lost in those icy depths.

Xena couldn't believe it. She was looking into her own eyes and she knew it. This girl was somehow related to her she could feel it as apart of her. It reassured her instantly and she searched the young girls face and smiled at her softly her mean mask falling abruptly. So fast that Julie and Joseph were caught off guard by the sudden change in her demeanor. Suddenly, Gabrielle moaned.

Xena's hand moved to her face. The warrior caressed the side of her check as she called to her, "Gabrielle?"

"See what I mean?" Joseph said under his breath which was followed by another elbow to the ribs. "Damn girl will you stop that!"

"Then shut up!" Julie retorted. "Your being rude save you flattery for when they have a mind to defend themselves smartass." Joseph conceded to this statement with a nod. Julie had one this round, she smirked. Gabrielle moaned again trying to make sense of her surroundings.

"What happened to her?" Xena asked softly not taking her eyes off Gabrielle. Julie spoke up.

"We found her unconscious on the ground Xena," She started Xena was surprised she knew her name but not to much so after all they had to be related somewhere along the line. "We heard fight as we were...." She stopped suddenly thinking what would be wise to tell her. They didn't need to go into everything yet. "As we were traveling," she finished her thought. "Three men were attacking her two much bigger then her. We came across just as the fight ended. It appeared one of the larger ones got behind her and beaned her with something hard. I did all I could for her considering how and where we found her I was waiting for the wood my brother was getting so I could boil some water for some willow bark tea and to disinfect my needle and thread. She has a cut that could use a couple of stitches."

Xena was impressed. "Are you a healer? You are sort of young to be one."

"I am among other things." Julie smiled wide and genuinely. "I'm Julie and the man you clashed with is my brother Joseph."

"Well you already seem to know me and my partner here," Xena said with a hint of bemusement in her voice. "So now I guess were even." She threw a look over my shoulder at Joseph.

"He always all mouth?" Xena asked

"Predominantly yes." She answered with a giggle as Joseph poked her "Well you are and you know it Goof ball." Gabrielle chose that moment to open her eyes as Xena returned her gaze to her.

"Xena?" She asked confused.

"Don't worry love, I'm here," she said giving her a kiss on the head. ignoring the look Joseph was giving her. To her surprise Julie had a look of tenderness as she heard the endearment.

"Where in Hades am I?" She asked groggily.

"Your safe Gabrielle," she repeated. "Do you remember what happened?" she asked testing her memory. Gabrielle nodded and then cried out. "Hold still! Your gonna hurt yourself worse!" Tears leaked from the smaller woman eyes. Xena sighed softly. "Its alright, we'll get you fixed up ok?" This time a squeeze on her hand signified a positive answer. "OK" she said.

"I remember those three thugs! I was doing good too! Damn that third one I thought he was already down. He must have come to and clobbered me!"

"That sounds about right," Julie piped up. Gabrielle turned her head carefully to look at who the voice belonged to. Her breath caught. 'Those eyes' she thought, 'those are Xena's eyes oh wow!' Gabrielle smiled at her weakly. She rolled her blue signal flares into the back of her head. 'Damn now everyone knows just by looking at me' she sighed, 'oh well its good its out now I guess.' So she opened her eyes and smiled back at Gabrielle.

"We scared the men who attacked you away before the could really hurt you. My brother carried you to here where I've been setting up camp and watching out for you. Your...warrior here kinda surprised us," she giggled as Gabrielle looked up a Xena questioningly as to what had transpired between the three who had been conscious. Xena rolled her eyes and ignored her look. "Anyway," Joseph butted in " Here we are and that's that so now what?" Again Julie rolled her eyes.

"Would you like something to help you with that head ache Gabrielle?" Julie got a wider smile and took that as a yes and got up to boil some water. "I assume you will be taking care of the rest." She looked over at Xena as she took out the pot. Xena nodded and smiled her gratitude.

"So you know who I am then," She looked at Joseph as if getting down to business.

"Yes, I do we are on a mission. And your part of it." he said not mincing words. "Both of you," he looked from one woman to another. Xena spared a glance Julie's way and then looked directly at my brother. She was still building a good fire for making tea and Gabrielle was watching the two warriors above her in their strained truce.

"Its a long story," Joseph said looking at me and then back at Xena.

"One best told over full stomachs and calmed nerves," I told them over my shoulder. "And I think my friend here will agree, right Gabrielle?" Gabrielle laughed softly.

"Yes and when this headache is not so bad. I don't think I could take you two getting into it." Julie rolled her eyes.

"Tell me about it," the teenager replied. "I thought these two were gonna go at it till one was bleeding before they figured it out." Joseph huffed.

"Oh and you had it all figured out did you??!" he asked testily. Julie walked over to the three in the back of the cave, with a steaming cup of willow bark tea. She kneeled down and handed the cup off to Xena.

"Thank you," she said pulling Gabrielle into her arms. Xena sat herself against the cave wall and place her wife into her lap. With one arm wrapped around the blonde's shoulders and one hand on the cup she helped Gabrielle take in the whole mixture. Julie smiled and then glanced at her brother.

"To answer you question, yes I did!" she shot back. "I tried to tell you but you hollered at me. I figured you both of you would eventually find out that we weren't enemies just didn't know how many body parts we'd need to reattach." At this a stress reducing laugh flowed through the small party and everyone finally relaxed including Joseph who had still been on edge. Calmed but still curious Joseph looked at his sister.

"And by the way just how did you figure out it was them?" Xena decided just to hold on to Gabrielle in her lap while the pain killers took effect. Even though she had put forth a cheery face toward the new comers she knew her bard better. She could feel the slight shake in her body that stemmed from the pain. Julie looked at Gabrielle and reached for her hand and stopped just short of touching her.

" May I?" she asked acutely aware of how new this tentative partnership was. Gabrielle nodded and Julie picked up her hand splaying her fingers. "See Joseph she had a ring on." Joseph was confused.

"How in the devil did that help you? It's just a ring! Lots of women wear rings!"

"Yes dear brother they do but I saw its mate in the sword fight," Xena held out her left hand to demonstrate. Joseph smacked his forehead. "I knew they're was a special bond between them I felt it in my vision!" Xena exchanged looks with Gabrielle.

"What do you mean vision and felling our bond?" Xena asked suspiciously. Julie held her hands up in a defensive manner.

"Its not my fault! It was when I came across that damn evil god! A wave of negative energy hit me and it seems I was watching a certain time in your life unfold." Julie looked back at Joseph and then back at Xena. "I think its time we had our talk before we get you confused." Xena was not liking this one bit. They sure knew a lot for people they had just met.

"Alright lets have your story now. It seems you both know a hole lot more than your letting on." Joseph nodded. Julie got up and went back to the fire.

"I need some more wood to get this blaze going so I can put a pot of stew on. Gabrielle, can I trust you to keep our warriors from killing each other?" she smiled. Gabrielle chuckled softly.

"Yeah now that I'm in Xena's lap I don't think she'll be moving," the smaller woman gave her a pointed look. "And your brother over there doesn't seem the type to attack a poor helpless maiden." Xena and Joseph both snorted.

"Helpless indeed," Xena mumbled which got her a light smack from the reclined bard.

"Alright, you lot behave I'll be back in a few. Maybe you can get them up to speed while I'm gone huh?" Joseph nodded.

"Be careful!" the warriors said in unison. Julie shook her head and Gabrielle snorted. Julie disappeared in the underbrush.

Xena looked down an caught Gabrielle's attention. "I need to suture a cut on your leg now before it gets infected. Julie did a good job of bandaging it but she said it needed stitches. The bard sighed.

"Do you have to?" Xena gave her the look

"Now don't you start that its hard enough as it is," the warrior warned. Gabrielle leaned back and closed her eyes. Xena used the rest of the hot water to clean the now unbandaged cut. She then used some powder she had to disinfect it.

"So how did you come to be alone out here then Gabrielle?" The woman rolled her eyes at Joseph.

"Believe it or not to save time I decided to go gather wood for our fire tonight while Xena was out hunting. We decided to top early to catch up on some much needed rest. That is when I was ambushed by those creatons." she blushed. "I was kinda distracted." She burrowed her face into Xena's chest to cover her embarrassment. Xena stroked her hair affectionately and bent her head to give her a soft kiss which the bard returned.

"It's ok my bard it happens to the best of us." Xena comforted.

"Not you!" came the muffled reply from where the bards head layed on her warriors chest.

"No not usually one of us has to keep it up all the time," she replied seriously. Gabrielle only nodded. "So how about you warrior? How did you come to be out here in the wilderness with that girl? She is quite a spitfire." Xena commented off handedly.

"You know she's of your blood don't you?" Xena nodded. "The eyes gave her away." He stated.

"Oh yeah," Gabrielle said rejoining the conversation.

"Where did you find her? Are you really her brother? Do you know how she is related to me?" Xena had many questions about this girl she wanted to reach out and welcome as family, Gabrielle she knew would have the same inclinations. "I'll need to thank her when she gets back." Xena commented.

"Why is that?" the bard asked.

"For taking such good care of my wife," the warrior answered with a fond smile. She turned her attention to Joseph who was deliberating in his brain on just how to answer her questions.

"OK," he started. "Here goes. In the future, way in the future, over two thousand years from now, A god named Dahok is going to awaken from the earth." This brought a worried expression to Xena's face and a pained one to Gabrielle's. "My father is Zeus, I am a half-god like Hercules. Dahok is at full strength in my time and apparently this is the time and place where we can stop him. They sent me back here to find you two and help you defeat him once and fore all. Julie is bound to this through you Xena. She is my half sister both her mother and father are human. She must be related to you through her fathers side for we share the same mother. But something happens in this time-line that is threatening to wipe her out from the fabric of history. I can't let that happen!" He said looking at her.

"No we can't," Xena stated ominously. " I see a lot of me in that young girl. Tell me about her, tell me about the vision."

"As far as the vision you'll have to ask her. She didn't go into very much detail. But she....she is one in a million. She is so smart it scares me sometimes, that and those damn instincts of hers! Its uncanny! She can detect if anything is off from miles away before anything happens. Her senses are sharp, sharper that most. I've trained her in various survival techniques as well as her chosen weapon, the chobos. She could very well master every weapon if she wanted to but she prefers to caring around something she doesn't necessarily have to kill with to prevent injury to herself. But let me tell you she can be deadly. Once when a centaur got the best of me she went through three of them, breaking limbs and knocking them dead before I could blink it was something else. Its the one thing she keeps very hidden inside herself I guess. But as you can see her nature is so sweet. She's a good nurse or healer as you would say better than most I've come across. She has such a childish air about her sometimes it makes me nuts. She has got the instincts of a seasoned fighter and the skill to back it up, but 99% of the time that driven hard edge fighting spirit is over road by her sweet nature."

Xena took this in and glanced down at Gabrielle who was looking up at her. "It looks like most of your innate skills get passed down the line love." She smiled affectionately. Xena returned it with a half grin. "That and your eyes. I thought I was seeing double for a second there." Xena chuckled low in her throat something Gabrielle felt more than heard.

"The only thing that disturbs me that maybe you could clarify was what Ares said." Xena's expression hardened Joseph noticed the change immediately. 'The warrior mask is in place again' Gabrielle thought. She rubbed Xena's arm bring her back to the conversation.

"What did he say?" Xena responded icily.

"He wants my sister." He replied back. "When I confronted him about the trouble he was stirring up in the middle east in my time. He told me about how my sister was related to you. He could see the skills she possessed and he wanted back what he had with you." Gabrielle suddenly went still. Both the couple sitting in front of him seemed motionless. Blue eyes met the green ones of her lover.

"We won't let that happen if he goes after her in this time I'll deal with him we have old scores to settle. I can handle him."

"Here he has you though. Its the future I worry about. He may go after here when we get back." Xena's eyes took on a far away look. Gabrielle lifted an hand and stroked her cheek.

"Do you think she inherited my darkness as well, my love?" she asked sadly full of remorse. Gabrielle looked deep in her eyes.

"I don't know. But if she has any of that in her she has much more of you best qualities I can see it in her. She has a softer nature than you, dear heart. If its in there you can talk to her about it and help her with it. That's a gift you can give her." Xena smiled into her partners face and nodded. Gabrielle felt the weight lift off of Xena's shoulders and leaned up to brush her lips against her partner's.

"I will once I have a chance to talk to her alone I will. She needs to know." Joseph was thoroughly confused by the tender exchanged.

"Huh?" Gabrielle looked up at Xena their eyes met and then the warriors found the ground. Gabrielle took the initiative to explain.

"Xena is Ares chosen. She has his gift. It allows her to do some miraculous things but it also makes her susceptible to the dark side of human nature. It feeds on battle lust and draws one into a blackness that is almost impossible to escape from. But she did and now she fights for good. She is afraid your sister might have inherited some of that dark gift." Joseph nodded in understanding.

"It would be a good idea to talk to her then," He said. Julie walked out of the bushes hearing the tail end of the conversations about Ares with her arms loaded with wood. Joseph quickly got up to help her. She unloaded her arms into her brothers and shook them out getting the feeling back down to her hands.

"Is that the god who came and visited me then?" She asked rhetorically.

"What do you mean the god that visited you?!!??!" Joseph halted his walking and stared at her.

"Well its not my fault! I was just walking along the fault line and then I felt someone there! I kept walking he kept watching and finally the creep factor was too high so I just told him to come on out. He appeared before me and began offering me to be his queen or some crap like that. He must have been comparing my to Xena cuz he was going on and on about how long he waited to look into "those" eyes again. He also knew I had extraordinary skills but it did catch him off guard that I knew he was about before he appeared," she commented proudly. Xena nodded and gave her a half grin. Both she an Joseph sat down by the fire.

"Looks like she's got that too, Hun." Gabrielle commented. Xena chuckled

"Got what?" Joseph asked.

"I can sense when gods are about also. No one I know can do that save now for you." Xena looked directly into eyes that exactly mirrored her own. She felt the relation bone deep, as did Julie. It felt kind of funny but good at the same time like a familiar warmth on a spring day. Both grinned.

"Well it helps living with a half god I can sense him very well course he is blood too. We kinda have a link of sorts that he can tell when I'm in trouble unfortunately its one sided so I have to work with what I got."

Xena's expression turned suddenly serious thinking about her confrontation with Ares. "Tell me, what did it feel like to be near him." Julie looked down at the ground avoiding every ones eyes. Xena took that as a bad sign. She needed to do this chat alone with her. Xena put a hand out and found her cheek and pulled her face up to her eye level. " We can discuss it later," she said softly as her thumb stroked the side of the girls face once. "Just you and me and you can tell me then. Ok?" Julie nodded. "Ok." She answered herself and pulled her hand away from her face letting her fingers trail across her cheek extending the contact for a moment. Julie smiled at her a little gratefully. Her brother however, watched the exchange fearfully. There was something more she was not saying at this point that unnerved him to no end. There must be more to this chat with Ares then what she had let on. But he knew as he looked at the woman warrior that she was defiantly in good hands on the subject so he let it go somewhat and deferred to Xena's extended experience on the subject.

Julie quickly built up a good blaze to start a large pot of water boiling again for their supper. She went about her tasks quietly deep in thought. Gabrielle watched her with sad eyes knowing she was confused and probably feeling ashamed at something she had no control over. Xena did the only thing she could to bring the two of them comfort and hugged the bard to her. Deep conversation for basically strangers it had taken a toll on the women and worried Joseph.

"Tell us about the vision," Gabrielle interceded into the silence. Julie sighed. Joseph watched her the hole time he was deep in thought about everything that was being said. He learned more being just watching the three women especially his sister and Xena interact.

"Yes I think its time we had the details on that sis."

"That I don't think you want me to tell out loud it seemed pretty intense something you may not want to relive in my words." She worried about her new friend it seemed to have upset her quit a bit in her vision. She didn't want to open up old wounds. Gabrielle and Xena glanced at each other and then at her. Xena repositioned Gabrielle now so that she was reclining against her chest but was sitting forward now to fully join the conversation looking at everyone. Xena wrapped her arms around the bard tightly as the smaller woman laid the back her head down on Xena's broad shoulder.

"Its important we know Julie," Xena said now prepared for what ever it was. Gabrielle held on to her too. "Don't spare any details on our account we can handle it." Julie hesitated. Joseph wrapped a warm arm around her as she set the pot to boil.

"Come on Jules, we need to know," her brother coax.

"OK," she shrugged resolutely. She closed her eyes trying to remember. "It seems I was watching it unfold through your eyes Xena probably cuz we're blood. I watched Gabrielle getting lifted up over some inferno with flames all round her. I heard your thoughts Xena and felt what you felt and heard you calling out to her. I felt your body jump the pit and then felt the temple falling down around you." She opened their eyes to see Gabrielle's shut tightly and Xena's pained expression. "I'm sorry, I tried to tell you. But I knew form what I had seen that that was the start of this hole Evil god mess." Xena nodded in confirmation of her analysis and hugged her soulmate. Gabrielle just remained silent. Julie sighed and then something popped in her head. "There was one thing that was good in that hole scary situation," Julie commented. Gabrielle's eyes found the girls. A small smile played on Julie's lips.

"What could possibly have been good about that?" Gabrielle's voice was strained with emotion.

"I felt your bond," she told her quietly. "No matter was happening during that time I felt that two way connection between the two of you it was awesome! I had no idea that people could be bound like that. There were a myriad of sensations running thru that link but the strongest through all of them was and over abundance of love that it nearly made my heart overflow!" Gabrielle smiled at her she could tell what she was doing and was grateful. Julie was so surprised when the bard sat up and yanked her into a hug that she let out a startled yelp.

Xena watched the whole scene with a peaceful bemusement that broke the tension that had been mounting to shards. Joseph on the other hand rolled his eyes when Julie had gone into her long winded description of what she had felt. Xena had caught his expression of slight boredom and annoyance and snorted. 'Apparently he's not much for mushy stuff,' Xena thought, 'I'm not normally either but in this case in the presence of these two women its nice.' She felt a kinship to Julie already it was surprising how fast she had slipped into mother role so quickly she was kind of taken aback by the hole encounter. She shrugged to herself and let it go there was nothing she could do about it, she didn't even think she wanted to.

The water finally was boiling and Julie rummaged through their food stuffs and found some dried veggies but not enough dried meat. Xena had to go run get their gear any how so she deposited her precious burden on to Julie's outspread blankets again and stretched.

"Our camp isn't far from here probably only a 30 minute walk or so there and back. I'll go collect Argo and our belongings and be right back." She kneeled down next to Gabrielle. "Will you be alright?" she asked as she took the bards hand and touched it to her lips.

"Yes I think so I'm in capable hand apparently." She giggled lightly.

"You will have enough meet then for all of us?" Julie asked looking up at Xena. Xena nodded. Given the way things started out between the four of them Julie had and idea that would probably smooth things over. "Jay why don't you go with her? You could help her get their stuff faster."

Joseph looked at Xena and then back at her. He shrugged and got to his feet. "Alright I need to get some of this energy out any how," He said stretching. He walked over to where Xena was standing at the far end of the cave by the mouth. "I guess I've been volunteered to go." Xena chuckled and turned to leave. She put her sword back in its sheath on her back and straitened her leathers.

They both looked back at us as if debating on actually leaving us alone or not. Xena looked between Julie and Gabrielle. "You in good enough shape to take care of my partner there?" Xena asked smiling. Gabrielle snorted in response and Julie laughed. "She can get into quite a bit of trouble as you saw earlier today." Gabrielle looked indignant.

"Hey! IT wasn't my fault! I was just gathering wood damn it!" Xena looked at her.

"Uh huh, it doesn't take much for you to find trouble does it?"

"I don't go looking for it. It finds me!" Joseph started laughing. Xena gave him an odd look.

"What?" Joseph asked through his laughter. "I just have this conversation with Julie all the time! I swear if she is half the trouble magnet Julie is were in deep!" Joseph chortled loudly. Xena was not immune to the amusement being displayed. She also chuckled under her breath. They were both getting glares from their respective side kicks.

"Alright I think we can trust them to stay out of trouble for the time being." Xena said relenting. Joseph pulled himself together and followed her out into the woods.

Julie rolled her eyes and Gabrielle huffed. "Darn them anyhow!" she said crossing her arms.

"Yeah I know but it's kinda true I do have a knack for having trouble on me heals." Julie conceded. Much to Gabrielle's chagrin she admitted the same thing. They both laughed and their laughed followed the warriors as walked through the wood.

Xena heard their laughter and smiled as they walked. Joseph grinned also. He thought for a while as they walked in relative silence. "I guess were family of sorts," Xena commented. Joseph thought a moment.

"I suppose your right about that," he said in response.

"Do you suppose we ought to make and attempt to get along for the girls sake?" Xena smiled.

"I don't see any harm in keeping the peace. I'm not scared so much about what you'll do as I am at what she'll do. She can have quite a temper on her," chuckled Joseph. Xena grinned.

"Oh I have an idea. My partner can be quite persuasive when she wants to. In truth I just try to keep her happy," Xena said wistfully. She had no idea where that had come from or why she had said it to Joseph of all people. They were family however, and she felt comfortable around them all the sudden.

"Yeah," he agreed. "But keeping her safe is a full time job in its self. Luckily, she has finally reached a point I don't have to baby sit her any more." Xena nodded.

"Gabrielle had no skills to speak of when we started traveling. But now she is quite deadly with her staff. I trust almost no one else to watch my back."

"You know they are going to give us hell while the four of us are together." Joseph stated. Xena shrugged. Suddenly as they were walking she felt the air shift and they eyes of an invisible entity upon her. Joseph instinctively felt it to. It was part of who he was. Xena just had a gift for the feeling. She shot him a glance that he read as keep walking and pretend you don't feel it. So they did but their idol chatter stopped. This was her time, so Joseph let her lead. He knew that anyone here would not know who he was. Xena turned to her left.

"Alright Ares come out! This game is already getting old!" She snapped at the empty space. Eventually after a strained silence a shimmering form appeared and melted into the god.

"What the Hades do you want now?!?!" Xena queried guardedly. Joseph pulled his sword free holding it defensively.

"Ah, Xena, I see you have company," his attention turned to Joseph. "You are a half breed! I can feel it! Where did you come from? Another one of out extended family just what we need!"

"Never mind him! It is none of you business Ares. What have you come for?" Xena got in his face.

"If you insist on being that way, I came to pay my favorite prodigal a visit that's all." he said oozing with wicked charm.

"I don't have time for your depraved wooing now Ares. I have important things to do. More important than to listen to your prattle." Xena said turning and continued to walk. Joseph followed behind her staying silent barely keeping his temper in check. Ares took one more shot at the warriors rising ire. He knew this would provoke her.

"You know that girl who is with that annoying blonde of yours she looks quite familiar. I wonder why?" He asked airily. Joseph knew who he was talking about and tackled Ares to the ground. His body was flying before anyone knew what was going on. The side stepped Xena just watched to see what would happen. She didn't want Julies brother being hurt but Ares did deserve it. He had egged her on to far and unbeknownst to him he had also goaded the half god along with her.

"YOU STAY AWAY FROM HER YOU BASTARD!!" he yelled as he launched himself. Ares and Joseph wrestled on the ground pretty evenly matched. Ares took a fist in the face and Joseph got it returned with one to the stomach. Joseph rolled with punch off of Ares and onto his feet where he pulled his sword from its sheath on his back. Ares rolled to his knees and his sword appeared in his hand just in time to block Josephs down swipe aiming to take off his head. Joseph pushed his advantage and used his superior position to put his weight onto his arms. Ares was taking most of Joseph weight on this sword and to his astonishment his arms were giving. Ares shot a quick glance at Xena.

"Who are you!??" He hollered at Joseph. He didn't answer, he just yelled in anger as he picked up his sword for another vicious slice. Ares blocked it once more deflecting it readily. The momentum Joseph had thrown into his stroke made him go off balance long enough for Ares to kick him in the ribs and send him to the ground. But Joseph rebounded and got standing again. He faked a short jab right and then switched and came down hard with his sword to the left, narrowly missing the god by millimeters but not his clothes. This surprised Ares when he looked down to find his clothes cut. Xena finally stepped in.

She stood in between them. Joseph immediately stopped as she turned her back to his incoming thrust. She had to repel Ares stroke aimed towards Joseph mid section. "Alright!" She shouted. "That's enough!" She turned to Joseph. "I know there's bad blood but there is plenty of time to take care of that." She winked. "As for you Ares. You leave that girl alone! You know very well why she seems familiar and your not going to screw with anything related to me! GOT IT? Any day your around is the wrong side of the bed roll! NOW LEAVE!!" Ares sighed. He wasn't going to get anywhere today. So with that he disappeared. Xena turned to Joseph.

"Are you ok?" she asked. Joseph nodded.

"I won't let him have her EVER." He swore adamantly. Xena put a hand on his shoulder.

" Don't worry neither will I. We're family gotta watch out for that kid. World needs people like them, Gabrielle and her." Xena said her thoughts wondering. Joseph new that tone, he had felt it too.

"Yes," he said. "But, the world needs people like us to protect the people like them." He said with a grin. Xena returned it.

Xena and Joseph had settled into a comfortable banter of small talk as they walked thru the forest. Joseph began to wonder vaguely about how she had found them so fast.

"Xena," he started. "Do you mind if I ask you something?" Xena looked at him for a moment as if considering and then shrugged.

"Go ahead."

"How did you find me and Julie so fast?"

"Well, My partner and I share a bond. I can feel what she is feeling most of the time. The stronger emotions like pain and fear and love I am able to feel stronger. I can tell when she is in trouble. Gabrielle can also feel what I feel but she is more sensitive to my moods because of the link. I cant even hide mild bruise from that woman any more," Xena chuckled. Joseph did to.

"Is that why you jumped all over us? Because of what she felt up until she had been knocked out?" Xena nodded. "And since you didn't have any other feelings to judge us on you assumed we had hurt her." Xena nodded again.

"Yeah, sorry bout that. It seems since the joining ceremony the connection has been on overload. My protective instincts kick in before my brain does sometimes. It was there somewhat before we married but now that we are fully bonded mind, body and soul, we're still trying to work with it." Joseph thought for a second.

"Because Julie and I are blood and because of the god thing, we seemed to have developed a one way tie between her and I. I can always tell when she is in danger. I get a good shot of fear when she's really afraid and I can tell when she hurt also. But that is the extent of it. We probably developed it because of the missions we undertake."

"That does make sense with your powers. However with Gabrielle and I have an empathy toward each other because we are soulmates. It is unusual, from what I've heard to actually find a soul mate. And rarer still to have bonded. But it does come in handy if not annoying sometimes when you can't hide anything from your better half." Xena walked along grinning like an idiot but she didn't seem to care thinking about Gabrielle. Joseph watched her from the corner of his eye and smiled. At least they had found some happiness. Josephs thoughts turned to the situation at hand as they broke in the clearing Xena and Gabrielle had stopped in earlier.

Xena started to walk around the site picking stuff up into her arms and then headed toward a golden palomino who was standing relaxed in the shade of a tree.

"You don't tie your horse up?" Joseph asked. Xena shook her head.

"No need to she is battle trained and wouldn't go with anyone but me or Gabrielle. She has a loyalty only to me. Even if she wanders off she stays with in earshot so I can whistle for her." Joseph looked impressed. He walked thru the camp heading toward the horse too picking up odds and ends. They put what they carried into Argo's saddle bags.

"So um..." Joseph started uncomfortably. "Um... What was with Julie's vision?"

"That was the beginning of worst couple months in our entire life." she said stone cold. "I'll not get into it. If there is anything important as we go along I'll inform you. But that is off limits. It was hard enough to dredging it up this afternoon for Gabrielle." Joseph sighed but nodded understanding. "Then just one more question. You have a son?" Xena nodded but didn't reply verbally right away.

"Why" was all she asked.

"It important to this hole mess," he answered not going into it all the way. They made one more sweep of the camp and started back.

There was silence for a few minutes but the tension finally dissipated and Joseph broke the quiet. "So how much does Gabrielle hate being called a side kick?" Xena snorted.

"I have never attempted to call her that she has always been a friend or my partner but other people have gotten the wrong end of her sharp tongue when they call her that. It does make her feel like she's not that important to me when she is everything." Xena stated. Joseph was grinning.

"Julie is my sister alright, she means the world to me. But it is sooooo much fun to tease her! Once she chased me for 5 miles trying to get me. Of course I out ran her but she gave me a run for my money." Joseph chortled. Xena grinned back at him.

"Being connected to Gabrielle we have to be really careful what we say to each other." Joseph nodded in agreement.

"You ever have to leave her behind?" Joseph asked.

"I used to when it was safer to leave her in the inns to tell stories than take her with me when she was still developing her skills. Although I never wanted her out of my sight after weighing the options that usually ended up being the safest solution." Joseph snorted

"Yeah sometimes I have to leave Julie out of stuff too. Oh does she get mad, She's even followed me a few times and gotten herself hurt. But she has finally started to listen cuz I trust her more I guess and she defers to my knowledge of what she can handle and what she can't."

"I remember those days. Gabrielle would get tired of waiting and follow me also." Xena chuckled remembering.

They neared the rock cave that they had left their family. As they come out of the wood they found the camp quiet. Xena let go of Argo's reigns and looked around. They continued into the cavern and all the way to the back where Julie and Gabrielle were both laying on the open bedroll looking very relaxed and peaceful. Xena knelt next to the two sleeping forms inspecting her wife's pallor. She looked fairly good considering she had been knocked out hours earlier. Joseph tapped Xena on the shoulder and motioned to the front of the cave. Xena nodded. She then got to her feet and went to Argo's saddle bags and pulled out a small cloth bundle and went over to the pot and dumped half of it in. The stew would be good and thick in a few hours when they were ready to eat.

Xena and Joseph sat next to the camp fire exchanging small talk as they waited for the other two to wake. They had decided to wait out the day were they were to let Gabrielle rest and apparently Julie too.

"Why do you suppose you sister is so tired?" Xena glance back at the slumbering pair.

"The time travel and ride," he said. "Julie is sensitive to traveling that way. She loses her lunch every time." he shrugged. Xena nodded.

"I think we aught to let them sleep till dinner they deserve it." Joseph nodded and they lapsed into silence watching the fire as the afternoon shadow lengthened.

Xena decided to sharpen her sword and Joseph kept an I on the stew while the time wore on. Xena heard Julie roll over and Gabrielle was beginning to become restless in sleep and knew both would wake soon. Xena put a small pot of water next to the fire to warm up so she could make willow bark tea for her partner when she woke.

It was still not that late in the afternoon when Julie roused from her nap. The soup was at least an hour away from being done as far as Joseph could tell. She got up, stretched, and commandeered the watch over dinner. She was pleased with the meat stock in the soup and thanked Xena for her addition. She announced shortly that dinner would be ready soon.

Xena figured Gabrielle had slept long enough and if she didn't wake her sleep that night would be impossible. So she gently woke the sleeping woman bringing the ready made tea with her. Gabrielle groaned somewhat as Xena helped her sit up then was offered the cup that was quickly drained. The warrior decided to pull her back into her lap and hold her even though she was almost right as rain. When ever they had a scare it always seemed that Xena's affectionate side emerged full force save when in public and it was dangerous to do so but right now in front of two people they were comfortable with it was a nice change and it did help the pain.

The afternoon passed quickly and their supper was good. The day didn't have any more surprises. And the evening turned into a relaxed time by the fire where the talk was light and the mood was calm. They knew they had troubles that tomorrow would bring down on them but they were getting to know each other and the party of four was very at ease. All to soon the moon could be seen rising and both Xena and Joseph thought it time for bed.

Joseph spread out his bed roll near where Julies was already rolled out. Xena and Gabrielle's bed roll was placed in the back of the cave also away from the other two. They enjoyed their privacy and they were relatively separated form the other two and settled down together into a comfortable position with Gabrielle half draped over Xena's body. The warrior wrapped her arms around her partner securely and Gabrielle felt safe. Julie and Joseph also settled in close to each other in separate bed rolls he didn't want any surprises getting the drop on him tonight and getting to his sister, so he had placed himself in between her and the caves entrance.

Morning came early and everyone was up and ready a little after dawn. Everything was packed and Argo they used more as a pack horse than anything that day. It was easier to get around with out having to lug all the stuff on their backs that Julie and Joseph had brought with them.

They set out on a course to the centaur village that they had been heading for any how. When Joseph spoke up. "Where are we going any how?" he asked.

"To the centaur village. They are sighing and important treaty that we are going to make sure gets goes through with out a hitch. This could unite all the centaur tribes. Its essential to peace for their kind." Joseph nodded.

"So you guys just gonna stay with us for a while till Dahok shows up or what?" Gabrielle interceded.

"It would be the best way. I know we need be with you two for a while. I can feel it." Julie supplied. Xena wrapped an arm around her shoulders and pulled her into her side into a loose hug and then let her go.

"Not that we mind having you around," Xena said with rare smile. Gabrielle smiled to herself seeing this side of her partner. She loved this sweet caring side she basically showed only to her most of the time with exception of her mother and her son who didn't even know she was his mother. She was glad they were on their way to see him. She knew it would be good for both of them but she kept this opinion to herself. Xena felt Gabrielle's eyes on her and turned her head and gave her a wide grin, Gabrielle snorted.

For all her part in this Julie was amazed how the tall warrior had taken to her. She was happy of it, for the woman had so much love to give that was for sure. It seemed strange though to have someone so like her close to her all the sudden kinda like a big sister or an aunt. But it felt great too. Julie smiled up and Xena.

Joseph watched the three women to the left of him. He walked on the other side of the horse keeping to himself. He did not particularly like Gabrielle but he would tolerate her for Xena's, Julie's and the missions sake. He thought he must have had an immediate dislike for her sometimes personalities just clashed. he shrugged. It didn't really matter all that much. She was fairly tolerable and he did like a good verbal spar. She might be alright after all, his mind chuckled. The warrior however he had a growing respect and kinship with. He liked the way she handled her self and didn't give a damn about what anyone thought but those who are important to her she kept close. The situation was livable, he thought, and Julie seemed very happy with her new friends.

So all that settled they continued to walk on, ready for the day ahead joking around with each other. As the morning wore on Gabrielle lapsed into a story about Cecrops the lost mariner that had happened several months back. Julie listened in wrapped fascination and Xena was quietly attentive to her loves storytelling. Joseph didn't even lend an ear to her long winded monolog. He just didn't care. TV had warped the story listening wonder out of him by age 10. So he tuned her out and began to think on the mission again. He had to have a plan or ten. He liked being prepared and did not want his sister to be put in harms way. He was making contingency plans for every scenario he could think of.

Toward mid day they decided to take a break for lunch. They all ate a piece of bread, cheese, some meat, and an apple to fill them up for the rest of the day. It didn't take long to eat and clean up and they were back traveling within almost no time at all it seemed.

As they started in the same direction again Xena broke out ahead of Gabrielle, Argo and Joseph, too where Julie was walking alone. She looked deep in thought when Xena approached. She had been waiting for the right time to approach the teenager to talk to her about the darkness. She hadn't been specific on what happened with Ares but she was sure it had been something that shook her. Xena came up behind her and put a hand on Julie's shoulder. "How are you doin little one?" Xena said in a soft tone filled with affection. Julie should have taken offence to the remark but she couldn't seem to be mad at her.

"I'm alright" she said not very convincingly.

"You wanna talk about it?" the warrior asked. Julie thought about it for a minute. 'She must know,' Julie thought. Julie nodded finally. "Tell me what happened with Ares. Tell what you felt, and what happened once you confronted him."

"Like I said yesterday, He promised me everything to come be his. He also wanted me to come be his baby machine I suppose "breeding unstoppable warriors." Julie looked very angry. "PERV," she spat. Xena practically seethed with rage.

"Did he touch you?" She asked controlling her tone with much effort. Julie sighed.

"Yeah. He used his powers to make me still so I couldn't move, and then her grabbed my chin. Then he kept talking to me comparing me to you and when he touched me...." she shivered. Xena put and arm around her and pulled her to her side leaving her hand around her shoulders.

"He didn't hurt you did he?" Xena knew she was going to owe Ares a good one for this little infringement.

"No I hurt him though," She smiled then grew serious. "When he had me, I felt creepy. I just wanted to get away, as fast and as far away as I could. I was scared," she looked directly into Xena's face. "There was something inside of me he was drawing on. A small part of me that was....attracted two him. Its like it some fraction of my self was trying to get closer to him and that scared the hell out of me. There was a stronger more urgent part of my mind screaming at me to run. Some how I broke his hold on me and I threw his hand off me and decked him. But I don't ever want to feel that again. I knew what he offered would cost me my soul. I wouldn't submit that to anyone never! He was evil. I just want him to leave me alone. I fear that he will call on that part of me though and try to control me." A tear dripped down her face. Xena could tell she was rattled, and pulled her closer to provide comfort.

"Its ok Julie. You have nothing to be ashamed of. There was something in you pulling towards him. Its the gift he gave me long ago. It's called Ares gift. I allows you to focus, fight better by unearthing all you innate skill, and the last and worst thing draws you to him like a moth to a flame with the same result. He will burn you if you get to close and yes you can lose your soul to it." Julie looked like she was going to be sick she was pale and frightened. "BUT," Xena said emphatically, "But, it won't if you don't let it! You control yourself. That small part, and it sounds like its a much smaller part of you than it is of me, is just a part and you are the whole. Don't let him control you or make him think he can. You hold the wheel to your ship and no one, NO ONE, can take that away from you not if you don't let them!" Xena's speech was filled with fervor and it seemed to help Julie gain some of her composure back. "Now that you know what it is and how to keep it in check you can use it for you purposes. It helps you be strong and to fight well. It will serve you well when you know how to manipulate it as you do now." Julie nodded understanding. She might have had a gift from a god but she didn't have to use it like he wanted her too. Julie wrapped an arm around Xena's waist and hugged her sideways.

"Thank you," she said gratefully. "It helped a lot. I think if I ever have to face him again I think I'll not be so scared."

"Your brother and I are going to make sure that doesn't happen again. Your my blood girl I don't take that lightly. You're part of me child," Xena smiled. "I take care of my own." Julie felt very safe. Almost as safe as with her brother. It was such a good feeling to find someone who understood those odd nuances of her. Xena feeling she was back to her self let her go and smiled down at her. Julie nodded and moved a few inches into her own space. Suddenly they heard a ruckus of loud talking behind them.

As Xena had move ahead of the other two, they both took a hint and hung back by Argo who Gabrielle was leading loosely by the reigns. Gabrielle looked at Joseph. "Looks like there gonna have that talk," she commented.

"Yeah," he stated awkwardly. Gabrielle was confused

"What..." she was cut off

"Why don't we just walk in silence," Joseph suggested he didn't to get into it yet. Gabrielle raised and eyebrow in a way that look much like Xena.

"What is your problem?" Gabrielle took offence predominantly because her headache was making her crabby.

"What do you mean what's my problem? I don't have one but apparently you do!" He shot back

"ME? I was just making conversation! I wasn't doing anything but talking to you trying..."

"That's just it you ALWAYS talking aren't you don't you ever quit?"

"Xena says it says it's a gift!" She retorted kind of hurt.

"Xena's biest also! Sewing your mouth shut would be a gift!" Gabrielle let out an indignant squeak.

"Yeah?!?! Well and attitude adjustment would be more than something we could hope for then! What is your break down jerk?"

"Me? Your just annoying as Hell that's all! I just don't like you I tried to just avoid the issue but nooo you had to push it didn't you?!?! BARDS!!!" he threw up his hands.

"What about bards?!?!"

"They waist good air with their storytelling!"

"Well at least we can seem to solve our problems in our own time!"

"OH really?!?!?"

"Yeah we don't have to travel backward to take care of our current problems!"

"Well at least I didn't have anything to do with it in the first place!" Joseph shouted. Just at that time Xena and Julie came running back to them stepping in between them.

"WHAT THE HELL IS WRONG WITH YOU TWO?!?!" Julie and Xena both broke in.

"HE...SHE started it" They said together. Xena rolled her eyes and Julie crossed her arms. Gabrielle was on the verge of tears Joseph having hit an unknown tender spot. Xena sighed and realized that what he had said. She took her into her arms and led her a ways away to talk to her. Julie yanked her brother the opposite way.

"Why did you do that?!?" Julie asked peeved.

" I don't know," he said. "I just didn't feel like talking and she wouldn't quit pushing it! You've heard her she doesn't stop! I just don't particularly get along with her is all." Julie smacked his arm.

"Your in titled to like her or not but you could at least cut her some slack she was probably trying to be nice and on top of it she's probably got a mondo headache." Joseph had failed to consider that and felt slightly bad but not as bad as he should have. He had in fact slightly enjoyed the temper flare with the bard. She had a good come back.

"Look I'll try to keep it under wraps but when she's feeling fine and she starts in again I'm not holding my tongue!" Julie sighed "Well I guess that's the best I can ask for from you. I know you. You enjoyed that!" She rolled her eyes. "You can be such and ass sometimes!" Joseph smiled seeing the anger leave his sister.

"Yeah and?" he said. She just half heartedly punched his chest in response.

Xena hugged Gabrielle, "Its alright. I'm sure he wouldn't have said that if you knew love. I didn't tell him." Gabrielle looked up at her.

"You didn't?" Xena shook her head. "Oh, I know we won't get along." Xena shrugged.

"Everyone is different dearest. Not everyone will always like you. I know Julie is partial to you though. She likes you a lot already. Joseph's not cruel Hun, but I'm sure Julie is giving him an earful right now. Just give him what for when your better k?" Gabrielle giggle a little and Xena smiled. Situation defused, she thought. "How's the head dear?" Gabrielle grumbled. "Hurt huh?" she nodded. Xena turned to the other talking pair. "Alright lets break for some water for a minute. And you two better behave!" She gave both Gabrielle and Joseph a look.

The group took a break for lunch and ate cold food stuffs. They passed around the bread and cheese along with a piece of fruit for everyone. Xena took the reminisce of the tea that she had made for Gabrielle the night before and put it in a water skin. The warrior fished for it in the saddle bags an poured Gabrielle a generous cup of it. They all ate their fill and packed everything away all the while talking amiably.

Julie leaned toward Xena as she bent to retrieve a water skin on the ground. "To spare Gabrielle's feelings from now on I think we better bring her with us even if its private," she whispered to Xena

"Is he not going to behave himself?" Xena's eyebrow lifted as she whispered back. Julie sighed.

"He just doesn't like her," Julie shrugged. "He doesn't hold his tongue well, Xena. I think it would be best for Gabrielle if we kept them apart." Xena nodded.

"Good observation," Xena commented. "I'm glad you care."

"I don't know what his problem is I like her a lot. I don't want her getting hurt."

"Alright what is all that whispering about you two?" Gabrielle called from behind them. Xena just smiled at her softly and she seemed to be appeased.

"Come on everyone we will be to the centaur village in no time." Xena called.

"Xena, are these centaurs nice?" Julie asked unsure. The last run-in with centaurs for her had not been pretty.

"I can guarantee you that they are very nice. They are friends of mine," she answered with a wistful look in her eye. Julie took this in and but didn't say anything.

"OK, I'll take your word for it." Xena smiled at her.

"It should just be up the way here. Not to much longer." She looked at me and Gabrielle.

"Good I could use a break I guess," Gabrielle said. "Head aches gone though," she commented. Xena gave her a relieved smile.

They got closer to the village and Gabrielle began to reminisce. "Remember how it looked the last time we were here? What a difference a year makes, huh?" she said gazing around.

"One year, two months, and twelve days, but who's counting?" Xena asked with a half smile. Gabrielle knew she was half serious though. Julie and Joseph had begun to hang back a ways behind Argo waiting to see what was going to happen. The last centaur village they visited left them unwilling to repeat the reception they had on the last occasion. Even though they were in a different time.

"It'll be fine. You'll see," Gabrielle told Xena quietly.

"After all that Kaleipus has done to make this happen I certainly hope so." Xena responded looking about suspiciously.

"I'm not talking about the treaty, Xena." Gabrielle put her hand on her arm to get her attention.

"SHH. Solon. Solon, you dirty rat!" Xena exclaimed as the a boy flew out of a tree directly at her. She was half laughing.

"I almost had you!" Solon exclaimed as he half hugged her. "I've been practicing!"

"Very impressive," she told him smiling. "Don't you do it again. What do think Gabrielle? some tracker huh?" She asked looking into the eyes of her partner. Gabrielle smiled.

"He's a natural. Hi, Solon," she replied.

"Hi, Gabrielle! Wait till you see! I got a staff just like yours!" he rambled excitedly. He was very happy to see his friends once again. He was a skinny boy but already came up to Xena's shoulder at what appeared to be about 13 to Julie and Joseph.

The brother and sister decided to linger behind as the reunion took place not wanting to intrude. They exchanged glances and watched the reunited friends be reacquainted. Xena was exceptionally sweet to the boy who she held under an arm currently and Gabrielle's gentle look spoke of genuine connection between the three. Julie watched just filing everything away for another time. Joseph however was positive that was the warriors son. He could see the resemblance to his sister. even more so than with Xena. The blue eyes ran thru the family that's for sure. Even the blondness of his hair didn't take away from the similarities to the warrior.

Suddenly a centaur was coming closer to where Xena and the boy were standing as Xena continued talking to him. "Sounds like you've been pretty busy since we were here huh?" she asked him still smiling. Julie and Joseph eyed the new visitor wearily.

"He's learned a lot," the centaur said as he came to a stop near her. Xena looked up at him.

"He's clearly had a good teacher. Hello, Kaleipus."

"Xena. It's been a long time." He commented reflectively.

"Forever," Xena said she spared a glance at Solon now other wise occupied with Gabrielle.

"Thank you both for coming." He thanked them amiably still not noticing there two traveling companions a ways away standing in the shade of a tree watching and listening carefully.

"We should be thanking you. This treaty, it could be the start of reuniting the Centaur nation." Gabrielle said give him a proud look.

"That's why the delegates brought their children, so they can appreciate the legacy we're leaving them. A legacy of peace and hope." He looked toward the village smiling. They could all hear the laughter of children in the back ground.

"Hey, what are you waiting for huh? Solon, I'll race you to the edge of the village. On your mark get set go!" She shot Xena a backwards glanced that said take care of our friends and ran ahead of Solon.

"NO fair! That's cheating!" He called after her as he ran. Leaving Xena and the centaur. She would have to thank Gabrielle later.

"Kaleipus," she started looking up at him seriously. "You should know that nothing's changed. I didn't come back here to claim Solon. And besides, you're more a father to him than if he was really yours. I just cam back here to give him a chance at a safer future. Thanks to you , the future's never looked better, for everyone." Kaleipus then noticed Julie and her brother standing several yards away.

"Who are your friends?" he asked as Xena motioned them over. Julie trotted up to Xena's side wrapping her hands around her the warriors arm nervously. Joseph brought up the rear in a slow walk taking in everything. He perceived no threat here and eased his posture as he neared the women. Julie looked up into the centaurs face and he was caught off guard at seeing a mighty resemblances to Solon. Her eyes all but gave her away. He looked up at Xena.

"Long story," she said shaking her head telling him that the teen girl was not her daughter. "This is my niece Julie, and her brother Joseph." Kaleipus acknowledged the man approaching with an outstretched hand. He looked nothing like the warrior and very little like his sister but he managed a welcoming smile and shook the demi gods hand. Then he looked at Julie.

"Very nice to meet you Julie. I am glad you could join us. I'm sure you will get along with the other kids about. There are a few your age," he said kindly. She wasn't a child but didn't want to be rude and make waves so she nodded.

"Thanks," she mumbled with her head down. Xena sensed her nervousness and patted her hand.

"Why don't you catch up with Gabrielle and Solon I bet there meeting some nice people," she offered. Julie took the opportunity to split.

"OK I'll go find um," she smiled and ran off their direction which left the two warriors and centaur alone.

"She looks like you Xena," Kaleipus commented off handedly.

"Yes she quite does," Joseph said speaking up for the first time. "Do you think Solon and her will figure it out?" he asked.

"Well they're both smart kids. I wouldn't put it past um," Xena remarked.

"Well if it happens we will deal with it when it comes up but we shouldn't provide any help for them." Kaliepus said as his tail swished back and forth as he talked. The three discussed the treaty amiably and which let Joseph get comfortable in the new surroundings. After a short while the three walked into the village and found a place to sit and talk through the current security of the village.

Meanwhile Gabrielle, Solon and Julie headed toward on of the huts where a few of the other children had gathered and were playing. They all went in and took a look around.

"Surprise!" cam a call from behind Gabrielle.

"Ephany! I can't believe this. Xenon? Why didn't you send word that you were coming?" Gabrielle hugged the Amazon regent in a friendly hug.

"And spoil the surprise? Besides, as a Centaur Prince, this treaty's important for Xenon, huh? Why don't you three go play? Give Gabrielle and me a chance to catch up huh?" Ephany smiled at Julie an nodded in greeting which the girl returned.

"OK." Solon said as Xenon reached for his toy wolf. The small centaur was blonde like his mother with very light blue eyes. His mother's pride and joy.

"Oop! Sorry, sweetie, but you might lose him," The centaurs mother told him taking away his toy. "Lucas will be here when you get back." She said softly with a smile with a hand on his face. Xenon nodded. "Now, scoot,"

"Come on Xenon, Julie." The younger group left the hut at the Amazon's insistence and they ran off to play ball with some of the other children a few yards away.

"Gabrielle, what is it? What's wrong?" Ephany asked worriedly. Gabrielle looked on the verge of tears.

She began to relate her harrowing journey thru Britannia to Ephany. She told her about Dahok and hope and lied about her dieing even to her regent. It took her a while to really her story in the embrace of her good friend.

On the other side of the Amazon territory, Callisto was being freed by Hope. With the help of her father Hope pulled Callisto from her fiery prison and freed her to do her bidding. Her fathers kingdom was coming and the only things standing in her was a certain warrior and her companions.

Hope being far enough away at the moment Julie did not detect the evil presence of the child. She did however catch the similar color in Solon eyes and wondered if he was related to Xena too, but said nothing. She did not want to upset anyone since he did not seem to know.

Shortly after the younger group left the hut they got into a kick ball game in the court yard. Julie was having fun kind of blending in with the others having fun that she hadn't had in awhile. They were all nice to her and she liked Solon already. During the walk over to the hut she and Solon had become fast friends talking lightly about inconsequential teenager things and told him of her brother. She had told him she was Xena's friend also not wanting to interfere in this time to badly.

Callisto was currently on a rampage coming closer to the Centaur Village. She approached two peace totems and proceeded to torch them. When two guards interfered she fried them also and tied them to the posts. She knew this would leave a message for Xena loud and clear she was back. Hope was also making her way back the village via transport. The minute her presence entered the village the hole Karma of the town changed.

Julie, busy playing goally for one side, felt the shift in the air and then proceeded to double over as the evil entered the town. The game abruptly stopped and as Solon ran over to her. "You need me to get your brother?" Solon asked concerned. Julie caught her breath and it felt like she was breathing in soup.

"No," she huffed. "I'll be ok. I'll just go sit this one out it think," she said as she trudged over to the side lines. She waved at Solon telling him she was fine and the game resumed. She however began to worry very acutely about what was going to happen. She could feel it resonate, and she just wondered when Joseph would make an appearance.

Back in the hut with Gabrielle and Ephany, A girl was hiding in the back of the hut. Ephany left Gabrielle with the advice to get some rest. As the bard proceeded to look in the supply hut for something she heard a noise.

"Whoever you are, I know you're there. So come out.! Now!" she hollered as she rounded a barrel to find a frightened little girl. The girl looked like a wafe in rages and wild untamed reddish blonde hair and green eyes. "I'm sorry... I... I'm not gonna hurt you. What's your name?"

"Fayla." the little girl replied hesitantly. "Are you Xena, the Warrior princess?"

"No, I'm not Xena. I'm Gabrielle. Xena's a friend of mine. Maybe i can help you." Gabrielle helped the girl into the open part of the room to talk to her.

"It has to be Xena. The monster-lady made me promise." The child looked still frightened.

"Monster-lady?" Gabrielle asked puzzled.

"She said she'd hurt me if I told anyone else. And she can. She's a god." She said in a rush wide eyed.

"Fayla, this monster-lady did she tell you her name?" the girl shook her head defeated. "That's ok Hun, lets go find Xena huh?" She led her out of the storage hut in search of her wife.

Well, wile the children played, Xena, Kaleipus, and Joseph took a walk to view the new peace monument out in the forest a little ways. On the way Joseph talked to Xena about Solon briefly. The only thing he could really get out of her was a positive grunt that that was he son the rest was left up to his imagination. When they got there though, they saw ruined decorations and tow men burnt at the stake.

"Cut those men down, now! I want the group responsible for this," he yelled at the approaching sentries.

"It wasn't a group," Xena said in a low menacing tone knowing who it was. "Look, there's no foot prints. Nothing's been disturbed."

"It could be a god, Ares maybe, angry over the treaty," the centaur guessed.

"No, it's not his style," she informed him with much expertise. Joseph nodded his agreement also at Xena's conclusion. Joseph had no idea whose style it was though "There's only one who would relish something like this. And unless the impossible's happened, she's trapped for good." Xena looked about at the carnage and thought about the blond now goddess who was supposed to be trapped. Joseph helped the men cut the others down that were tethered to the burnt. Every one took some time to gather there wits as they examined the situation.

Kaleipus was quite upset about the hole deal. And he began to question Xena about who she thought it was. She informed both the men of her and Gabrielle's last battle with Callisto bring them up to speed. They decided then to go back to the village and seek out there companions and start funeral preparations for the dead sentries.

They all walked back to the discussing what was to be done. Joseph did not like the idea of a wild woman goddess on a rampage. They did not know what she was after yet or what she planned other then to get at Xena which she had informed them was always one of her top goals. Something quickly popped into Josephs head.

"Xena, what if she finds Julie! or Solon! There eyes give them away every time someone looks at them." Xena looked at Joseph but said nothing but they all picked up the pace to an easy jog to get there faster.

When they got there Xena quickly sought out Gabrielle. She walked through the small town and looked for her and found her in a hut where all the supplies were. After Gabrielle had not been able to find her in the village, she had returned with the girl to await her return.

Xena burst in with Joseph and Kaliepus on her heels as they all entered to hut. Gabrielle turned in surprise. She gently told the little girl to stay where she was seated till she talked to Xena. The bard walked up to her and took a hold or your had.

"Been looking for you," the warrior told her partner.

"As was I," She said taking a hold of her hand. She had been feeling Xena's apprehension since the warrior had seen the destruction in the glade. "Something wrong." The bard looked up into her wife's face. It was a statement and not a question she uttered. "What happened?" Joseph butted in

"The clearing where the peace totems were displayed was burnt to a crisp along with the guards in the direct vicinity. They looked like they were burnt at the stake we brought them in for proper priers." He said looking at the pair or women and the centaur behind them. Gabrielle took her gaze off of Joseph and looked back to her warrior.

"Who in the world could have done that?"

"No one mortal," Joseph offered. "There was no evidence anything was disturbed. It was a god and we've concluded it wasn't Ares." Gabrielle searched her loves gaze.

"Callisto," she finally said. Gabrielle's face dropped. At the mention of the goddess's name the little girl came up behind Gabrielle to join the conversation. "I sensed her earlier, but how did she escape?" She regarded the girl. "Who are you little one?" She asked in a gentle bur firm tone. The girl fairly hid back behind the bard.

"She has a message for you Xena. She was visited by Callisto earlier today when she was playing in the woods apparently. She told her to tell you." Xena looked down at the girl again.

"This message she to told you to give me, what is it?"

"She told me to tell you that she knows your little secret and she's gonna take it to the grave. That's all. Now can I go?" Everyone paled. They all knew what she was talking about. Gabrielle patted her back and aimed her towards a chair and the Fayla took the hint went to it but instead of sitting she snuck to the door and left.

"Wait...." Gabrielle told the girl. Xena cut in bluntly.

"Callisto knows about Solon," Xena said coldly. 'Damn' she thought to herself this is bad.

"But how?" Gabrielle asked very perplexed.

"What if she finds out about Julie too!?!" Joseph threw in. They all looked at him and considered that to be a very good possibility. None of them liked this new development both of the younger members of Xena's family were in danger.

"Doesn't matter. Bottom line is protecting Solon and her," He announced and everyone nodded.

"What about hiding them in the Ixion caves?" Xena suggested throwing ideas out for everyone. Joseph didn't know the safest places to take the children in this time that was not his. The landscape was unfamiliar as was the people and customs he let them discuss it and he would put his input in when a plan was forming.

"Should be safe there," the centaur added. Joseph nodded in agreement.

"Maybe we should take Fayla too." Gabrielle turned to where she thought she was sitting. "How about it, Fay...." she stopped mid sentence.

"How odd," The centaur said off handedly. Joseph looked at the door still slightly ajar.

"She must have ran off," he said but had a feeling they had not seen the last of that girl. Xena followed Joseph line of sight with a very cold stare but said nothing. This bothered Gabrielle, she could feel in her guts something was defiantly coming together in her partners mind and Xena was beginning to see that there might be something very wrong here.

While Xena and the rest discussed Callisto and their plans, Callisto and Hope were in a cave far from where anyone could find them. Callisto was brushing Hopes hair much like a mother does a daughter. "Tell me again how Xena looked when you told her that I'd take her precious little secret to the grave." Callisto asked with a bemused look.

"Like she'd been stabbed through the heart with her own sword." Hope answered smugly.

"And that's exactly how she'll feel too, when Solon dies. Stabbed, stabbed though the heart," Callisto said vehemently and pulled on the brush through the girls hair so hard she jumped.

"OW! That hurts!" She wined at Callisto.

"Here's to the soul of such exquisite pain." She crooned.

"Stop! You'll get your chance. Why do you think I freed you?" She asked Callisto irritated.

"To make her suffer?" She smiled evilly.

"To make her stop. My father's kingdom is at hand. The age of darkness, when Dahok will snuff out the people Xena loves till he's crushed her very soul and as she goes so goes the world." They both laughed together considering the new world order coming about. The only ting left was to rid the world of Xena.

On their way to Kaliepus's hut Xena, Joseph and Kaliepus, gathered the both Solon and Julie to fill them in on what was going on. Xena had sent Gabrielle to get supplies from the supply hut for there plans. Upon entering the dwelling Julie and Solon were told they were in danger and that they would be being sent to the Ixion caves for their safety. They did not take well to this idea. Julie was about to argue when Solon beat her to it.

"No way! I'm not a baby! None of the other kids cept Julie have to hide." he told his father.

"You're not one of the other kids." Kaleipus answered sternly.

"Come on, bro I was trained for this stuff there's no need to send me like I was a baby! Its not fair!" Julie near hollered in a fit.

"I agree with Xena and Kaliepus the safest place for you would be with Solon out of harms way. We are dealing with a goddess here Jules. These are not normal circumstances." Xena saw the situation brewing.

"Kaleipus, Joseph, do you mind if I talk to these two alone?" They both shook there heads and walked out of the hut to give them some privacy leaving the two upset teens to Xena's capable wit, hoping that she would make them come without hassle a scene.

"What is with them anyway?" Solon asked her angrily.

"Ya," Julie added in a similar tone.

"They are worried about both," Xena answered them looking closely at both.

"Why? I can take care of myself," he told her his anger subsiding.

"I mean yeah Xena I was trained for this stuff. I don't want to be left behind," Julie said calming.

She looked at Solon first, "He is your father. Maybe not by blood, but he couldn't love you anymore if he were. And when your a parent, and your child is in danger, that is the scariest feeling in all the world. And Julie, he is your brother, he is responsible for keeping you safe."

"You're saying they're scared?" he asked voicing both his and her question.

"I'm saying they love you both. And thought you might not understand the reason, you have to trust that someone who loves you that much is only trying to do what's best for you. Right?" She said eying both of them. They both sighed.

"I guess so," they said in unison, giving in.

"So, do me a favor, cut them some slack you two, alright? Deal?" She asked.

"Deal. But you owe me," he agreed looking up from the ground.

"OK." Julie acquiesced. "Deal." Xena smiled at both.

"Big time." she said in answer to Solon's response. She put a hand on both there shoulders and led them out of the hut to meet up with he men and put there plan into action.

In the supply hut Gabrielle was rifling through stacks of things trying to find what she would need. A little hand gave her a cloak she had been reaching for. "Thanks," she said looking at the child who turned out to be Fayla. "Where did you get this?" She asked astonished looking at the wooden lamb that looked much like her own that she had given to her hope.

"I didn't steal it! It's mine. It's always been mine. The people who found me said so." She held the small toy against her chest to keep it from the adults hands looking like she would take it away.

"Found you?" the bard asked incredulously. The similarities with this child and her daughter were mounting quickly.

"They said it was in the basket with me. All's I remember is lots of water, me crying for my mom. But she never came." The girl looked down sadly.

"Gabrielle, Gabrielle! Xena says to hurry." Ephany called form the door. "They're ready to go...Is something wrong?" she asked looking at the weird look on her friends face.

" NO, no, Ill be alright here." She waved Ephany off. Ephany shrugged and left. "Look, um, there's something that I have to do, here. So I want you to do a favor for me ok? I want you to wait in my hut till I get back. And this way I....I'll know your safe." She told the girl with a hand on her shoulder.

"Don't see why you care." she told her haughtily.

"You will. Do you promise?" Gabrielle asked her looking into her eyes.

"I promise." she answered seemingly giving in.

"Bye" the bard waved to the girl. Hope's face twisted into a snarling snide smile.

"Bye bye,.....Mommy." She said when the bard was out of earshot. Her voice dripped with sarcasm.

Gabrielle returned to where Xena and the others were still gathered working out the rest of the details. There voices were very quiet as they all huddled together so on one would over hear.

"Alright here's what gonna happen," Xena started. "Kaliepus I want you to take the kids to the caves and start right now. Gabrielle do you have the supplies for them?" She asked her soulmate. The bard nodded and Xena smiled at her softly. There was something storming in those eyes of hers but they would have no time to talk to her about it until later. Xena could feel a knot in her stomach something was up with her wife and she would soon enough have time hopefully to get it out. "Ok here ya go," she said handing Julie and Solon a bag each. "Now go on you three and well head out the opposite way and circle around long after your well on your way." Kaliepus nodded.

"Ok Xena. Be careful." He said. Xena received a hug from both Solon and Julie which surprised but delighted her. Julie also hugged her brother and they exchanged a meaningful look that they always did in imminent danger that said, "love you and you better come back". Then the three left in a fairly calm fashion heading unnoticed toward the edge of town toward the Ixion caves except by a pair of small green eyes.

"Ok Xena now we are gonna circle around to draw out Callisto right?" Xena nodded. The three looked at each other.

"Ready?" Xena asked Gabrielle giving her a look telling her she knew something was up. Gabrielle looked back at her as if to tell her to drop it for now. Joseph saw the glances they exchanged and then saw Xena's shoulders slump. 'Guess the pest won that one,' he thought.

"Lets go..." Joseph complained and Xena just shook her head and started to walk toward the other end of town and out into the wood.

Once they hit the woods Gabrielle put on the large cloak and covered herself and hunched down low to the height of Solon. Joseph and Xena huddled around her very protectively and they started to run.

Suddenly the air held a trace of smoke and Xena caught it. "Wait," they stopped running as she looked around. "I smell burning..." She said. Callisto appeared before them in a flash. The goddess set fire to the branch above the hooded figures, Joseph's, Xena's head. As it fell Xena pushed the cloaked person away from her and Joseph as they both toward Callisto. Xena drew her sword to confront her as Joseph had his weapon ready to back her up.

"How'd you do it Callisto? Who helped you? That lave pit should have held you forever!" Xena told her.

"Well, that's for me to know and you to find out. But I didn't come here to talk." She looked over at the cowering form. "I came to meet your precious little son. Solon, isn't it? Flesh of your flesh, bone of your bone, blood of your blood, can't wait to see all that." She grinned. "And who are you?" She asked looking at Joseph.

"Hurt my son and I swear by any got you name, I'll..." Callisto cut her off.

"You'll do what? You're gonna make my life a living hell? Old hat, Dear. You did that years ago when you uh barbecued my family." She grinned again and looked at the person now running toward the cover of a rock. "But now it's my turn to host the cook out. It looks like we have got more guests than I expected. And where is the guest of honor? Solon, Solon, Dear, come meet your Auntie Callisto." She called her voice dripping with evil mirth. Callisto reached for who she thought was him and Xena reached for them too.

"NO!" both warriors yelled together. But it was too late she threw back the hood of the cloak and it revealed ... Gabrielle much to her surprise for a moment. Her sweetly dark voice never skipped a beat.

"Gabrielle, Clever you, fooling me with the old 'bait and switch.' Good plan. After all even I can't be at two places at the same time, now, can I?" She laughed evilly and disappeared. Gabrielle, Xena, and Joseph exchanged looks and broke into a run.

While Gabrielle and Xena were confronting Callisto, Kaliepus and the two kids were right making there way quickly to the caves. As they neared the Ixion caverns though Julie began to feel more and more uneasy. She could feel the evil presence growing as they went. She had felt this way before as she had neared that cave where Dahok had emerged in the future. "Hey, guys I think we need to back like NOW," she finally said.

"What's the matter child?" Kaliepus asked her.

"It's not safe here I can feel it. Please if we go any farther I'm afraid something will happen," she said more urgently as the caves had begun to come into view. She stopped, and pulled Solon to a stop with her. "I wont go any farther." she said.

"We must get to safety right away," Kaliepus turned round.

"Father, I think we should listen to her," Solon said looking around. "I think she can feel something we can't." Julie looked at him.

"How did you..." He just shrugged in response. Kaliepus looked at the two in fornt of them and realized then as they stood side by side just how much she looked like his son. He looked into her eyes and then nodded.

"Alright lets head back but you are gonna have to explain it to Xena," he said with a small chuckle. Both of the teens laughed too and began back for the village. A small form was nestled in the caves darkness watching the retreating forms of the three that had previously on their way toward her. She cursed them for not coming all the way as she had built up all the energy already to destroy the three coming to the caverns, and refused to give up her identity just yet. She wondered what had spooked them. As she let the power drain from her she realized she had used up much of her underdeveloped powers and was now unable to even stand.

Xena, her partner, and Julie's brother were all running the direction the others had gone. Joseph was pulled out ahead leading them, following his connection with his sister cuz he had felt the immense sense of dread and fear that had com over his sister suddenly. "We gotta hurry," Joseph said. Xena and Gabrielle knew there was something wrong.

"I don't understand! Even Callisto can't be in two places at once..." Gabrielle asked confused

"She's not working alone. She as good as said so." Xena answered her vehemently.

"What??" Gabrielle said not wanting to believe that she could have help. There was no one she knew of who could help Callisto or no one that her mind would let her consider that is.

"Someone is helping her! I just don't know who.

Approaching form the other direction was the other half of thier party and Kaliepus had heard voices and the heavy steps of the three tracking them down.

"Quickly hid yourselves." He said.

"But its my bro and Xena!" Julie told him knowingly. She could just feel it.

"You never know who might be behind them or if it is truly then. NOW GO!" She didn't argue with him only took Solons hand and ran off into the underbrush and crouched. Solon crouched beside her and gave her a knowing look of exasperation. They both shrugged.

Xena came closer and the centaur came into view. "Kaleipus?!?!" He had his sword drawn in battle ready stance. Upon hearing his name he put the sword away. "Where are the kids????!!"

"Where's Julie???"

"Safe." he assured them. "They are over in the brush." He pointed. "COME ON OUT, its just them," he called in the direction which the tow had run. Julie and Solon came out of hiding and ran for the group. Julie ran in and hugged her brother and Xena was nearly knocked over when Solon hugged her too. Both Xena and Joseph chuckled lightly. Joseph's face turned serious.

"What happened?" he asked as Xena was wondering the same thing. "Why didn't you go to the caves?" He had beat her to that question also.

"I couldn't go there Jay. It felt dangerous. I'm afraid if we had gone in something was gonna happen. I felt him again Jay something was over by the caves," Julie told him with a pained look no he face.

"Yeah," Solon said to Xena. "You should have seen her face she looked like she was gonna be sick!"

"Felt who?" Gabrielle questioned guardedly.

"Dahok," Joseph answered for his sister. Gabrielle paled. Xena felt a sick feeling inside her stomach she knew was coming from her wife's emotions. She was about to go to her when she broke away from the group and started back to the village alone. This worried Xena it worried her for her partner and her grown family in front of her. She knew something was gravely wrong now.

On the way back there was predominantly silence as Xena respected Gabrielle's need for space. Only she thought is was because of the feelings from what had happened in the temple and her baby she had lost. But it was actually guilt surmounting in her soul and a foreboding feeling that it was going to come down to a choice between Xena and her daughter, who she had a sinking feeling was what Xena had said all along. Pure evil.

They walked back into the village in the fairly split group now. Gabrielle was yards ahead already inside the small town. Julie and her brother walked behind her a ways back and Solon , Xena, and Kaliepus were bringing up the rear.

"Solon I want you to know something..." Xena said looking at Kaliepus. He nodded he knew it was time. She returned her gaze to the boy. "Solon, a long time ago I was a bad person." She said.

"I know but your not like that any more you so good and kind your just like family!" He said to her excitedly. Xena's heart swelled as she smiled.

"Thank you," she told him putting his arm around him. "But what I was trying to say was is that well when I was a bad person people that I would have loved would not have been safe around me..." She said looking at him. He nodded understandingly. "I married Gabrielle cuz I love her a lot and she is apart my soul and apart of my heart." She continued. Solon had his attention very focused on her trying to understand why she was telling him this. He had an inkling a very small clue as he looked in to eyes that mirrored his. "Solon I have been missing a very large part of my heart for along time. And I finally found it. Here." She stopped and so did the centaur as the rest walked on into the village. Solon looked up at her with tears in his eyes. Xena was very close herself.

"You are talking about me aren't you?" She nodded as tears fell down her cheeks. "You're my mom!" He said in sudden realization. She smiled at him brightly. She knew he was smart.

"Yes son, I am." was all she said as he jumped into her arms and wrapped him self tightly around her neck. He cried tears of joy onto her brown leathers as she let her's fall also. Kaliepus looked over Solon's shoulder at Xena.

"You will come to visit more." He stated as fact rather than a question.

"Can't I ever go with you?" He looked up a Xena and then back at his father. Xena looked at the centaur and nodded.

"I think I speak for both of us when I say not yet Solon. But me and Gabrielle will visit really often especially at Solstice," he looked at her half way crushed and it almost killed her. But this was his home and Kaliepus was his father. It was just not safe enough yet.

"Maybe when you get older, Solon." Kaliepus said in a deep voice. Solon extracted himself form Xena and ran to him and hugged him.

"Really father?!?!? You promise?!?!?" He chuckled.

"Well son, when your older and Xena thinks your ready we will talk about it in a few years ok?" Both adults nodded. Solon looked at both.

"Thanks Mom, thanks Dad." He said and hugged them both one at a time. And that had been that no hatred no sad tears no ungrateful words. Just a uniting of two families that went smoother than silk because of a boy's wonderfully big and forgiving heart. And Xena knew it. She was so proud of him.

"So," Solon said. "Can I call Gabrielle Mom too?" They all laughed.

"I'm sure she would like that but you better ask her." Solon nodded and they all walked into the village in companionable silence.

Back in the Ixion caves Callisto reappears to find out where hope is. "Hope. Hope. Are you here? Hope, what's happened?" She asked looking at the girl looking very tired on the rocky floor.

"Uh," the girl groaned. "I think that damn girl knew I was here or something she is the one that stopped them from coming all the way. I couldn't get any of them I built up so much power it drained me."

"So you tried to kill them, and look what it's done to you. Weak as a little kitten. Which means, Solon is mine." Callisto smirked and turned to leave.

"No! You have to get me out of here. Leave me now and join the rest of your puny gods when Dahok destroys them. Lose everything I promised, everything Dahok brings!" she told her.

"Well," the goddess huffed, " what is a little more time?" She decided to talk a load off and sit down beside the defenseless girl. "And when you're well, we'll obliterate them all.

"No, better to crush their dreams, destroy their future." She said correcting the blonde maniac. "We'll kill what they love most....their children, starting with Solon and that girl he was with...." She said looking off toward the village and she smiled demonically.

Gabrielle had gone into the village at a fast pace toward the hut where she knew Fayla would be. She prayed and hoped she would find her there. She broke into a dead run after she got out of sight. When she ran thru the door of the hut she called out for the girl and she wasn't there. Finally a minute or two later the girl came running in the door. "Fayla! Where have you been!? I have been looking all over for you! You said that you would wait here, remember?" Gabrielle asked her very curtly. The strain on her was making her get angry already.

"I'm sorry," she said dejectedly and frightened. "But she wouldn't let me! I tried to get away, but she..." Gabrielle stopped her with her voice.

"Who? Who, Callisto?" She asked in a rush.

"I have this power to move things. I don't know why," she lied. "She says it's cause I'm evil," her little face was forlorn. Gabrielle's heart broke as she was manipulated by her daughter into believing her innocent all over again. She wanted so much to believe she was good.

"Thai is a lie. You are not evil! Never believe that!" She told her with all the conviction in her heart.

"My mother thought so. She tried to drown me in a basket. She wanted me dead," Fayla aka Hope continued to lay it on thicker and thicker knowing she had once more drawn her mother in.

"She wasn't trying to drown you. She was trying to save your life." Gabrielle told her as she reached for her.

"You weren't there! You don't know!" the girl yelled trying to pull away. Gabrielle pulled her closer.

"I do. The basket is all there was. I ....I had to put you in it or, I had to watch you be killed. Now I had no choice. I loved you!" All the painful memories came rushing back to Gabrielle and they seem to wipe all doubt form her mind once again about her daughter.

"You...you loved me?" She stammered in fake disbelief.

"I.. I prayed that the gods would protect you, and they did. They brought you home." She looked into the girls eyes.

"We have to go. I'm sorry Mommy, it was me. I helped Callisto get out. And now she's coming for the kids. WE have to go," Hope said tugging on her mom's arm. "Come on , hurry!"

"No. Wait, wait," she said pulling her back. "Xena has to know this." Hope looked panic stricken.

"NO! Xena hates me!" She said to the bard. Gabrielle looked at her with deep compassion and love.

"She doesn't hate you. She just doesn't understand. Now, she will see what I've known all along, that you can fight your dark side, just like her," she finished with a small smile.

"But I'm scared. If Callisto find out I told, she'll kill me! She will!" she said in a panic.

"She will not find out. I will take you to the safest place there is, until we can go. OK?" she mother answered her fears.

"The safest place? You promise?" she asked her voice dripping with faked innocence.

"I cross my heart. Don't be afraid ok? Now, come with me. Let's go." She took Hope out side and pointed her in the general direction of Kaliepus's hut.

"Its at the other end of the village be sure you go there ok? Its a good friend of mine's hut, stay there with them I'm sure they are there by now," Gabrielle told her. Hope nodded and with a final hug she started walking toward the other side of the village. But once she knew she couldn't be seen any more she went on a hunt of her own. She went looking for that girl who had been with Xena's son and the centaur when they went to the Ixion caves. She figured she must be important too so she went to find out her connection to the whole thing. Just another way to get at Xena's weeks spots she figured.

Gabrielle proceeded to the meeting hut where she knew she would find everyone in a frenzy. Her news was going to add to the pressure she knew but they had to take care of it. She when she entered she found Ephany, Xena, Julie, and Joseph in the hut talking about what had happened in the forest with Callisto. She walked in standing deliberately the other side of the circle of the four away from Xena. She had felt her partner for the last several minutes and unexpected joy inside her and then fear and sadness. Several emotions that were odd given the circumstances of late. Something had happened in the time she had been gone. Her bard was distant and guarded. But she couldn't block the connection between them and all she felt was fear and worry. Xena did not know after everything they had been through that would make her act this way and feel so alone and afraid. Xena's heart wanted to break and thru there connection she sent a vast amount of love without much concentration. Gabrielle looked at her for a split second. There was despair in there depths but a small iron resolve on something Xena had not clue about yet.

Joseph had been talking with the Amazon regent, Xena, and Julie when Gabrielle walked in. She had been acting weird ever since Julie had mentioned Dahok. He didn't know what exactly had set her off but he knew it was nothing good. He watched the bard come in and purposefully put herself between him and Ephany on the opposite side of the gathering. This concerned him.

Julie watched her entered and was very worried about her. She could since the tension in the air surrounding the village. She had felt the evil return but had said nothing yet. She wanted to know what was going on first. She had a feeling Gabrielle was bout to tell them.

"Hey Gabrielle," Ephany greeted. "Where have you been?"

"I was talking to a child in the village. The same one that you saw earlier Xena," She didn't look at Xena as she talked. "She said Callisto is after the children," She conveniently left out the fact that she let her loose. Ephany's gaze lit on fire.

"The Children!?!? She's targeting the children??" Ephany asked outraged. Gabrielle nodded.

"She's coming form the south," the bard informed them.

"OH NO we got to protect them! What can we do?" Julie was distraught. Ephany put an arm around her in a very motherly way sensing her distress. She had made some friends in the short time she had been there. All the older kids had been nice and accepting of her new company. She had like it in the village.

" I'll round up the kids , get em to the caverns." She said with out delay. Xena nodded and Ephany left the hut in a rush to prepare.

"I'm gonna go with her. I want to make sure there safe!" Julie said and ran out after Ephany. Joseph and Xena watched them leave and that left Xena, Joseph and the bard to discuss options.

"What makes you think you can trust this child?" Xena asked her suspiciously. Her brain was working in a frenzy trying to figure out how this child had gotten so deep into Callisto's plot.

"What makes you think that we can't?" Gabrielle practically shot back. "Xena, she gave us Callisto's plan!" She said this looking directly into her partners eyes. Their wills clashed with unspoken force. Xena didn't understand her anger yet. But she needed to keep a clear head for the sake of everyone and her family. That meant questioning Gabrielle's source.

"Exactly! Callisto wouldn't tell her anything she didn't want us to hear. The child's probably a pawn or worse!" Xena said back. This was when Joseph interjected his point of view also.

"She's right Gabrielle no one tells their plan to a kid for no reason! She either intercepted her by accident and sent her to tell us what she wants us to think, or she is working with that crazy bitch."

"That is not true! Xena, you were always so quick to blame her weren't you? Well, she is not evil! She's NOT!" she yelled at her partner now tears streaming her face. Alarm bells when off in Xena's head.

"HOPE? The child is Hope?!?!" she asked angrily. Joseph watch the exchanged very confused. He waited for a good opportunity to ask. Gabrielle fell to her knees sobbing. Xena's anger seem to leave her all at once as she knelt next to her wife. A wave of such guilt an sorrow fell over her it make her week. Her wife was in so much pain and there would be more by the time the day was out she knew. This all had to be taken care of but she had a few minutes to console her love. Xena took her into her lap and wrapped her arms around her and rocked. So much pain...she though and sighed.

"I'm sorry. I'm so sorry. I never meant to lie. Xena, I couldn't kill her she's my daughter. You're a mother, you know this. I had to save her!" Xena continued to rock her.

"Shh I know it hurts I do. But Gabrielle if we don't stop her she is gonna hurt someone. She is evil. She is working with Callisto an she almost got Solon an Julie earlier today. If Julie had not have felt her presence they would have all been dead." Gabrielle internalized this and began to cry harder she knew her warrior was right. It just had taken so long to sink in and it hurt so badly. "I know its hard to hear. But its not a child its just a vessel, an instrument of evil. That's all she is. I'm sorry that damn god did this to you! But she has to be stopped. do you understand what hat means?" Gabrielle was crying but nodded. Joseph cut in.

"What the hell is going on?" he finally said utterly lost. Xena's eyes became like ice but they had a far of look in them as she recounted the events at Dahok's temple and the weeks after.

"In the temple of Dahok some months ago , they took Gabrielle's blood innocence as a sacrifice to him and that damn evil monster planted his seed in her. She gave birth to a baby not to long afterward just a couple days later. It was evil form the start it killed our friends trying to help protect both Gabrielle and the baby. I tried to kill it then but apparently Gabrielle somehow managed to send it away I'm guessing in the river where someone found her and adopted her." Xena hugged thought he last to sentences in an effort to tell her she forgave her. She knew Gabrielle. She tried to see the good in everyone and she had done that for her and could not really condemn her for being herself.

"Oh shit Dahok's got a daughter?!?!? And that idiot let her live!?!?" Joseph hollered. "How in the HELL...." Xena cut him off.

"ENOUGH," she yelled back. "I wont have you attacking her! She did give birth to it and all the things that came with motherhood were born into her," Xena said loudly as she held her wife close. "What's done is done we will deal with it now!"

"What can we do?" Gabrielle asked.

"Poison. maybe if its not too late. She's young. It'll kill her if her powers aren't matured." Xena said very detached. Gabrielle nodded. Xena took this as a sign of resignation. She knew the bard had decided.

"Gabrielle, let me..."

"No Xena," Gabrielle said in a soft but emotionless voice. "I will take care of it." There was nothing else Xena could say. She trusted her partner and knew she knew the truth now. She could feel Gabrielle going cold inside. She sent her all the love she could thru there bond. Gabrielle responded slightly but kept her self mostly shut off. Her tears stopped and they got to there feet. Xena knew there would be much emotion after this she would have to help her partner put her self back together after this.

Joseph had remained silent after Xena's outburst. But he was still seething. He couldn't believe that stupid blonde had let that loose on the world and didn't kill it when she had a chance. It wouldn't do any one any good to attack either of them at the moment though he knew Xena wouldn't stand for it. So he decided just to take a few steps back and let them sort it out. It was there mess he was there to stop Dahok he had had no clue he had spawn. Xena wrapped an arm around Gabrielle's shoulder. Josephs suddenly was antsy he had to find Julie. He was feeling a sudden feeling of foreboding and then suddenly he could feel her fear move thru her and then to him thru his connection to his sister.

"We gotta get back to Kaliepus's hut something wrong, Julie is in that directions and she's in danger!" Gabrielle's head snapped up at this and looked directly into Xena's eyes. Xena felt a sudden jolt fear.

"OH GODS SOLON, JULIE! OH Xena I sent her toward them!" Xena let go of her immediately.

"OH gods! Solon, Julie! Not the kids!!" They all took off out the door, Joseph taking up the rear.

Back in another hut Ephany was gathering all the children with Julie's help. As they argument had erupted after they left Julie was beginning to feel very weak inside. There was something wrong. Very wrong. The evil was here in the village. And she could feel it getting stronger and her body felt like it was aching like in a flu. She looked about and saw most of the stragglers had already been collected. Ephany was busy with Xenon and some of the other younger kids and some of the other parents had already joined the effort. She knew they would be leaving any minute. As the Amazon regent's back was turn she slipped out the door unnoticed in the chaos. About the time Xena was telling Joseph the story of Hope, Julie began to feel like her blood was thinning and her bones wanted to fly apart. She headed toward Kaliepus's hut as if driven by an instinct she hadn't know. She took off in a run. She knew the point of no return was nearing and her line was being threatened.

Mean while after a search of the village Hope gave up on finding the girl and decided to concentrate on Solon. She would be able to find the girl later there would be plenty of time destroy the rest of Xena's soul, she knew, with the coming of her fathers kingdom. She headed toward the hut she knew sheltered Solon and the centaur. This would defiantly be a treat, she thought. She could already taste the boy's blood as she neared the hut.

As Julie neared the hut were Solon was she could feel also that the evil she had sensed throughout the village was drawing nearer. She rounded two more of the dwellings and hid at the corner of one where she could see the opening of the Kaliepus's hut. She stood about 20 feet from the opening that lead into the home, and she stood in wait. She knew it was coming every part of her screamed warning.

Hope rounded one of the huts and was making a B-line toward the door she knew that behind it there was one of the people would bring down everything around Xena's ears. An evil sneer crossed her face as she closed in on her target she came with in ten feet of the hut and was suddenly broad sided by a fast moving body.

Julie had seen the girl moving quickly toward the door and had felt the her skin begin to crawl from the evil energy exuding from her body. Julie knew the moment had come. Her whole body sprang into action and she ran as fast as she could toward the girl tackling her to the ground catching her off guard.

The two wrestled suddenly Hope recognized the girl and looking into her eyes she knew who her family was too. "YOU! You are the one who made the boy and the centaur leave the caverns! HOW DID YOU KNOW?!?!?" She yelled as she got a good punch in. Julie quickly turned the tables though and rolled her on her back.

"I knew it was you your that evil! You were gonna hurt Solon! WELL NOT WHILE IM AROUND!!!" Julie smacked her so hard that it would have made any other kids head spin but Hope just laughed and kicked her off of her and pounced upon her body and wrapped her small hands around the other larger girls neck.

"HA! You can sense me then! And you knew my plan! I don't know who you are or how you knew but you gonna die and I'm going to enjoy seeing the pain it causes your family!" Julie did not get a word in the small hand would not budge from her throat and they closed in tighter zapping her strength as her air way was cut off. She just hoped that t he others would come in time to save Solon and the centaur. She beat on the girl above her but it was no use. Her world began to go black as she heard "DIE YOU LITTLE..." and her ranting was cut off. All at once she could breath again as the girl was ripped off her but she slid into unconsciousness slightly coughing not knowing what exactly had happened but glad it had.

Gabrielle had come around the hut first seeing Hope on top of Julie choking her to death. Xena and Joseph had been right behind her and Gabrielle took off with speed born of panic and she heard half of her little speech to Julie and as she neared she heard her telling her to die. Hope was so absorbed in her fight that she had not noticed her mother approaching at a fast rate. Gabrielle grabbed a fist full of hair on the girls head and yanked her as hard as she could throwing both of them back to the ground. Gabrielle had caught Hope in her arms and as soon as she knew who it was her innocent face came back as she looked up at her mother.

Joseph and Xena went to Julie's side to find her completely backed out and breathing erratically. They had followed Gabrielle a split second behind but Gabrielle was faster as she tried to prevent the impending disaster that was unfolding before her. Xena was beside the fallen girl checking her over. The injuries to her neck were swelling causing her to have to struggle somewhat to breathe. That combined with the fact she could not seem to catch her breath after the lack of air was making her breathing short and shallow. Xena was afraid she would begin to go into convulsions or worse if they didn't get her treated. Joseph looked on as she worked her way up and down Julies body searching for injuries and assessing the damage done. Her breathing looked painful and labored and it scared him. Xena pulled Julies body into her arms and lifted her to her chest. Throwing a look at Gabrielle over her shoulder Gabrielle acknowledged it with a blink and with that Xena and Joseph went into the hut with Julie's unconscious form.

Hope turned into her mother crying, "Oh mommy! I was so scared that girl just attacked me when I was trying to get to the hut you told me too. I got lost and couldn't find it and some one finally told me where to go." She sobbed with practiced emotion. Gabrielle held the child to her and hushed her with soothing words from a dull voice and a void expression over her head that was tucked into he chest. Gabrielle then pulled the child from her and looked at her mustering the best loving look she could.

"We need to go. I think Callisto is coming and Xena is not gonna be happy I think you hurt Julie bad."

"I didn't mean to honest!!" She said looking up at her with large watery eyes. She's good, Gabrielle thought and then hugged her again.

"I know Hope, I know. Lets go ill go get some supplies and you go back to your hut and get your toys and blankets," she told her. "Ill be waiting for you in the supply hut." Hope nodded and ran off to do as she was told. Gabrielle stood and walked to the supply hut stiffly with out a backward glance.

Gabrielle quickly pulled some supplies together and put them into a bag. In a wine skin she put a small packet of powder she come across while looking for the cloak earlier. She had know what it was she was quite proficient at knowing what is what. So she emptied the packet of odorless, tasteless poison into the drink and corked it just as Hope entered.

"Are we ready mommy?" she asked in wide eyed innocence. She took hopes hand.

"Yes, were ready lets go." The two walked out of the village unnoticed.

Back in Kaliepus's hut Xena and Joseph walked in and Solon and Kaliepus looked up in surprise. Kaliepus came trotting over. "What happened?" He asked over Julies wheezing. Xena looked over at the table and with a jerk of her chin motioned to Joseph to clear it which he did with one arm in one fell swoop.

"NO time," She told the centaur, laying out Julie on the table. Xena then ran over to the water bucket and dipped a cup in it leaving Joseph to watch his sister. She quickly went to the kitchen part pf the hut and yanked the cupboards open where the herbs were kept. She quickly took out two bottles of powered herbs. Taking the cup of water she set it by the fire to warm. She turned and looked at Joseph and then her eyes drifted down Julies body and back to him. "Shell be alright. Just gotta get this in her." Xena dropped a pinch of each in the warming water.

Solon and Kaliepus walked over to the table as Xena was rifling thru the cupboards to look at Julie. Solon sat down in a chair next to the table and took her hand in his. Joseph watched Solon carefully he was amazed at how much he looked like her. IT hurt to look at him just now. He couldn't believe that evil monster had almost taking his sister away from him. If that blonde bimbo didn't finish the job this time he would be sure to. And he didn't care who would try to stop him. They would die just as quickly. He held onto his sisters other hand hoping her breathing would even out soon. Xena came to the table a minute later with the cup.

"Help me get this in her," she said to him putting and arm under the teens shoulders to sit her up.

"What's in it?" He asked as he helped her sit Julie up to take the liquid.

"Henbane and Witch Hazel. Henbane will make her relax and the Witch Hazel will take down the swelling." Xena said putting the cup to her lips. She poured about a table spoon full in her mouth. Julie coughed slightly but swallowed. The warrior was encouraged by this and kept feeding her small amounts. She had managed to get 3/4th the cup down her and the other portion she had coughed up or spilled. Xena nodded and they laid her back down. Xena finally took the time to look over at Solon who had tears streaming his face. She went to him and wrapped an arm around him.

"She'll be ok Solon. She' s just got to relax for awhile and she'll be a lot better come later this after noon."

"Ok mom," he smiled at her a little sadly and looked back a his friend. "Is she family too mom?" He asked her. Xena sighed it was time to tell him about what happened.

"She is defiantly family. She just saved your life. She intercepted a very bad person who was on her way to hurt you. Somehow she knew before we did and she fought her off." Xena looked at him, then to Kaliepus. Joseph stayed quiet keeping a lid on his anger not saying anything just looking at his sister willing the herbs to work quicker. Xena reached out a hand and stroked Julies check softly and very intimately like a close relative. Joseph could tell Xena was hurt by the turn of events too but could not be angry at her partner. But that did not stop him from being furious. The warriors looked at each other and knew there would be a confrontation later the would have to deal with but also knew it would have to wait till the village was safe from her godliness goddess of inanity itself.

Kaliepus clasped Josephs shoulder. Julies brother looked up at him. "She is a brave girl. We owe her a debt of gratitude." Joseph gave him a grateful look for his kind words.

"Yeah always helping first and thinking of the danger later." he said. "That's her," he looked at Xena. "Wonder where she gets it." all the adults exchanged rye glances and a couple of snorts that broke the tension. About that time Xena noticed Julie's breathing had evened and she was currently resting comfortably.

"The worst over now let her sleep till the herbs wear off," Xena said. Joseph picked up his sister.

"Is there a more comfortable place I can put her?" he asked. Kaliepus motioned to a pile of pillows close to the fire.

"She will keep warm there and be comfortable." Joseph nodded and put her down. Solon sat down by her.

"I'll keep watch mom once the fight starts," he said looking up at his tall mother. But Joseph answered his statement.

"Thank you," he said. "She'll be in good hands."

There was suddenly a loud knock at the door. Ephany burst in. "Callisto's coming Xena! We need you help." She told her in a rush. The Amazon looked back over her shoulder and saw her boy had fallowed her. "XENON!"

Xena and Joseph followed Ephany out the door. Xena turned and gave Kaliepus a look. "Ill stay here with the kids," he said answering her question. She nodded and shut the door behind her.

The centaur men and humans ran to get into position with all there bows and arrows they could muster for a defense. Xena hid behind some barrels along with Joseph both of them had bows. Xena could feel Callisto coming nearer. As She came in to view Xena and Joseph showed themselves while the rest of the reinforcements stayed hidden. Xena let out a loud yell and both the warriors let their arrows go and ripe thru Callisto's body. Callisto looked at Xena and Joseph and then down at her body. She had an annoyed look on her face, no arrows could harm a god.

"Hurts doesn't it?" Callisto asked. "Having your family torn apart almost losing them. Rips out your heart, your guts, your feelings. All then there is just a lot of pain, right?" Callisto sneered. " Welcome to the club." Xena gives a signal and the other warriors let go all there arrows into Callisto's body. They all hit there mark effectively pissing off her godliness. After all the arrows are settled into her frame she turns to the gathering of archers. Her eyes begin go glow and all of the arrows insider her body fly out searching out the offending persons who were attacking her.

"Now! Fall back!! Go!! Take cover!!" Xena yelled heading up the rear of the retreat with Joseph.

A centaur was running to retreat calling to his fellow village men, "Retreat! Hurry!"

Among the chaos Callisto looked to them all running away. "Stupid fools. I'm doing you a favor. You'd like to kill me!" She shrugged. "Wish you could." She said with out emotion. She ignored the rest of the retreat and followed foot prints out of the village and toward the caves where she knew the children were.

Xena followed her quickly along with Julie's brother hot on her heals coming to help her make sure Callisto was taken care of. Callisto follows the footprints the wrong way and into a large cave. She calls to the children and adults hiding them she thinks are in the caverns, "Why drag this out?!?!? Cant you see I bring you a gift of oblivion? Come out come out where ever you are. I promise it wont hurt." A beat. "Much." She walks on to the end of the cave, "Dead end," she observes.

"You got that right!" Xena tells her from behind. "It all ends here with us," she says with a jerk of her head indicating Joseph.

"You don't seem to get it do you? You've won. All these years I've spent living to destroy you, thinking that only if I could give you the same pain that you gave me, I'd be rid of it, and life would go on. And then I do, and nothing changes. I don't feel better, just empty. So you let me go, Xena. You can't win this battle. And you've already won the war." Callisto delivers her monologue unarmed and defeated looking. She feels she has destroyed Xena's family as Gabrielle has chosen the side of Hope and Julie lies injured.

"It's not that simple. I won't let it be." Xena confronts with her sword. Joseph is on her right with his drawn also, keeping quiet.

"I'm warning you Xena, you're nothing to me now."

"You're breakin my heart." Xena's tone was dripping with sarcasm.

"Walk away," Callisto advised.

"Not today," Joseph finally broke in.

"What you need help now Xena?" Callisto chided. Joseph answered her.

"Xena's not the only one with a stake in this any more!" Joseph shot back.

"Oh, really little man, well half god or not, which I can sense, you are still mortal and will die with her!"

"Go to Tartarus," Xena told her with vehemence. And they both charged her.

Mean while down the right path Ephany herded the children into a different cave. "Get down!" she called at the mouth of the cave where she stopped to make sure all got in. "Run!" She told the stragglers as she brought up the rear.

Xena a cave not to far away swings at Callisto and she blocks it and then also manages to block Joseph vicious down swipe but Xena while she is distracted gets in a powerful punch to her face that sends her flying. Callisto get up but both Xena and Joseph go after her with a vengeance. Joseph went for her head and Xena went for her mid section she blocked both however Joseph did connect with his foot to her shin and she went down again as she hit the ground she sent a bolt of energy towards the two warriors attacking her. Joseph dove for cover and Xena jumped over it and took advantage of her vulnerable position and jump on top of her straddling her stomach wrapping her hands around her throat. The caves started to rattle the energy blast had had the desired effect and rocks were shaking loose. Callisto's eyes went wide.

"You'll trap us both! That's your plan, to trap me here while my pain keeps growing and growing and you die yours ends!" Callisto shouted.

"You're wrong Callisto. You let you pain kill you years ago. I gotta live with mine and go clean up your mess you made of my family!" Xena jumped off her at the last minute as the rocks started down on top of them. The rocks fall in on Callisto and Joseph and Xena escaped just in time.

In another cave Ephany has all the children backed against the walls and she has cept them close together. The room suddenly starts to shake and some rock dust falls form above but nothing large falls. A rock is headed for a boy's head and Ephany yells "LOOK OUT" and it falls to his side. "It's ok," she comforts the children.

Xena and Joseph down and to the right path were the cave sat that held the kids. They walked in silence for a minute until Xena broke the it. "She will be buried there for eternity I hope this time! Damn the woman has got more lives that a cat," she said off handedly Joseph laughed. The tension left the warriors.

"Had quite a few problems with her huh?" Xena rolled her eyes at his question.

"Oh boy do I ever cant seem to stay where she is put!" Joseph nodded with a chuckle as they reached the cave.

"Come on out all it safe the bad guys are all gone." She called to comfort the children. They all began to file out with Ephany guiding them all from behind the back. They both nodded to Ephany as she took Xenon in her arms and held him. Joseph and Xena exchanged glances.

"I'm gonna go find Gabrielle," she said quietly. She sighed knowing what she would probably find. She had felt the grief building and suddenly mid fight was hit with and overwhelming urge to run away and find her mate. Her soul mate had done her task she knew and it was killing them both inside. She looked up in to Josephs eyes. "It is done." was all she said Joseph nodded. "I must go," she said suddenly in a dead run something was very wrong with her soulmate and she knew she had to get there fast.

"Ill go look in on the kids," he yelled after her and started the walk back to the village worried about his sister.

Xena ran as fast as she could in a westernly direction it seems that her partner had not stopped far form the village for lunch with hope. She was glad she had not gone far and that the ruse had worked and not gotten any one hurt....physically. The warrior sent waves of boundless love thru there connection but it seemed to be blocked by the extreme pain and grief and self hatred that cascaded thru there link like a waterfall. Xena worried she had mad a decision she would regret.

Xena broke thru the undergrowth to a scene that made her heart stop. A small body laid under a blanket with just a small hand showing from underneath it she knew was Hope's. Gabrielle kneeled beside her took the with wine skin from the ground next to the small hand and put it to her lips. Xena was moving faster than Gabrielle could catch her moving toward her as a large familiar hand knocked the skin form her hands to the ground where it emptied in to the grass. Xena grabbed the smaller woman's shoulders and yanked her around to look at her.

"Don't you EVER do that again!!! Damn you Gabrielle you are stronger than that! I love you, and that was really stupid!! VERY VERY stupid!" Gabrielle looked at her.

"Just like everything I do. If it had not have been for Julie Solon would be dead because of me and now she is hurt she didn't look to good when I left...." She stopped unable to continue but still the tears would not come. Xena took her into her arms and wrapped her self around the smaller form taking her into her lap.

"Gabrielle, she was born of you I know, this is not your fault my love. Please believe that. Please don't shut me out..." Xena asked pleading with he fragile being in her lap.

"I couldn't feel you any more I thought that it was all gone..." Gabrielle's eyes finally started to tear but did not have the strength to cry yet.

"No, love, its not gone I can still feel you. It will come back i promise just let me in please, we can get thru this..." Xena looked into her eyes. Gabrielle's walls finally broke under the gentle prodding of her soulmate thru her words and their connection. A cry like nothing she'd ever heard ripped from her wife's thought that just about made Xena pass out as a flood of new pain washed over them both. Xena steeled her self against it and held on to her tightly. Two more screams and then her partner finally started to mumble broken words of no...and I'm sorry...and crying uncontrollably shaking. Xena whispered to her words of love and forgiveness as she rocked. They sat like that for a long time. Xena lost track of how long.

Joseph went back to the village and went directly to Kaliepus's hut. He walked in to hear Julie and Solon laughing. He ran to his sisters side adn hugged her fiercely.

"Wow what did I do to deserve that?" she asked returning his hug.

"Damn you girl you had me scared to death that little bitch almost killed you!" he told her.

There were bandages around her neck that Kaliepus had put there. It had made her feel better. She put her hand up to touch them. "Yeah don't I know it. That thing was part of Dahok!" She said. "What happened? Who was that?" Joseph's eyes grew cloudy.

"That was Dahok's daughter. He used Gabrielle to bring that thing into the world. That idiot didn't kill it when she had a chance! It almost killed you!!! Oh have I got a score to settle with her!!!" He looked at Julies forlorn face and shook his head. "Any way she had told that thing to go here thinking she was her precious innocent daughter when she was actually on Dahok's side all the time. And she was after Solon of course. So when miss stupidity herself told us that she had sent her here we came running and she was in the lead. She got to you before me or Xena could and she ripped her off you before she killed you. She took her out in the forest I think to poison her. Xena said she had done so. I could tell by her eyes she knew it was true. But I wanna go make sure any how." Julie nodded.

"Bro lets give them some time first. I need to eat too. And if I think know what going to be going on when we get there please don't jump on her then? For me? Please?" She pleaded. Joseph let his shoulders slump and nodded.

"Alright, Xena would probably have jumped my ass anyhow in her defense."

"You cant blame her bro, the thing I felt the had when I was in her body in the vision it was....unbelievable. Everything she felt the bard felt and vice versa. It was very overwhelming. That woman is apart of her in not just body and mind alone their souls are so intertwined they are one but in two bodies. If you hurt one you hurt the other." Joseph just nodded taking this in. He got up and helped Julie to her feet. She was feeling strong and fit as ever save a weary achyness in her neck from the fight and her bones form all the feelings.

She sat and ate and discussed the current situation with Solon and Kaliepus and they had heard what happened and felt mostly as Julie did that it was her daughter and that is how she had viewed it. That she had been doing what a mother does normally and that is protect their off spring. Joseph even conceded this point but it didn't make his anger any less. Solon's feelings for her had not changed at all he still wanted to be close to her badly as well as his mother. Kaliepus told them he would probably do no differently if it had been Solon. Julie smiled at him in thanks. After the meal Julie went out side to stretch and was soon joined by her brother and they started towards the direction Xena had run.

It was a good two hours by the time Xena had heard Joseph and Julie enter the clearing. Gabrielle still cried in her arms and Xena shot Joseph a warning look over her wife's head nestled against her chest under her chin as she rocked. Joseph just nodded and looked away. He stayed at the edge of the clearing not trusting his temper now that he saw her. However it was slightly eased as he saw the small form laying motionless covered on the ground. He knew it had been done. Julie approached the two. She kneeled next to the bodies that were intertwined.

"Is there any tying I can do?" she asked Xena and the bard.

"We need to take the girl back to the village to have a prier," the warrior said quietly. Gabrielle's tears renewed their strength as she he whimpers became louder again. Julie bent in and hugged them both. And Xena took and arm and wrapped it around her as did Gabrielle. Gabrielle started to apologize to Julie through her crying and she put a finger up in-between them.

"Gabrielle, you are family irregardless what has happened. I understand why you did it and I also know that you saved me. Its ok. Both Solon and Kaliepus understand too. How could anyone have kids and not?" Julie put a hand on her face for a moment and looked into her eyes. "Its ok, I'm...I'm sorry for your loss but you did the right thing if it matters any." There was a sad smile on her face but she could manage to say nothing but nodded. Xena gave her a grateful glance and nodded also. Julie bent to pick up the girls body and lifted it with ease. Gabrielle made a move to get up but Xena held on tighter.

"Let her do this Gabrielle....I know she will treat her with respect." Julie looked at Gabrielle and Xena.

"I will prepare her an gather the wood myself for her prier. We will wait till you return to continue." She turned and was looking at the couple as she cradled the body. "I will take good care of her Gabrielle." The Amazon started to cry more again and nodded to me. "Thank you for letting me do this I know it hurts.."

Gabrielle found her voice for a moment, "Thank you dear heart you are a truly amazing child." Julie smiled sadly at her and nodded and headed back to where her brother stood. Julie called back to the pair.

"Take your time," and walked on passed her brother. She knew she was going to get an earful.

"You are a real piece of work you know that?" Joseph told her.

"Jay," she said. "Shut up. Everyone has to deal with this in their own way. I want to do this because I just do please respect that. Can't you do that for me? I know its bizarre but this situation was above and beyond horrible. I didn't need add to it and I don't blame Gabrielle. It just happened and we all have to move on. Can you do that Bro?" She looked up at Joseph as they walked and his face was still contorted in a mask of anger.

"She's human Jay just like we are. Just keep that in mind ok? You have a right to be angry just don't let it overshadow the good things too like it does with so many others. I love you bro. Thank you for being such a good brother." He looked at her and gave her a half smile. Sometimes she just knew what to say. What she said meant a lot. He mulled over the days turbulent events and saw how tragic it all was. He would still attempt a confrontation but not today to much sadness had happened so he let the matter rest for another time.

"I love you too short stuff. But if you don't start staying out of harms way I'm gonna tie you to a post when I go off. But with you luck the damn place would burn down around you." Joseph got dirty look out of her and he chuckled. The mood turned serious as they went into the village and walked toward Kaliepus's hut. But instead of going in there they stopped short at a hut that had been reserved for Gabrielle and Xena. Julie walked in.

It took her really a short time to prepare the body and wrap it in a cloth and tie it tightly about the small girl. She looked somewhat peaceful an nice when she had laid there but Julie had not dwelled on it. She left the body and went into the wood alone together the wood. Joseph followed her and came up behind her and found her crying. He pulled her into an embrace wordlessly. After a while they parted and began to collect the wood together in silence.

They brought the branches in and cut and trimmed them to make a platform for the body. They fit the together and finally the perch was ready for her. Julie again went to the hut and gathered the now wrapped body in her arms and took it out side. She laid it upon the prier as Joseph put the last sticks in place. Julie's attention was diverted after she released her burden onto the wood at the two figure emerging form the forest. Xena and Gabrielle looked at Julie and Joseph. Julie ran up to them and hugged both. Gabrielle looked as if she was ready to pass out form exhaustion of the days events, that or fly apart at the seems. Julie's heart hurt for this woman she had come to consider family in such a short time. They returned her hug. "I have prepared everything," she told them quietly. Xena nodded with her arm around her wife's shoulders.

"Gabrielle, love, do you want to start now?" She asked the bard. Gabrielle looked down as tears fell form her wet face. She nodded slowly. "Do you want to light it?" she asked gently. She nodded again and then looked up to Xena.

"Will you sing?" the bard asked in a hoarse whisper. Xena looked at her pained and said yes.

Xena helped Gabrielle light the fire and Kaleipus, Solon, Julie, Joseph, Xena, and Gabrielle all watched the flames as Xena sang a short somber melody. Gabrielle fell to her knees in grief and Xena followed her softening her fall to the ground by catching her and pulling her too her. IT was at this time Julie notice Xena let tears fall also. Everyone looked about and felt as though intruding. They each paid there last respects so to speak and retreated to Kaliepus's hut for sleep.

Xena and Gabrielle stayed there long into the night crying and rocking. Morning light however found everyone fast asleep. In a deep dreamless sleep for all.

In the late morning hours Julie and Joseph finally were up and dressed as was Solon and Kaliepus. They had all stayed in Kaliepus's hut and had talked for a while about the girl's death. They had all come to the conclusion it had to be done and the bard had not been to blame. How Gabrielle viewed it was a different story. The four in the hut found there way out side after breakfast wondering if Xena and Gabrielle would even make and appearance today.

Xena and Gabrielle had woken up late just before noon. Xena had woken first with the bard warped in her arms tightly. Gabrielle had slept the night and half the day through once they finally got to bed. Xena was relieved finally last night that she had let everything loose from inside. Another title wave of emotion that had almost sent the warrior reeling but she had been prepared for it once the fire had been lit. She had sent the bard so much love that night and still had an unending about to give her. Her partner would probably be very quiet and needed today, she knew. And would provided every bit of support she needed. She damned Dahok and Callisto once more in her mind for putting her wife in such a position. But she had chosen her family now over her daughter. And that was a gift and a curse in the same breath. The pain would ease in time and there relationship would stay strong. Another hurdle to jump that was all. Eventually they would over come these hurtful last few months. Together they were stronger than the pain.

Xena looked down at Gabrielle's sprawled figured across her body. There had been no love making last night both were exhausted and neither felt it would be good fore either of them. So they had settled in bed with soft nightshirts on and Gabrielle had wound her self around Xena in a death grip needing an anchor in the storm of emotions that had threaten to whisk her form sanity. The night's discussions on everything from Britannia to Chin to Hope exhausted them both. The had hashed through everything that had threatened to come between them. With all the hurts and lies exposed they seem to loose the power over the couple and they began healing for the pain it seems they had caused each other because life had gotten so complicated they forgotten the simplest truths. Together they were stronger and love conquers all.

The suns rays shone through the window caught the red-gold strands and illuminated the yellow highlights. Xena slowly stroked the soft mane against the bards back. Gabrielle stirred softly and slowly. Feeling herself come awake. The Amazon Queen's head lifted and Blue eyes met Green. The forest leaf colored eyes held a distant haunting of remorse, pain and guilt. In answer to this the warrior pulled her closer and kissed her lips gently. Gabrielle returned her affectionate gesture and then laid her head back over Xena's heart.

"Love, do you want to get up? Are you hungry?" Xena asked her mate. Gabrielle shook her head. "We have go get up soon here love, I think Julie and Joseph are going to leave today. They will have to getting back." Gabrielle looked up at her.

"You don't think there staying any longer?" she asked quietly. Xena shook her head. "Ok well then lets get up ok? I think I'm getting stiff any how." Xena stretched underneath her loves body and damn near tossed her onto the floor. Gabrielle ended up laughing after her freight vanished when Xena's arm wrapped around her again. Gabrielle looked up and kissed her partner again and decided to roll off her and get out of bed. Xena rolled the opposite way and got to her feet also. Gabrielle although hurting inside seemed to be able to keep the emotions at bay for the time being and was just enjoying the privacy with her mate. The bard had missed being close to her throughout the hole fiasco and spared her wife an appreciative glance as she dressed. Xena caught her looking and gave her a quick smile and went back to dressing. Gabrielle did the same and put on her Amazon outfit lacing up the front but fumbling with the laces as usual. Xena want to stand in front of her partner with her just her leathers and boots on.

"Here let me get that." She batted the her wife's hands away and tied them neatly across her breasts. "There."

"Thanks," Gabrielle said. She was not hungry this morning at all and just wanted to go back to bed with Xena but she let the warriors ambition to get up and go get them both out of the hut that morning.

"Let's go get something to eat," Xena said riffling through the saddle bags. "I think I still got some jerky, cheese and apples in here." She tossed the bard an apple. Gabrielle ate half of it and put it down she was beginning to feel queasy and decided to stop there. Xena could feel her discomfort and finished her breakfast quickly and wrapped an arm around her shoulders. With out much more conversation they exited the hut and went to find their newly extended family.

Julie and Joseph were out sitting on a grassy spot in the shade. They had a good view of the part of the small town where both Kaliepus's hut and the hut where the couple dwelled for the moment was. Joseph and Julie had been idly chatting since they left the centaur's hut. About what the future would be like now that they had stopped Dahok's daughter and wondered if they had in fact stopped everything. Joseph commented "I guess we'll find out when we get back," just as Gabrielle and Xena came up to where they were sitting. Julie got up to greet them.

"Hey, Xena. Hey, Gabrielle. How are you guys?" she asked walking over to them and giving each a hug. They both returned it and Gabrielle lingered a bit longer than Xena did enjoying the comfort Julie offered her also. She was surprised that the girl hadn't been mad or upset or even hated her cuz it had been her daughter that almost killed her. The girl just moved on understanding and kind. She was a little taken aback by her reaction but glad for it all the same.

"Thank you," Gabrielle said. The two words said volumes. It wasn't what she said but how she said it that made the teen smile. She pulled the bard closer to whisper in her ear.

"You'll make a fine mom for Solon," she murmured. "You have all the right instincts. I know you will cherish him." Gabrielle jerked away and looked at her in astonishment.

"How can you say...," She was cut off by a hand that came up between them to silence her rebuke.

"Because I can," Julie smiled. Xena observed the exchange with a watchful gaze and knew the girl had said something to make her partner start. Instead of jumping go to her defense she trusted her to do right by her blood. The warrior sat next to Joseph who was halfway sulking. Xena nudged him in the ribs with an elbow.

"That is quite a sister you got." She said. "And you are no slouch yourself. But what I don't understand is why you came back? Gabrielle and I could have handled what was going to happen. I have a feeling she was going to do what she did any how...." Xena looked at her wife and then back at Joseph. Joseph looked at her.

"Julie figured it out last night you'll have to ask her all that dimension and time travel crap gives me a head ache I'm just glad she is the on who can figure out that kinda stuff or we wouldn't have an answer for you." He grinned. Xena nodded and watched as Julie held Gabrielle's hand as they came over. Joseph stayed quiet not wanting to ruin the now good mood so he just ignored the bard altogether. Gabrielle took a seat close to Xena and the warrior rapped and arm around her. Julie sat in front of them with her knees curled up under her.

"So, Julie, your brother tells me you figured it all out?" Xena asked getting to the heart of the matter. Always cutting thru the bull eh Xena, Julie thought and laughed to herself.

"Yes, I surmised last night why we had to come back to this these last couple of days. You see Dahok in our time created a tear in-between dimensions as he came from inside the earth. He wasn't supposed to be in our dimension but he found a way back to the future that Joseph and I occupied. Well when he created the tear in-between different dimensions well the futures were going to collide and one was effecting the other. There can only be one future to this world in this dimension, but for every choice there is an opposite one that was not chosen and all those possibilities exist in different plains also. So in our future I exist but in the other one parallel to us I do not. Something happened far back that wiped out my blood line and we followed the rip all the way back to where I think I felt my blood line disappearing and that is what stopped our traveling through the time stream." Julie sighed she was going to tell them the hard part now. She looked directly at Xena and Gabrielle. "In the other time line Dahok's daughter killed Solon. And because of that I never existed. He is my great great great.....well you get the idea. He is my direct descendant as are you Xena. So we fixed Dahok but we also fixed the past. This way Solon lives on and you two still are together. There was just a point in time I knew I had to get to Solon and that is when I jumped the girl. My very fiber knew it was wrong so I fixed it." Xena and Gabrielle looked at her in shock. Solon would have surely died then. And at that point Xena did not exactly know what would have happened if Solon had died at Hope's hand. Gabrielle was contemplating the tragedy also and started to cry.

"Oh my gods," She covered her face. "I would have been responsible for that!" Her tears came in a torrent and all the might have beens suddenly flew out the window and Xena pulled Gabrielle to her and wrapped her arm about her. Xena sighed that would have been disastrous but they were not there now this future was different and brighter already.

"Thank you then for saving my son," Xena told her. She turned her attention to Gabrielle. "Listen to me. We can't live in what might have been. We have to live in what we have now and we have a lot to be grateful for. Like that one day Solon is actually around and will get married and have kids. Julie is the proof. The turning point has been reached and bypassed. The future is set Gabrielle. Our future." She told her lifting her chin. Gabrielle's tears stopped. She looked at her partner and nodded and just laid her head on Xena's chest.

Throughout hole exchange Joseph sat and listened. He watched his intelligent sister lecture on why it was this point in time that they stopped. With Dahok not succeeding in wiping out Xena's line that means there were people who would always be there to stop him. Like his sister and himself. The God had been defeated or so it appeared but he guessed he had not seen the last of him. It had been way to easy. There would be another chapter to this story he knew he just didn't know if it would turn out as well as this one had.

Julie looked at Joseph and then looked at Xena and Gabrielle. Joseph looked antsy She knew he wanted to return to see if what they did had stopped the problem. The teen sighed.

"Well I guess it is time to go. If that evil ting is still running a muck we need to get back and find out if this was it or not." Joseph nodded at her statement. They all rose to there feet. She looked at the two women in front of her. "Well I guess this is good bye. I don't want to go, I liked it here with you Xena and Gabrielle its not everyday I find someone who understand me inside and out so well." She manage a smile. Xena let go of her partner momentarily to give the girl a big warm hug and kisses the top of you head.

"You listen now. Take good care of yourself and don't let Ares push you into anything remember your in control ok? Remember I'll always love you little one you family." Julie smiled up at Xena and released her. She then turned to Gabrielle who hugged her also.

"Xena's right Julie you are family. Take care in the future you'll always be in our hearts." Gabrielle let go. Just then Solon came running up.

"Hey," he said to Julie. He looked kinda shy and depressed. "I guess your gonna go huh?" Julie looked at him.

"Ya, I have to go but you'll always be with me," She told him with a smile he didn't quite understand. He gave her a hug any how and looked at everyone.

"Ah.. well I gotta go I got chores to do just wanted to say bye and good luck and thanks." He told them and turned on his heals and ran off. Julie and Joseph shouted bye to him and he gave them a backwards wave as he ran. All the adults laughed and Julie was just puzzled. But no one was forth coming with the joke so she let it go.

With her good byes out of the way Julie stepped back. Joseph appraoched the warrior. "Well Xena, it had been an honor to fight by your side. I'm glad our past has you to watch it." He shook her hand.

"I'm sure the future is in good hand now,. Take good care of her." Xena said. Joseph nodded and let her hand go. He faced Gabrielle. He could rip her apart but didtn feel like haveing a fight with Xena befor he left so he chose humor in stead.

"Well Gabrielle, can't say it been a blast cuz it hasn't. But somtimes that is just the way the blondie tumbles eh, side kick?" he moved away before she could take in what he said. Joseph then took out the two rocks form his pockets and looked at Julie.

"Oh, boy here we go again. You better land somewhere that has a bathroom this time!!! You know I'm gonna be sick," the girl said to him huffing. Joseph held his hands up with the rocks in his palms.

"STAND BACK!" He hollered at Xena and Gabrielle. Julie moved up beside him. "Ready?" he asked. She nodded. "OK HERE WE GO!" and on go the rocks smashed and disintegrated over them and a vortex opened up in front of them becoming stable after a moment the rushing sound of wind was deafening. Julie turned quickly and yelled bye as her brother jumped in and she followed immediately after. And after the girl it closed off and they were gone.

Xena and Gabrielle looked at each other and then looked at the spot where Julie and Joseph had been standing a moment before.

"Think we'll ever see them again?" Gabrielle asked wistfully. She had really grown to like that girl her brother was a pain in the ass though she had finally caught what he said and nearly gone after him if it had not been for a hand holding her back firmly.

"I hope so and yet I don't because if we do that means there is still trouble in the future." She answered hugging her. The couple stood there for a long time thinking on the events that had taken place recently in there life and decided they were much better of than what they would have been with out the two family members who had come from so far in the future. They looked up to the sky and both prayed to what ever gods were listening to give them a safe trip to whenever it was.

The vortex through time and space sucked them in and whipped them up down and sideways through the tunnel. A few seconds later the were thrown out unceremoniously on Mount Olympus. The gods came to gather around the two who had just returned form their trip. Julie got to her feet and made it to the bushes as she once again relieved her stomach of its contents. Joseph stood and looked about. He saw Zeus approaching.

"Did we do it ? Is Dahok gone?" Zeus looked at him and shook his head.

"I'm sorry son he is still here and still strong as every the past you corrected was on the right trail. It had to happen that way now you must go back and figure out the rest." Just as he said this Julie was returning to her brothers side.

"Oh god not again!" was all Julie said She just couldn't wait to go thought that ride again. NOT. Joseph started laughing. Julie looked at him.

"What is so funny??!?!" She asked wondering how he could be laughing right now at a time like this. Joseph smiled bigger.

"Oh yes, round two with blondie." He grinned. Julie just threw her hand over her face in disgusted and shook her head. Julie began walking toward the exit to Mount Olympus.

"It gonna be a loooooooong mission," she told no on in particular. "a very LONG mission. She reached the door and started to the earth.


End of part one.

Continued In Part 2