Fear (Amazon Scrolls 10)
DJ Dubois
July 2007

Rated T (Teen—some language)

Notes Part 1: This story takes place after both "Consequences" (Dubois Chronicles 2.102) and "Legion" (Super Lana 31). Rest assured, this is not a xover story. (Other fandoms listed below pertain to characters referred to in the story by the XWP folks.)

Notes Part 2: Xena Warrior Princess and the show's characters belong to Studios USA. The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the CW. All other characters unless otherwise noted are mine.

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Chapter 1

[Nai-Jin's Hut—from the end of "Consequences"]

Xena stormed up the path toward Nai-Jin's hut under a full head of steam. After Yodoshi's escape, she was furious. As such, she knocked loudly.

The door swung open. "Enter, Xena, I've been expecting you."

"Yeah?" The Warrior Princess entered the dwelling to find the ancient prophetess sitting on the ground in lotus position. "You might have told us about Angela's grandfather. We could've saved him."

"The goddess only allows me to see what she will, Xena. Such I told the Faerie Empress several times and so I tell you and the Queen." Seeing the surprise on her visitor's face, she nodded. "You just missed her. I will tell you what I told her and David Dubois both."

"David? When?"

"He and I spoke just before you went after Isobel's weapon of the Apocalypse. He tries to figure out my prophecy." The old woman rose slowly from the floor and made her way over to the table. "But I only told him part of it. Two quests there will be to right the wrongs done by your enemies, Xena. He will lead one. Miranda will lead another. So as your enemies scatter like the crows when the feast is done, so you all will do the same to find them."

"So we'll need to split up to find them? Fine," Xena supposed.

"Except that you will need to take a minor role in one of the affairs. Miranda's friend and her allies have appeared at a critical juncture. This girl reaffirms Miranda's ties back to her training and loyalties to their mentor. It is also for her to avenge the wrongs done by the demonic samurai. As such, it is time for her to prove herself on a quest."

"Quest?" Then Xena's eyes went wide. "Yeah right. Those kids are going to hunt down Yodoshi? Nah, I'll deal with that."

"Unfortunately, the main role has been assigned to the young ones. You cannot stop this, Xena. The goddess wishes that you assist and advise. However, it is for Miranda to kill the demon once and for all. As you go, she will need to deal with her inner darkness. In that regard, you must help her to remain on the straight and narrow."

"And David? What of him?" Xena queried.

"He and five companions will travel back in time to seek out Isobel. There, under a canopy of Lincoln green will they seek to stop her from destroying his house," Nai-Jin declared. "Such as she declares, so shall it be."

Xena shook her head and stalked out of the hut.

Nai-Jin bowed her own head and rubbed her temples. Alas, Xena, how I wish it were not so! I would spare you all from these trials but the goddess wishes otherwise! She bit off a piece of coarse bread and watched as the sun descended toward the western horizon. And night shall fall in more ways than one.

[Queen's Hut—the next morning

Gabrielle scribbled away at her scrolls recording recent events both in the village and the future. Especially over the previous year, the Amazons had finally reestablished their stability. The village reconstruction was finally complete. The warriors had resumed their full training and routines. Best of all where the Queen was concerned, they enjoyed a time of peace. I hope you're enjoying this, Ephiny, wherever you are. She smiled warmly at the thought of her sister Amazon.

She is.

Gabrielle sprang to her feet to find Yakut's spirit floating behind her. "Yakut, what is it? You don't have to sneak up on me like that."

"Forgive me. I only wished to compliment you," the spirit apologized. "You have prevented a major catastrophe, Gabrielle. Under your leadership, the Amazon nation has regained its vitality. May you continue your stewardship as such."

"Thank the other Amazons especially Eve and Jasmine for their assistance, Yakut," Gabrielle replied, deflecting the praise. She recalled the visions of potential disaster which the spirit had shown her both in Japa and Chin. "We work together and survive together."

"A lesson that you share with your friends from the future, I suppose?" the deceased shamaness asked. "It is one well considered."

"David Dubois has a great deal of experience in these regards—as do Xena and I. Besides the Amazons have our full council and heiresses back in place. At least for now, we're set. We will keep watch over these lands, Yakut. That I promise you."

"I have no doubt of that, Gabrielle. Xena has taught you well." Yakut glanced toward the ceiling as if considering her next words carefully. "Still she struggles with the next great task."

"Next great task?" Gabrielle looked curiously at her friend. "What's that?"

"The goddess has declared that those around you will seek out and eliminate your enemies: the witch, Isobel, and Yodoshi."

"We've faced them both." The queen took a deep breath. "Hopefully not together though."

"No. However, neither you nor Eve will be involved," Yakut continued. "Xena's role will be as companion and mentor. Jasmine will represent the Amazons on these quests."

"Xena's going against Yodoshi and you want me to stay here? Forget it! She's not facing him…."

"Gabrielle, you are needed here in the village. These missions are intended for others to prove themselves and finish their own business. You must have faith in the younger ones now. They must face their demons as we have," Yakut explained. "Darkness must be resolved."

"David will go after Isobel. And I'm still not letting Xena go off alone against Yodoshi. She almost died the last time," Gabrielle declared. "Especially not with the third in line to the throne with her."

"It is not for you to say. Besides it is not Jasmine's task either. As with her uncle, the task of avenger falls to another."

"Miranda?" Gabrielle realized. "No offense but does the goddess realize what a quest like that will do to her inner darkness? She's at risk too."

"True but it is her role to avenge her family. Events have unfolded as they have for a reason. Think on what that means," Yakut concluded before disappearing.

They've unfolded the way they have for a reason? What does that mean? The Bard-Queen walked out of the hut into the mid-spring sunshine and breeze. All seemed quiet—ominously so.

She saw Xena mounting Argo II. "Xena, wait!"

"What's wrong?" Xena wondered.

"That's my question for you."

Xena retorted flatly, "Nothing. I just need some air." With that, she spurred Argo, taking off for the woods.

"Terrific." Gabrielle shook her head while heading back into the hut. "She and I going to have a talk about this."