Her Mothers' Daughter

by Kikilia14

Xena and Gabrielle have traveled to the future to protect very special a child of the gods. Is she really the key to the past or will her destiny mirror that of her siblings?

37. Chapter 37

Usual disclaimers apply.

Chapter 37

I woke with a start and swallowed my scream. My nightmares had returned with a vengeance. The difference was that this time they revolved around Athena and seeing my parents' lifeless bodies as I tried to protect Eve. Breathing heavily, I lay down again, but couldn't sleep. Feeling the need to clear my head, I quietly got up and pulled on my boots. They didn't quite go with the sweats I had fallen asleep in, but I didn't want to be far without my dagger.

"Sam?"

"Just going to use the bushes," I whispered to Mama. Grabbing my staff, I left the tent and walked a few feet before sitting in the sand watching the waves in the moonlight.

I wasn't sure how long I sat in the sand, but I started when I felt someone sit down next to me. "I thought you were going to use the bushes?"

I shrugged. "I needed to think."

Mama tried to put her arm around me, but I pulled away, my eyes still on the waves.

"You'd better get back, Mom or Eve might need you."

"You need me little one," she responded pulling me into her this time.

"You were dead. You and Mom were dead and Athena was after Eve…" I trailed off as the vision of my nightmare came flooding back to me.

I finally allowed myself to release the emotions of the day as I turned into Mama's embrace. She kissed the top of my head and began to hum. My tears increased and I cried until I had no more tears. "I was so scared," I whispered. "I thought you were dead, there was so much blood…." I trailed off again as Mama rocked me.

"I am so sorry that you had to see that battle Sam. I know you were scared, but you were so brave coming here alone." She kissed the top of my head again. "Your mom and I are so proud of you."

"Don't leave us alone again," I pleaded not caring if she or Mom were proud of me for doing what had to be done. I only knew that I wanted nothing more of this adventure, especially if I would have to be alone with Eve again. I wanted to be at home, safe, wrapped in my mama's arms talking about our day at the dojo or what Rhys and I did that day.

"I wish I could promise that Sam, but you know that I can't." Mama's voice was quiet. "We will do our best not to leave you again, but it may be inevitable."

"I want this to be over with," I whispered. "I wish I could just go home. I hate this. Why can't the gods just leave Evie alone? There's no reason to bother her. None."

"I wish I could answer that for you Sam. I only know that your mom and I will do whatever we can to protect the two of you."

"I know Mama." I pulled back from her and focused on the water once again. "Do you think baptizing Evie will work?"

"I hope so little one, I hope so."

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I sat on the sand as my parents entered the water with Eve. Aaron was already waiting near the shoreline and smiled as they reached him. Eve was kicking the water happily and I smiled hoping that this would work.

Aaron gently cupped water onto Eve's head and said some words that I couldn't hear. I then watched in awe as a solid beam of glowing light illuminated Mama and Eve. Time seemed to stand still and suddenly the light was gone and Mama turned to say something to Mom. Mom's face dropped and they embraced, a wiggling Eve in between them.

As they walked out of the water toward me, I knew whatever message had been delivered in that light, it wasn't good news.

My moms sat down on either side of me and Mama finally released Eve. She held onto Mama and began to pull up before trying to walk to me. Falling in the sand, she shrieked and began to play with the new substance.

"What was the message?" I asked, watching Eve.

"That Eve needed to be given to the path by one who truly knows what it means to live by Eli's word." Mama's voice was tired.

"So what now?" I asked sadly. I was looking forward to ending this, to being able to settle down like Mama promised. Knowing this wouldn't be happening yet, I stifled the urge to scream. My anger, so close to the surface began to come forward again.

Mama sighed deeply and tried to pull me into a hug, but I shrugged her off and stood up. "That's what I thought." I commented before walking to the water's edge and in the opposite direction.

Hearing Mom behind me, I started to run. I wasn't ready to talk and knew that Mom wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Samina stop now!"

Deciding to heed the warning, I stopped running and waited until my mom caught up with me. "What in Tartarus do you think you're doing running off like that? You know better Sam."

Turning to face her, I scowled. "I wasn't running off, I didn't start to run until you came after me." I glared at her, "I wanted some time alone to think. Believe me, I won't be running off any time soon." I rubbed my backside for emphasis before beginning the walk back towards Mama and Eve.

Mama looked at Mom and I saw a look pass between them. I hadn't seen them speak with their eyes in that way since coming back to this time and I smiled slightly in spite of myself. Kneeling on the sand, I approached Eve. "Well Evie, looks like we start from square one again." I kissed her on the cheek before standing up feeling some of the anger dissipate as I spent time with my little sister.

"Can I go check on Mavri?" I asked looking at both of my parents. They looked once again at each other and I added, "Alone? Please."

Mom nodded slightly to Mama and Mama nodded to me. "Thank you." I headed toward the stable, my staff in my hand before they could change their minds.

Entering the stable, I quickly made my way to Mavri. I began to talk to him while brushing him out. I finally laid the brush down and got onto Mavri's back. Lying down on my stomach with my head in his mane like I had done at home so long ago, I finally let my tears fall. There would be no easy fix for this problem with Eve and I was wondering if it could be fixed at all. I finally slid from Mavri's back and after hugging him around the neck, made my way back to the tent we had been given. I stopped outside the flap when I heard my moms' low voices inside. They were probably trying to figure out our next move. I entered the tent, ignoring them I made my way to my pallet and lay on my stomach hoping they would leave me alone.

"Sam, we need to talk." My mom's voice was quiet.

Slowly raising myself onto my elbows I looked at them and sighed. "About what?"

"Sam, come over here, we want to talk with you." Mama directed.

I slowly got off my pallet and sat with them on the ground of the tent. Pulling a large pillow towards me, I relaxed sideways so I had my head propped onto to my hand. Mama gave me a pointed look and I slowly sat up using a pillow as a cushion.

"We'll be heading northeast in a few days Sam. There's a group of Eli's followers near Lerna. It'll be about a week's ride if we can avoid Athena."

I nodded feeling defeated. "Fine. When do we head out?"

"Two days." Mom answered.

"Anything else?"

Mama shook her head and I rose and returned to my pallet. Lying on my side, I made sure not to make a sound as the tears returned.

I had slept through dinner and woke from another nightmare not only scared, but hungry. Rising, I made my way to the small table in our tent and was glad to see a bowl of stew still there. Taking the bowl and spoon, I exited the tent and walked straight into Mama.

She said nothing, but guided me back inside the tent. "Sit down and eat, and then back to bed."

I sat down and ate silently as she watched me. "Can I go watch the waves?"

"No, back to bed for you."

"Fine." I huffed. Returning to my pallet I lay and stared at the tent fabric as my eyes became even more used to the dark. Pulling out my music player, I put the ear buds in and pressed play. Smiling, I relaxed as Mom's voice came on, interrupting one of Mama's songs. They bantered for a bit before telling me they loved me. The player went silent and I sighed. I rewound and put that bit on repeat. I don't know how many times I listened to it, but when the player finally died, the sun was rising.

I slowly rose and put my player in its solar recharger. Just enough light was visible through an opening in the ceiling and I was grateful to be able to use it to recharge the player. I quickly dressed and once again was stopped by Mama before I could leave the tent.

"How much sleep did you get last night Sam?"

I shrugged. "I don't know. How long did I sleep before I woke up last night? I never fell back to sleep after that."

Mama ran a hand over her face and looked at me hard. "You will be drinking the tea tonight young lady. That's two nights of you not sleeping."

"How do you know I'm not sleeping?"

"I'm your mother, I know."

"Yeah, right." I snorted trying to walk around her.

"Oh no, you're not going anywhere without your mom or me with you." She looked at me once again and raised her eyebrow. "And watch the attitude Samina."

I chose to bite my tongue and follow Mama from the tent to collect our breakfast from the food tent.

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I had decided that only speaking when asked a direct question would be best for my posterior and had spent a very quiet breakfast with my family. Eve was the only person I was speaking with and though she was trying, she wasn't yet able to talk back to me.

Following Mama to the barn, I approached Mavri with a smile. Whispering in his ear, I began the soothing ritual of grooming him and almost jumped out of my skin when Mama touched me lightly on the shoulder telling me it was time to head back to Mom and Eve.

I shook my head, giving Mavri the signal and used his leg to climb onto his back. I heard Mama sigh again and felt her hands around my waist as she lifted me off my horse.

"Any more of that and you'll be riding with me when we start out."

"She's just being a big meanie," I whispered into Mavri's ear before Mama took me by the arm and dragged me from the barn.

Reaching the tent, I saw Mom walking with Eve. Eve was holding onto Mom's fingers as she walked as fast as her little legs would carry her toward the water.

Breaking free from Mama's hand, I ran toward them and grabbed Eve from Mom. Swinging her around I put her back on the ground and continued the walking lesson in full view of my parents who were now sitting on the sand watching us.

"How did it go in the barn?" Gabrielle asked, her fingers intertwining with Xena's.

"Not one word to me." The warrior smirked. "She had plenty to say about me to the horse though."

"Oh?" Green eyes met blue for a moment before turning to watch her daughter's play on the beach.

"Yeah, told the horse I was being a big meanie."

The bard laughed at the shrug Xena gave her with the news. "The gods Xena, what are we going to do with her?"

"Well, we've tried the talking it out approach and the giving her time approach. I think it's time for a new tactic."

"A new tactic, what might that be oh wise one?" Green eyes sparkled with mischief.

"The Mama's had enough of this approach." The warrior's blue eyes sparkled in the sun. "That child isn't going to know what hit her."

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"No!" I shouted at my mother not heeding the warning her now icy eyes carried. "There is no way in hell I'm taking a nap. I'm not Eve!"

I was off the ground, a swift swat to the seat of my pants, and on my pallet before I could do anything about it.

"You, young lady will lay here and rest. You haven't been sleeping and you need it."

"No I don't." I argued as Mama removed my boots.

"Lie down Sam."

"No."

"We can do this the easy way or the hard way Samina. One involves you having a rather sore bottom, the other involves you deciding to do what I say."

"And why should I?"

"Because I'm your mother." Blue eyes flashed again and I glared back, locking eyes for a moment before lying down and turning over to face the tent wall with a huff.

I woke up to the sound of quiet voices. Yelling at myself for falling asleep, I stayed still hoping to overhear what was being said.

"Did you have a nice nap little one?"

I should have known the eyes of ears of the warrior princess would know the minute I woke up. Sighing I sat up and glared at her. "I wouldn't know, I was asleep," I muttered pulling on my boots.

Mama gave Mom a look and then crossed the tent. Lifting me easily from the pallet, she gave my backside half a dozen swats before handing me my staff. "I think it's time we work some of that attitude out of you."

"I don't want to spar."

"Let's go Sam."

"Make me."

I stood my ground as Mama once again lifted me easily. This time she put me over her shoulder before turning to Mom. "We'll be back in a while Gabrielle. Enjoy spending time with the child that hasn't learned to talk back yet." She said giving my backside another swat before grabbing my staff leaving the tent.

We were at the edge of camp circling each other. I had been given no choice in the matter and rather than fight any longer, I allowed my anger to take over. Taking the lead, I attacked first and took comfort in the familiar ritual. I managed to block a few moves before allowing all thought to stop and just rely on instinct. Feeling the anger consume me totally, I started to enjoy myself wondering for a brief moment if this exhilaration is what Mama feels when she fights, I shook it from my head as I focused once again on my opponent and staying on my feet.

I had just managed to avoid another swat to my backside when I felt the familiar tingle in the back of my neck. Not stopping my counter attack, I watched Mama for my cue before hauling myself out of the dirt. Turning quickly, I aimed my staff for his throat and stopped only because Mama pulled me back before I made contact with him.

"What do you want Ares?" She asked, keeping her hand on my shoulder.

"Nice move my little warrior, I think you actually would have made contact with me." Ares addressed me ignoring Mama's question.

"What do you want Ares?" I echoed Mama's question and he rubbed his beard before clapping a few times.

"I came to tell you well done. You play the game well, implicating me in a coup to take over Olympus. At least that's what my supposedly wise sister has in her head." He glared at me. "And that angle of you being chosen by love and war, brilliant. Athena is really questioning her next move towards your little family unit here."

"Ah, you upset because big sister decided not to play nice?" I asked mockingly.

"Not only is Athena not playing nice." He put his hand on the handle of his sword and took another step toward me. "Aphrodite's gone into hiding just so she doesn't have to face her." He shook his head. "That little mark of yours wasn't so prominent before which leads me to think that you've seen my blonde sister recently."

I said nothing, waiting for him to divulge more.

"Anything else Ares?" Mama asked with a bored look.

He smirked, "Just wanted to know if the little warrior here has rethought my latest offer."

"Go to Tartarus Ares." I spat.

"So much like your mother," he grinned. "You know, you're young, and both of you are mortal."

"What's your point Ares?" I asked.

"Only that your mommy won't be here to protect you forever little warrior. One day, you will be mine." He said with a smirk before disappearing.

I screamed and hit my staff against a tree as hard as I could. "I hate him! I hate who he is here!" I shouted as I hit the tree again and again. Finally dropping my staff I sunk to the ground and put my face in my hands, drawing my knees up.

"Sam?"

I shrugged off her hand and looked up. Holding back the tears I set my shoulders. "I'm fine. Let's go again." I responded grabbing my staff and standing up. The anger had resurfaced with a vengeance and I wanted nothing more than to get a strike on the great warrior princess.

"No Sam, we're done for the day."

I walked toward her and swung the staff. "Let's go again." I repeated.

She easily blocked my move and shook her head. "No Sam."

I began attacking her with my staff growing more frustrated as she easily blocked my moves. "Swing at me dammit!" I shouted. "Defend yourself."

"Sam, no!" Her voice was sharp and she finally caught my staff and took it from me. Pulling me into her, I finally let go.

"Why didn't it work? Baptizing her was supposed to work, is this ever going to be over?" I felt Mama support me as I slid to the ground once again.

My eyes locked with hers as she pulled me to her. "It's your fault, all your fault Ares wants me. If you'd never gone to him, if you hadn't become The Destroyer of Nations, he wouldn't want me."

"Sam, stop." Mama's voice was soft, but her grip on my wrists tightened as I tried to hit her.

"He'll turn me, the same way he'll turn Eve once you're gone. Athena will kill you to get to Eve, how will I stop the gods then? What am I supposed to do after you're dead?"

"Sam, stop!" Mama's voice was controlled, but full of steel. "I am not going to go anywhere without a fight."

"You can't die, you can't. Don't leave me alone. You promised me I wouldn't be alone." I heard my scream before the sobs began. Barely aware of my mother holding me, I finally let out all of my fear disguised as anger. Ares had been the final straw, and I could no longer pretend everything was okay.

I don't know how long I cried, but when I stopped, the sun was much lower in the sky and I felt dusk approaching. Looking into my Mama's face, I noticed tears on her face as well.

"Mama?" Reaching up to wipe one of her tears away, she captured my hand and kissed my forehead.

"I wish I could take your hurt away little one." She smiled at me softly.

"Can't we just go away again? Can't we go someplace the gods can't follow and live our lives there?"

Mama looked at me and slowly shook her head. "No Sam. We're done running. If this doesn't work, well your Mom and I have a plan B, and we promise you Ares will not encase us in ice for twenty-five years and Eve will not be raised by some crazy Roman guy."

I looked deep into her eyes, knowing she believed what she was telling me. "I'm afraid you and Mom are going to die before any of the plans can happen. I'm afraid of being left alone."

Hugging me close, Mama kissed the top of my head before looking at me again. "I'm not going to lie to you Sam, your mom and I could get hurt very badly." She pulled me close to her again. "We could even die, but that won't stop how we feel about you."

I pulled back and pulled my knees up, hugging them. "How am I supposed to do this if you die?" I pointed a finger at her, angry once again. "You and Mom promised me that you'd be here, before I left home. You both told me that I wouldn't be alone. If you die, then I'm alone."

"You'd have Eve, Sam."

"She's not you!" I rose and looked down at her. "You both promised me, and you'd better not break your promise or I'll kick both of your asses from here to Tartarus and back."

Mama stood and gave me a wry smile, eyebrow raised. "Glad to know you have the confidence to think you can kick our asses." Her eyes turned stormy. "But if you ever talk to me like that again I'll be sure your ass knows just how much I am the Mama and you are the daughter."

I shrugged a bit and smirked. "Guess I got carried away."

Mama hugged me, "Yep, little one, I guess you did." She pushed me back and looked at me again. "And don't let your mom hear you speak like that either." She smirked.

Taking my hand in hers, she picked up my staff in the other, handing it to me. I grabbed it and leaned into her. "Mama?"

"Yes?"

"I'm sorry I blamed you for Ares wanting me. I know it's not your fault. I was just so angry and scared."

We stopped walking and Mama locked eyes with me. "I've done a lot of things in my past that I'm not proud of, that I regret. Ares is one of those things. I'm just sorry that you have to deal with him now because of me."

"Well," I chuckled as we started walking again. "You have a lifetime to teach me how to annoy him, so maybe it'll be okay after all."

She pulled me into a one armed hug and laughed. "Maybe it will little one, maybe it will."

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Hope everyone enjoyed this update. Thanks for all the comments, I do appreciate them.