Title: Eclipse – The Revelation

Author: Strife's LMNT

Chapter: 4

And so, the banquet went on as planned with Eve, Rani and Xena making thank-you speeches to the crowd. As the servants were cleaning up in the early pre-dawn, Xena took Eve, along with Gabrielle, aside to one of the well-manicured gardens and began to talk.

XENA: I know you're probably wondering why I need to talk to you. There's nothing wrong with neither Gabrielle nor I, and I completely approve of your wedding, but there is something you need to know.

EVE: Okay, it can't be that bad right?

            Her eyes shifted towards Gabrielle.

XENA: You've always known you had a brother, Solan, right?

EVE: Yeah. He died before I was born.

XENA: Well, Solan isn't your only brother, you actually have 3 more. And you're not my only daughter, I have 2 more.

            A look of confusion and then realization came over Eve's face. The news had hit her hard but she didn't want to show too much emotion. She calmly took a breath and then a sudden outburst of anger flew from her mouth as if to say, "Screw it, I'm tired of being so reserved."

EVE: What? Hold on, where are these other "children"? I've been with you since you came out of that cave. When did you have those 5 other children? Who's their father?

XENA: It's complicated, but basically I lived on Olympus while I was pregnant. Their father is Ares. He tampered with time so that on Earth it only seemed like I was gone for a few minutes while months passed on Olympus. Usually, it's the other way around.

EVE:  Ares? I knew he was crazy about you, but not like that. Where are they now? I might as well meet these "brothers and sisters" of mine.

XENA: You're taking this a lot better than I though you would. I expected plate throwing and guards attacking me.

EVE: Why would I be angry? You have another family that you love and a man who loves you.

XENA: Maybe you would be jealous because my other children knew me their entire lives, not just the beginning and now, like you.

EVE: No, no, no. Come on, maybe Livia would throw stuff, and try to kill you, but not me.

XENA: Good 'cause there's something else I need to tell you.

GABRIELLE: Xena, I think you've covered everything.

XENA: Not exactly. I wanted to tell both you that I am now the Goddess of War and Desire.

            Both Gabrielle and Eve's jaws dropped in surprise.

GABRIELLE: Since when? Why didn't you tell me before? I get it, you didn't tell me because you knew I would be totally against it. You know how I hate the Gods, they've done nothing for me, and they've hurt you and your family. You could've at least told me before hand. It's not like I could do anything about it.

XENA: It was a spontaneous thing. Ares and I were renewing our vows as Chosen and God and he brought it up. I thought it was a good idea and I still stand behind my decision. Ares and I wanted to keep it a secret.

EVE: Anything else?

XENA: Ares, Aphrodite, and my other children are here. Your brothers and sisters wanted to meet you and attend the wedding.

EVE: Fair enough. Bring them in.

            At that moment, seven figures zapped into the room.

XENA: You guys were listening in on our conversation weren't you?

CHILDREN: It was her idea.

            All five children all pointed their fingers towards their mischievous aunt.

APHRODITE: Couldn't help it.

XENA: Eve, meet Meredith, Goddess of the Fine Arts and Wisdom. Alexus, the God of the Fire elements and the Earth. Amos, the God of the Water elements and the Sky. Xander, God of Health and Healing and Adreanna, Goddess of Music, Well-Wishes, and Amusement.

APHRODITE: We've had to hand out so many titles since there are only a few gods left to cover all the bases.

EVE: At least we all look alike, so I know you're not lying. Why didn't you tell me before?

MEREDITH: Our parents didn't want us knowing about the Twilight, being the new Pantheon and all, and since you were such big part of it, we weren't told about you until recently. Nothing personal.

EVE: How come you're all the same age?

AMOS: Living on Olympus and being immortal affects our growth. On Earth, we're only 2, 3, and 6 years old.

EVE: Well, um, I think we've all had enough surprises. I'm gonna need some time to process this. Can we talk again in the morning?

XENA: Sure.

            The next morning, business in the palace went on as usual and everyone's thoughts turned to the wedding. Xena had decided to leave Eve alone with her thoughts until she was ready to accept the facts. It was harder to stay away from Gabrielle who wasn't taking the news too well. Gabrielle had said she wasn't upset about the goddess part, she was upset that Xena and Ares didn't trust her enough to tell her beforehand. Xena was sitting, reading an Egyptian scroll when Ares came in unexpectedly.

ARES: That wasn't too bad, was it?

XENA: No it wasn't. It's kind of eerie how Eve took everything so calmly. But then again, being her, maybe it isn't so eerie. But Gabrielle isn't taking it too well. She's babbling on and on about something called a trust factor.

ARES: Why don't you just let things play themselves out. Isn't that what it says in that scroll you're holding?

XENA: This is a first-hand account of the Trojan War written by an Egyptian slave caught in the middle of the action. The God of War doesn't even recognize his own work?

ARES: I never bothered learning how to read Egyptian. You, my dear, were supposed to wipe them out so many years ago. There was no use of learning a dead language.

            A nearby servant overheard the conversation between the God and Goddess of War. He knew that any information about Xena's past would help the royal family rid themselves of Eve and gain his freedom. The servant rushed to Cleopatra's room where he told the princess about Xena's failed attempt at Egypt.

CLEOPATRA: If what you tell me is true, then we'll have what we need to keep Eve off the throne. If she knew her mother had tried to wipe the Egyptians out then she couldn't possibly take throne and marry Rani. She's too much of a goody-goody. I must tell the others.

            Meanwhile, Eve sat sulking in the royal bedroom, nursing a massive hangover. She didn't know if what her mother told her was true or not. She had been so drunk that after the meeting she had the guards take her to her bedroom. She was so confused and somewhat angry that she almost took out her rage on her pet jaguar, Raja, who slept peacefully nearby. At that moment, Rani walked in to find Eve looking forlornly out the window.

RANI: Is something wrong? Why are you looking outside and ignoring everything that's going on in here?

EVE: My mother had some big news and she just had to tell me before the wedding.

RANI: Um, what kind of news?

            Rani knew he was walking on eggshells whenever he questioned his wife about something concerning her mother or her past. She may be the leader of the Elijians but she still had Livia of Rome's temper.

EVE: She's become Goddess of War and Desire. She has five children who are all gods and goddesses and to top it all off, Ares is her true love and the father of her children.

RANI: She told you all that last night? I would've hated to be there to clean up the mess. Ares? Weren't you two … um … well …

EVE: Lovers? Yeah, until I found out he was really using me as a replacement for my mother!

RANI: Sounds like something they would have on that show with all the dysfunctional families that you like to watch down in the coliseum. Never thought that your family could steal the show, did ya? And I guess you're still mad at him for leaving you?

EVE: This isn't a joke!

Eve picked up a vase from Chin and hurled it towards Rani, who caught it just before it crashed into his chest. Rani looked up with a surprised face. He had never seen this angry side of Eve, but all of his country's war veterans had surely warned him in advance while he was out in the local taverns.

EVE: Oops, sorry. Don't worry, I still love you. Ares always saved my life in every battle and he practically raised me, but the whole keeping so many secrets thing bugs me.

RANI: Will a little vacation help you?

EVE: Actually, I was thinking that myself. But only if I took Ares, Mother, Aunt Gabrielle and the rest of the family with me. I think we just need a little time together to work things out. You know, see how we all work, what we like, what we hate. That sort of thing.

RANI: I was gonna surprise you but I think I can make an exception. After our honeymoon some officials will be visiting and I really won't be around that much. I was thinking of using one of our ships and chartering you along the Nile. I know it wouldn't be fun to sit around here all day. The temples will be finished by then, and the priests of Eli will be here to take over. I think you'll be pretty free to do whatever you want. So what do you think?

EVE: Sounds perfect. Now I really know why I'm marrying you.

RANI: Not because of my superior intelligence, ruggedly handsome looks and my immense wealth?

EVE: Because of your massive heart.

            Cleopatra had called another meeting but had left her younger siblings out.

CLEOPATRA: All we have to do is tell Eve about her mother's failed plan to wipe out Egypt and she'll never be able to take the throne.

OLYMPUS: How stupid can you be? You truly don't think Livia didn't study Xena's exploits while she was studying under Ares? She probably already knows. Don't you remember when Livia herself tried to capture Egypt? There's nothing else we can do.

NIVEA: Rani's sending Eve up and down the Nile after their honeymoon during the annual official report.

PUZO: How would you know that?

NIVEA: Unlike you four, I actually listen to Eve. She thinks of me as a friend. She mentioned something about finding new followers along the way.

CLEOPATRA: So what if she's going on a little cruise?

NIVEA: We can kill Rani and make sure Eve never comes back to Alexandria. We can say she knew all about it and left him to die.

KENTA: That could actually work.

OLYMPUS: So it's agreed then?

CLEOPATRA: Yes. Rani must die.

A/N: Dum, dum, dum. Read on and review!