FOUR AGAINST THE DARKNESS
by Phil D. Hernández
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ACT THREE
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Alti, arms akimbo, was waiting for the Warrior Princess.
So, Xena, you found the daughter of Dahak, the evil shamaness said in her voice full of gravel and malice. You didn't think I'd notice the warding, did you?
It served its purpose, Xena replied.
What, to hide her? You think your little blonde friend could turn her around in one night? Her pathetic little light against the evil of Dahak? Alti laughed at Xena.
The Warrior Princess returned a cold smile. Compared to Dahak, your evil is the shadow of a pinpoint in a lightless room. He won't let you live. He knows you'll try to take his place.
And you want me to ally with you? Love has made you soft in the head.
Xena appeared to flinch, but her eyes remained hard. My will is as strong as ever, Alti, she said.
The shamaness wasted no more words, but launched an attack on Xena, appearing to be directly in front of the Warrior Princess without closing the distance. Her blow missed by a fraction of an inch despite the fact that Xena was a stationary target. Alti had not intended to miss; Xena's earlier movement had done the trick. Stepping to one side, Xena vanished and reappeared several yards away.
Little tricks won't save you, Alti sneered. I know the spirit world far better than you do, Xena. I'll take your puny power and return to the living.
Alti went after Xena again. The Warrior Princess flung her chakram, seemingly at random. It bounced off the trees in the forest behind her and kept flying.
Ha! I'm not there, Alti taunted as she struck Xena a blow from behind. The Warrior Princess rolled with the attack and somersaulted to her feet. Xena did not turn around, which was the correct move, because Alti was now facing her. They exchanged a series of furious strikes and parries at a pace too rapid for the normal eye to follow, but which was not unusual in this place.
Xena was not fooled by Alti's actions. The evil shamaness knew that Xena could easily defeat her in a fair fight, and neither would be weakened in the process. No, it was clear that Alti wanted to lull Xena into overconfidence before striking with her hidden powers. They kicked each other away, both spirits flying some distance before landing upright.
*****
What's happening? Joxer asked, noticing Xena's eyes shifting their sightless gaze.
She's in the spirit world, Gabrielle replied. Xena told me that it's like a waking dream. That's why her eyes are moving.
Your eyes move when you dream? Joxer was skeptical about that, but shrugged his acceptance before Gabrielle could get annoyed with him.
Next, Xena's body convulsed, then began to twitch again. Xena is fighting someone, Gabrielle announced. I think it's Alti.
Be patient, Hope said to forestall Joxer. Trust Xena the way she trusts you.
Xena's body feels every blow she takes in the spirit world, Gabrielle explained. This looks like a normal fight for her. Alti isn't some two-bit bandit, so she'll hit Xena every once in a while. The Warrior Princess convulsed again. Hard. But Xena only hits back harder. I hope.
*****
Shamaness and former pupil flew at each other, catching each other's hands as they attempted to claw at faces and eyes. They spun in the air, neither woman relaxing her grip. While Alti had the greater part of her strength in the spirit realm even before Xena killed her, as long as the shamaness was acting as a warrior Xena's skill would prevail. The circles slowed and the two women alighted. Xena bent her knees, bracing her legs, and flipped Alti over her head, simultaneously jumping forward as the somersaulting shamaness came at her from the opposite horizon.
A forearm smash stopped Alti's flight, but she swept Xena's legs out from under her with a low kick. Alti followed her down, and the two combatants rolled over and over each other on the grass, each seeking an advantage over the other. The shamaness went for Xena's throat with one hand, but the Warrior Princess knocked the hand away and smashed her fist in Alti's face repeatedly.
Alti managed to return the favor only once, but it provided the edge she needed, and this time succeeded in catching Xena by the throat and squeezing. Her grip was not powerful in itself, but Xena's eyes bugged out as if she were choking. As Alti forced her gaze deep into the soul of the Warrior Princess, it had the same effect as throttling her opponent.
For now Xena was reliving her worst pain, screaming with each blow. The evil shamaness took special delight in finding the times Gabrielle attacked Xena: hitting her from behind with a rake; kicking Xena in the head; shouting, I hate you! before knocking her off a cliff. The Warrior Princess was forced to recall her sufferings in Shark Island Prison; a poisoned dart from Callisto; an ambush that did succeed in killing her
*****
Xena's body grew more agitated. Bruises appeared on her face. Her breathing, which had been soft and steady, now came in labored gasps. Gabrielle leaned over her most beloved friend, willing her to resist, to live. Hope gripped Gabrielle's other hand and gave the bard the love and support that Gabrielle's daughter never did. Joxer was plainly worried, but prudently stayed silent. Gabrielle glanced at him once, but he merely inclined his head toward Xena. That earned him a smile that, if wan, was nonetheless heartfelt.
The bard returned her attentions to the Warrior Princess, who did not seem to be improving; quite the reverse. Blood began to trickle from Xena's nostrils.
Come on, Xena, come back to me, Gabrielle urged aloud. Hope, can you feel her?
At that moment an earsplitting scream tore itself from Hope's throat. she screamed again. Dahak's attacking! she added in a voice only a little less hysterical than before. Mommy? MOMMY!
Joxer dove for the hand that Hope had released in her agony and caught it in both of his. No, Joxer, don't! Gabrielle ordered, but he refused to listen.
Find Xena. Pull her out, he said. You can do it.
With no further time to waste arguing with Joxer, Gabrielle reached out with her love.
*****
The Warrior Princess was dying. Though Gabrielle remained with her, something was missing. Alti paused to gloat.
That's right, Xena, the daughter of Dahak is about to take out your precious Gabrielle. You've lost. I'll have your body, and your spirit will serve me in unending torment! Alti's laugh was almost a cackle.
With a convulsive move, Xena broke free from Alti's grip. She did not want to give anything away, especially not the fact that Alti had miscalculated. Dahak was making another play for Hope, a strong one, Xena guessed. He was in for a surprise. Unfortunately, it meant that Hope couldn't help Gabrielle. Since there wasn't much more for Xena to learn now that her suspicions were confirmed, the Warrior Princess steered her spirit back toward her most beloved friend.
Oh, no, you don't, Alti said, and attacked Xena again. The latter fought back, but could not land a solid blow. Perhaps Dahak was reinforcing Alti, but if he did then he could not concentrate his full power on Hope. Xena needed to reunite her team, but to do it she had to figure out how to defeat the shamaness.
Alti moved in for the kill. A thousand sword cuts, ten thousand wounds, an agony of painand Xena had the answer. Each event Alti called up had its counterevent in Gabrielle. Xena gently moved Gabrielle and her broken rake aside in order to confront Ares. Together, Warrior Princess and bard united against hate in Illusia. In Gabrielle's name, Xena defeated Alti and freed the Northern Amazons. Xena mingled her spirit with Gabrielle's and together they obtained the ambrosia needed to bring the Warrior Princess back to life. Gabriellealways Gabrielle.
Would it be enough? Without the connection to Hope, Gabrielle's spirit grew weaker. Xena could not, would not let her soulmate go down into the darkness with her. Prepared to sever her own link, Xena was surprised to feel another surge of power.
Hope held off Dahakno, that's not Hope, it's Joxer!
Xena's chakram returned. Alti reached up to grab it.
*****
Gabrielle felt the ebbing of Xena's spirit. Her tears rained on Xena's face as she pressed her warm cheek against her soulmate's cold, clammy skin. Now she too was fading. In the corner of her consciousness she could see Hope, her screams now soundless, fighting the evil god alone. But there was also something else: Joxer's love. The bard knew that he would sacrifice himself for her and for Xena alike. His spirit was strong, but Xena kept losing groundGabrielle kept losing groundXena grew colder and colder
Gabrielle breathed. Let me go. You have to.
You need me, he said.
Yes, I need you. But Alti is winning. I can't pull Xena back. Get help. Tell Ephiny.
I love you, Gabrielle, he said, and the first of his two hands left hers.
*****
With the tiniest motion, Xena pulled her opponent aside. It seemed like only the billionth part of a billionth part of a millimeter, but this was the spirit world.
The chakram hit Alti squarely in the back of her head.
In the living world, Xena opened her eyes and took a tortured breath. Her gambit had succeeded.
Wait, Joxer! Gabrielle cried. She started to run her hands over Xena's cheeks, which were growing warmer. The cuts on Xena's face from memories of old wounds slowly disappeared, leaving behind tracks of dried blood.
Hope fighting Dahak Xena whispered.
Joxer, take over here, the bard directed, and took Hope into her arms, gently rocking her. Mommy loves youmommy loves you, she crooned.
You're not Mommy, Hope replied through clenched teeth. Dahak burnsI want my mommy.
Mommy loves you. I love you, too, darling Hope. You're not my daughter, but you're still a good girl. You're a good girlI love youmommy loves you
Hope's tears now flowed, and her body was racked with sobs. She reached for Gabrielle and clung to her as if the bard were her mother.
Meanwhile, Joxer rubbed Xena's hands in his, trying to bring back some warmth to those extremities. You made it, Xena. Gabrielle is right here. She's okay.
The Warrior Princess did not respond right away. She had pushed both her body and her psyche close to their limits, and she needed time to recover. You tooka big risktoo big, she finally said.
And you didn't? What about Gabrielle? I did what you told me.
Yes, you did, Xena agreed. Bracing herself, she sat up. Her head cleared.
Gabrielle continued to rock Hope, but both women were much calmer. The next time you say something's too dangerous for me, I just might believe it, the bard told Xena. Even Hope was able to smile at that, which meant that Dahak's attack was over.
Are you okay, Gabby? Joxer asked.
I think so, but I feel weak. What happened?
Alti happened, Xena explained. You felt her, didn't you?
I think I saw her. Eyes that want to swallow you in their darkness, full lips curled in an evil smile, sure of herself, hateful
That's Alti, the Warrior Princess confirmed. She's grown stronger through her alliance with Dahak. I mishandled things and almost lost you, Gabrielle. I'm sorry.
Don't be sorry, Gabrielle replied. We pulled it out. Alti and Dahak weren't working as a team.
Xena nodded. We still have some advantages. I was able to hide Joxer from Alti for now, so she won't be using him against you, Gabrielle.
What? Using me? protested Joxer.
When I told Gabrielle that Alti was too dangerous for her, that goes at least double for you, the Warrior Princess explained to the would-be warrior. But you always come through in the clutch. That gives us an edge. Alti still doesn't understand about Hope, either.
Gabrielle's not-quite-daughter was wiping tears away. Don't count on it, she said. Dahak knows now, and he will warn Alti. He tried to drain me. He even offered to send me home if I betrayed you all. I knew he was lying, and if he wasn't, it still would have left my family vulnerable to his schemes. It was hardso hardthen Mom – I mean, Gabrielle – was there.
The bard continued to hold onto the girl for support. Though Gabrielle had entered the psychic battle with open eyes, she had experienced a similar shock to her soul only once before, when she had been transformed into a Bacchae and later restored to normal. Despite this, she had freely poured out her love to save Xena, Hope and Joxer, and it had weakened her. It occurred to Gabrielle that Joxer had given her far more support than she had been able to offer him.
That's the way it's always been, hasn't it? He was there for me against Dahak the last time, too. Now that she knew the depth of his love, and how good it felt, she wouldn't brush him off again.
We have to maintain the initiative, Xena said. I was able to weaken Alti, but Gabrielle Her voice trailed off, and it was obvious that the Warrior Princess was uncertain if her most beloved friend could survive another such ordeal. If Alti didn't kill her, Gabrielle might very well extinguish her own spirit to strengthen her friends.
When the time comes, I'll be ready, Gabrielle declared. It's for the greater good.
I'm with Gabby, Joxer seconded. I may not be worth much, but I love you guys.
Xena began.
You can't stop them, Xena; you know that, Hope interrupted. Joxer is an innocent and Gabrielle nearly so, but their love freely given is stronger than any power our enemies can wield. Dahak wants innocent people sacrificed to him because he gains his greatest strength when love is perverted.
All right, conceded Xena. Gabrielle, can you walk?
I'll try. Hauling herself up, the bard stood on wobbly legs. Joxer ran to take her arm, but before he could get there, Gabrielle rose a few inches into the air.
Hope, you should save your strength for Dahak, the Warrior Princess admonished.
The girl smiled. This is nothing. Ever since Mom and Dad got over their fear of heights, the four of us spend lots of days flying. Sometimes Argo feels a little put out, though.
I'll bet, smirked Gabrielle.
*****
They decided to keep moving. Xena folded a blanket to form a cushion, which Gabrielle sat on while she rode in the air. The bard didn't actually need the cushion, but until she got used to floating without visible support the experience would remain disconcerting. Joxer was solicitous to the point of annoyance, offering Gabrielle water, which she accepted, then bread, then some of the leftover venison. Next he suggested that he read a scroll to her.
she exploded. Enough already! You love me: fine! Now leave me alone!
Want me to tweak his nose for you? Xena offered. Joxer cringed, but Xena was joking, which dispelled the angry look Gabrielle gave her.
Gabrielle said, not in agreement but to calm herself down. Joxer, get me some of the figs in my bag and then leave me alone for a while. Please?
What's our next move? Hope asked to break the tension.
We let Gabrielle recover, the Warrior Princess replied, giving Joxer a hard but not menacing look, and keep headed toward Amazon country. When we get close to the Centaur village, I have Joxer go on ahead to warn them, and they can send a messenger to the Amazons.
I shouldn't, Joxer started to protest, but Xena gave him another look. Okay, I'll do it, but I'm coming straight back.
That'll be fine, Xena agreed. We can't fight Alti or Dahak directly. They're too strong. We have to cut them off from some of their sources of power. Hope, did you get a feeling that Dahak still has a temple around here?
There's the temple where we – no, I wasn't with you
Where we fought Dahak. Different worlds, but the same place. Go on.
He lost many of his followers after that battle, and more later, but not all. He has summoned the remnant to rebuild the temple. I was supposed to be the high priestess come back from the dead.'
Then he hasn't re-established his following. That's good news. And he must have expended more than he wanted to when he pulled you from your world into ours. He can't use you as a source of powereverything he invested in Gabrielle's daughter and the Destroyer is gonebut he is a god, mused Xena.
Can we separate Alti from him? Gabrielle suggested.
Maybe. If we could concentrate everything we had on herthat's why we barely pulled the last one out. They split up their attacks. If they manage to join together
Then we're sunk, Joxer concluded. No one disputed him.
*****
Gabrielle not only was a resilient young woman, but her friends loved her so much that they were potent force multipliers in themselves. The power of the spirit world is great, but finite. Though Alti could tap into this power more effectively than others, unfettered love is a greater power still. Thus Gabrielle recovered faster than might be expected, given her ordeal. She declared that she wanted to walk, and Hope lowered her to the ground.
This gave Xena an idea. I need to work on my shamaness equipment. Would you mind giving me a lift, Hope?
No problem.
Xena, what are you up to? Gabrielle asked in a singsong voice.
I think you should have that private talk with Joxer, Xena said.
Now? This is no time –
This is the perfect time. Joxer's been in love with you ever since he thought you had fallen in love with him.
You knew?
I knew. When Joxer learned the truth, he took it hard. I didn't want to hurt him again by telling you. Joxer's my friend, too. So you be honest with him. If you're not ready for more than his friendship, he'll understand.
The bard turned to the man who loved her.
Xena's rightbut I'm scared, he replied. Scared of losing you one way or the other.
Go on ahead, Xena told them. Hope and I will stay alert.
*****
It would have been the perfect setting for two lovers to walk together: sunlight filtering through a leafy canopy of oak and ash; green grass underfoot; a gentle breeze to ruffle but not disorder Gabrielle's strawberry blonde locks. To someone like Xena, the idea that their lives were in danger would add extra spice. However, Gabrielle had lost her husband in similar circumstances, and the danger did not appeal to her.
I don't know what to say, Joxer. I know you want me to be in love with you
But you're not. I know that, Gabby. You love Xena, and she will always come first. I just hoped I might come in third.
Third? Who's second?
Perdicas. You were so happy when you married him. He was a great guy. I liked him.
You're right, Joxer. I'll never stop loving him.
You'd better not, he mock-chided.
Why do you love me? Just because I was nice to you once?
More than once, Gabby. It's simple. Why does Xena love you?
you wouldn't understand.
Yes, I would, because I love you for all the same reasons. There just never seemed to be a good time to tell you. I almost did once. Remember when Aphrodite enchanted your scroll?
You mean those three Gabrielle grew angry. That wasn't love, it was lust!
I know the difference, Joxer said in that condescending way he had that made Gabrielle want to slap him across the face. She did not, because he sobered up immediately. I meant the necklace, he continued quietly.
The bard's hand went to her throat as if to finger the polished turquoise pieces that were the most prominent feature of the necklace Joxer had given her almost a year before.
I guess you sold it and gave the money to somebody who needed it, Joxer said in a sad voice. That's okay.
No, I still have it, Gabrielle assured him. You gave up so much so I could have something pretty. I would have figured it out if the scroll hadn't been in your scabbard when you sold it. And even though I was mad at you, I kept the necklace because you mean a lot to me. Suddenly Gabrielle cocked her head to one side and narrowed her eyes. You've been trying to impress me, haven't you?
Well, forget it. You always go overboard. Except for the necklace; that was very sweet. Besides, you don't need to impress me. You don't have to pretend you're a mighty warrior, or fetch and carry for me and, for Aphrodite's sake, don't get yourself killed trying to save my life. Let your heart tell you when it's the right time to fight for me. It hasn't steered you wrong yet.
So what are you saying, Gabrielle?
I'm telling you to be yourself. Stop acting like a smart-ass. You're much better than that. I've told you that before.
No, you didn't, he denied. I would have remembered something like that.
Are you calling me a liar?
You don't lie to me, Gabbywell, maybe when you said you and Xena were going to fight Medusa
It was after I got out of that cell you locked me in. You called yourself a loser again and I said that you were worth a thousand of Jett.
You said that? Wow
Maybe you told Jett? He was running looseuh, he hung me on a hook by my underwearaw, Gabby, you don't have to laugh!
Gabrielle couldn't stop giggling, picturing the image in her mind. Sorry. It's just so – you. You're right. I must have told Jett. But I meant it. You're a good man, and you care, and you're my friend. You don't need to be anything more than that.
But I gotta be worthy of you and Xena! he protested.
Now the bard was exasperated. Joxer, haven't you listened to a single word I said? By the gods, you're shaking!
I'm sorry, Gabrielle. I didn't mean to get you all upset.
Just pay attention. Look at me.
The would-be warrior raised his head, still uncertain of how Gabrielle would react to him.
That's better, she said. Joxer, whenever I need you, you're there. Whenever Xena needs you, you're there.
Yeah? But you guys send me away, too.
Joxer, when you're full of yourself, I don't know how even you can stand you. The rest of the timeif you want me to put it that way, you're worthy, all right? You were worthy from the day I met you. So take it easy. You think I learned everything I know in a day or two? Sometimes I don't know why Xena put up with me. But I learned. Xena accepted me, not because I talk a good game, but because I was there for her. Not with words, not with my staff, just there. You already do that. If you're going to be my boyfriend, that's all you need.
If I'm going to beyou mean
I mean. She took his hand. I don't want you all over me. I'm not Meg.
You never were.
All right. We'll start this slowly and see where we go from there. One kiss, no tongue. Got it?
Got it. Joxer took Gabrielle into his arms and softly kissed her. She closed her eyes and did not break away. If nothing else, Joxer knew how to kiss a woman.
It seemed like a few minutes, but it was only a few seconds before Xena came up behind them and brought them back to the real world by clearing her throat.
Gabrielle's gonna let me be her boyfriend, Joxer said without embellishment, if I behave myself.
That should prove interesting, the Warrior Princess observed.
Gabrielle stuck her tongue out at Xena.
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END OF ACT THREE
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COPYRIGHT NOTICE:
Xena: Warrior Princess, Xena, Gabrielle, Joxer, Hope and all other characters who have appeared in the series, together with the names, titles and backstory, plus scenes and dialogue from the series, are the sole copyright property of MCA/Universal and Renaissance Pictures. No infringement of copyrights or trademarks is intended in the writing of this fan fiction. This story is © 2003 by Philip D. Hernández and is his sole property along with the story idea. This story cannot be sold or used for profit in any way. Copies of this story may be made for private use only and must include all disclaimers and copyright notices.
