Title: The Trio and Their Uncle
Author: Susan Owens
Rated PG Maybe R for later
Warning: Might be a little fighting or romance (I'm giving them a love
interest. But I don't know
about sex
yet)
Disclaimer: I don't own them. (But you know who does. I can't spell
it.)
Copyright 2001
Part One
As the wagon drove thought the countryside, Gabrielle marveled at all
the vineyards they passed. She had never in her life seen so many
grapes. Joxer noticed her and smiled. "There sure are a lot of grapes,"
he said.
"Yeah there are. Does your uncle own any of the vineyards?" Gabrielle
asked. Before Joxer could answer her, Jett butted in. "Does our uncle
own any of them? He owns all of this."
"All of it?"
"Yes, Miss Blondie. Every single bit of it. There's more then five
hundred acres. Uncle Jean-Luc's vineyards make the best vintages in
Gaul," bragged Jett.
"Now Jett, don't brag so. There are others around that are just as
good. But I am glad you like my wine."
Jace stared out at the vineyards, his eyes searching for someone. But
he didn't see who he was looking for. "Oncle, does Pierre stell work
for chou?" he asked, hoping with all his heart that he did.
Jean-Luc looked at his middle nephew. He knew about Jace, and he knew
why Jace asked about Pierre. "He doesn't work in the vineyards any
more, Jace."
Jace nodded his head as he felt a tear welling up, but he held it.
"Wha' happen to heem?"
His uncle smiled. "He helps make the wine now. I told him you were
coming, and he is very excited."
Jace smiled while Jett scowled. He loved his brother, but not his way
of life. But if Jace was happy who was he to stand in his way? Soon the
wagon came to a stop inside of a big courtyard. Nebula noticed a huge
house. "Nice place your uncle lives in," she replied.
Xena smiled knowingly. "Nebula, you're a queen. I believe this is the
servant quarters." Jean-Luc smiled and nodded his head. "The house is a
little further."
Soon they arrived at the house. It was a grand house - even nicer than
the triplet's family home in Greece.
Jett help Xena and Nebula off the wagon, both women letting him. Jean -
Luc helped his sister down. Joxer turned to help Gabrielle. He reached
for her as she came to him.
"Joxer! Joxer! Is that you?" Joxer suddenly turned around, forgetting
about Gabrielle, and she landed on her face.
"Joxer!" she screamed. But he paid no attention to her. He was too busy
hugging a young auburn-haired woman.
Xena walked over and helped her friend up. "Are you all right,
Gabrielle?" she asked.
Gabrielle nodded her head but gave Joxer a look that went unnoticed by
the warrior wannabe. He was bursting with energy. "Mimi! I can't
believe you're here. How did you know we were coming?"
"Your uncle told me, silly, and I just had to see you again. Gosh,
Joxer –it's been years. I really missed you."
He smiled at her. "Yeah, me too. I mean I missed you too."
"Joxer, aren't you going to introduce us to your lady friend?"
Gabrielle asked sarcastically.
"Oh yeah. Where are my manners?" He walked up to Xena first. "Mimi,
this is Xena and her baby Eve. This is her mother Cyrene." He then
walked over to Nebula. "This is Nebula, part time pirate and
Queen, and these are some of her men, but I don't know their names. You
remember my mother and brothers right?" He then walked up to Gabrielle.
"This is my other friend, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle turned and faced Joxer, and for the very fist time Joxer
noticed her. Her green eyes were blazing the color of embers. The look
she gave Joxer would do Xena justice. Joxer back away and stared at
her. "Gabs, what's wrong?" he asked, confused by her look.
"What's wrong? You're asking me what's wrong? Why you stupid,
inconsiderate..."
"Gabrielle! That's enough!" scolded Xena.
"But, Xena," protested the bard.
"No, Gabrielle you calm yourself down. We're guests here and I expect
you to behave."
Gabrielle stared at Xena. "I'm not a child, so don't treat me like
one."
"Then stop acting like one," replied Xena.
"But Joxer was ignoring me," said Gabrielle.
Joxer finally realized what he had done. "Oh Gabrielle. I'm sorry. I
didn't mean to ignore you. It's just that I hadn't seen Mimi in such a
long time. Please don't be mad."
Gabrielle didn't say a word. She just stood there. She was so angry
with herself for getting angry with Joxer, but she just couldn't bring
herself to say so. She just stomped off.
"Gabrielle. Where are you going?" asked the warrior princess.
Gabrielle turned back around. "In town. To get away from that....
That.... man. Ooh."
"Gabrielle, it's too far to walk," said Joxer.
"I don't care," came the answer, as Gabrielle stomped away.
Everyone watched as the bard walked down the road. Mimi shook her head.
"She's a mean little girl. Isn't she?"
Xena looked at Mimi. "No she isn't mean, she's just upset. With good
reason I think. I'm sorry I scolded her."
"What do you mean good reason? You said yourself she had no reason to
call him names," replied Mimi.
Xena said nothing to her but turned to Joxer. "I think you'd better go
after her, and now."
Joxer nodded his head and started going after Gabrielle.
"Wait, Joxer! I'll go with you," called Mimi. She started after him but
suddenly found she was being pulled back. "Hey!"
"We need someone to show us around, and I think you will be perfect,"
said the Warrior Princess. Mimi stared to protest, but the look Xena
gave her was enough to make her surrender.
While this was going on, Jean-Luc and Jezda stood there, saying
nothing. They knew Xena could handle it.
Jean-Luc smiled. "Well, come on in. I think everyone could use a nice
hot meal, and I am sure Yvonne has cooked up something special."
"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I could use a hot bath," said
Cyrene.
"I'll have Nanette get it ready, and after dinner you can have one."
"Mom, is it okay if I join you?"
Cyrene smiled. "Sure Xena. No problem."
Part Two.
Joxer had to walk fast to keep up with Gabrielle. She was still upset
about what had happened.
"Gabs, please slow down. I said I was sorry."
Gabrielle kept right on walking, not caring where she was going.
"Come on, Gabrielle, I said I was sorry. What do you want from me?"
Gabrielle stopped and waited for him. "What do I want from you? I'll
tell you what I want from you. Consideration: just a little
consideration. Joxer, you made a fool out of me back there in front of your own
uncle."
Joxer hung his head. "I'm sorry, Gabrielle, I was just so surprised to
see Mimi."
"That's another thing, Joxer. Why didn't you tell us about Mimi?"
Joxer shook his head. "Not much to tell. We were friends."
"Hmmm. It looked like you were more than just friends to me."
"I swear, Gabrielle, Mimi and I are just friends. There's nothing
between us."
Gabrielle shook her head. "Gods, Joxer, are you that blind? Mimi is
crazy about you."
Joxer didn't really want to get into this. So, he changed the subject.
"Well, we're near the town. I think today is market day. I can't wait
to see you in action."
Gabrielle smiled a little. She loved the marketplace, and in a
different place, it made the challenge of bargain hunting even more exciting.
"Okay, Joxer, let's get to town, and you can watch me in action."
She took his hand in hers and smiled at him, no longer angry with him.
At the sight of her smile, Joxer's heart lifted. He knew he was back in
good graces with Gabrielle.
***
Jace looked around, searching for his friend, but he saw no sign of
him.
"Uncle, wheh ees Pierre?"
Jean-Luc smiled at him. "He's at the winery. You do remember the way?
Don't you?"
"Weeth my eyes blin'folded. Tenk you."
Jace raced to the winery. He stopped and looked in, and his heart
started to race. There stood Pierre, more beautiful then Jace could
remember.
Jace walked up to Pierre and placed his hand over his eyes. "Guess
who?"
The broad-shouldered man stood there. "Hmmm, could it be the Emperor of
Gaul?"
Jace giggled. "No, but chou are close."
"Ah, I am close. Then it must be my good friend, Jace of Greece."
Jace was delighted. "Yes, eet's me "
Pierre turned around and faced Jace. They were soon locked in each
other's embrace.
"It's been a long time, Jace. I missed you."
"I meessed chou too, my friend."
Pierre smiled at Jace. "We need to catch up."
Jace smiled as he ran his fingers though Pierre's hair. "I was teenking
we could do more t'en joost talk."
"Ooh, I love the way you think."
The two men went off to have a little fun.
***
Nebula stood there and watched Jett as he was chopping wood for his
uncle. She didn't know why he was doing it. He didn't have to; there were
workers to do that. She approached him and placed her hands on his
shoulders. Suddenly he grabbed her and turned her around, pushing her up
against the tree he was chopping beside.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you it's dangerous to sneak up on a man with
an ax - especially The King of Assassins?"
Nebula smiled and cooed seductively and ran her fingers up and down his
chest. "I find dangerous men are fascinated by my charm, and I don't
think you are any different."
Jett could feel himself getting aroused by The Pirate Queen. He slowly
placed his lips on hers, ready for a deep kiss, when suddenly something
struck the tree between them. They both looked up and saw Xena's
chakram there. She walked up to them and smiled.
"Sorry, it slipped."
Nebula was angry. "Xena, you did that on purpose. You could have killed
us."
Xena smiled coldly at them. "If I wanted to kill you, you wouldn't be
here now. Jett, your uncle wants to see you."
Jett nodded his head and left. Xena turned to Nebula. "Don't you have a
ship to run and people to loot?"
"They can spare me for a few days."
Xena stared daggers at Nebula. "I'm warning you, Nebula. Stay away from
Jett."
"Why? I find him interesting."
"He's not your type."
"Not my type? I think he's very much my type."
"Leave him alone Nebula. I'm warning you."
Nebula turned around sharply towards Xena. "You don't own me, Xena. If
I want to be around Jett, I will."
Nebula turned to walk away, when suddenly Xena grabbed her by her hair
and the two ladies began fighting. The fight was soon over. Xena had
won. She got off of Nebula and stood up. Nebula got up and wiped the
blood from her mouth.
"This isn't over, Xena." She then walked away, past Cyrene, who had
seen the fight.
"Xena, what was that all about?"
"Nothing. Just a disagreement."
"That must have been some disagreement."
"Mom, it was nothing. Just stay out of it."
Cyrene watched her daughter leave. She shook her head. Xena walked into
the barn to brush Argo.
"Boy Argo, I am losing it. I was out there fighting Nebula over Jett,
and I don't know why."
"Me neither. Since I know you love me."
Xena didn't bother turning around. "Ares, what are you doing here?"
"Just came to see my princess."
Part 3
Ares came closer and wrapped his arms around Xena.
"Now, isn't this better?"
Xena punched Ares hard in his stomach, taking him by surprise. He
pulled away suddenly and glared at her.
"Now is that anyway to treat me after I've come all this way?"
"Ares, I am not asking you again. What are you doing here?"
"I can't believe you and Nebula were fighting over that moron Jett."
"Hmmm... Of the three of them, I thought Jett would please you the
most."
"Well, he doesn't. At least Joxer wants to be a warrior. Jett doesn't.
What a disappointment. I could have made him famous. A great warrior,
but no, he wanted to be an assassin."
Xena shook her head. "Poor baby. Did one of your toys get away?"
Ares looked at her. "Jett may have escaped me, but he won't escape
Teutales, the Gaul God of War."
Xena looked at him. "Ares, if you know something. You better tell me
right now."
"Sorry, Xena. If there was any way to get rid of the competition, I am
not going to stop it."
"Ares, I'm warning you."
But Ares smiled and vanished. Xena ran out of the barn towards the
house. She had to warn Jett.
Mimi watched as the Warrior Princess headed for the house. She smiled.
It was time to put her plan into action. Teutales, the God of War,
wanted a sacrifice. He wanted triplet virgins, but Jean-Luc's nephews would
do. She would just tell Teutales that they were virgins. She walked
into the barn.
"Jock, where are you?"
A tall, muscular guy came from behind the door and grabbed Mimi,
kissing her.
"MM... you taste real nice."
Mimi pulled away from him. "Never mind that right now. Are you and your
men ready?"
Jock nodded his head.
"Good. Be careful, Jett is a killer."
"Don't worry. Me and my boys can handle him. What about the other two?"
"They will be dealt with."
Jock watched Mimi walk away and then he went to get his men.
_______
Joxer watched Gabrielle as she bargained with the merchant over a blue
dress. He was bored silly.
"Hey, Gabs, are you done yet? I'm kind of hungry."
But Gabrielle was too busy to hear him, so Joxer walked away and headed
for the inn. When he walked inside, a woman greeted him. She walked
over to him and smiled.
"Hi, cutie, never seen you here before."
Joxer smiled at her. "Well, hi yourself. Do you know where I can get
something to eat and drink?"
She smiled and led him over to the table. She poured him some wine.
"Here, cutie. I'll be right back with something to eat."
Joxer smiled and took a big drink. Soon he finished drinking the mug of
wine, and then he started feeling funny. He tried to stand up, but he
couldn't. He felt so heavy. Nothing seemed to work. Suddenly, he passed
out. The woman walked over to him and lifted his head. Joxer was out
cold. She dropped his head back down on the table. "Take him to the
temple and prepare him for Teutales."
Two men nodded their heads and carried Joxer to the waiting wagon.
__________
Xena ran into the house where Jezda and Cyrene were sitting talking.
"Where's Jett?" she demanded.
Jezda looked at the Warrior Princess. "Jett is with Jean-Luc. Why?"
"His life is in danger. Where did they go?"
"To the winery. Xena, what is wrong?" asked the trio's mother.
"I don't have time to explain. I've got to get to Jett, before it's too
late."
Xena ran out leaving the two mothers confused and worried. She soon
came to the winery. She ran inside and found Jean-Luc coming out. She
grabbed him. "Where's Jett?"
Jean-Luc stared at her. "I left him with Jock, one of my men that helps
make the wine. Why? What's wrong?"
Xena raced inside, but all she found was a dead man nothing more.
"You're too late, Xena. They already took Jett away. I must say he put
up a great fight. But, in the end, he lost."
Xena turned around to face Ares. "Ares, where is Jett?"
"Sorry, but no can say. This is Teutales' territory. I can't interfere.
Teutales wouldn't like that."
Xena screamed as she threw her chakram at Ares. He caught it and
smiled. "I can save Jett and his brothers, if you become my queen."
"No, thanks. I'll find them."
Ares laughed. "Suit yourself." And with that he vanished. Xena's
chakram dropped onto the floor and she retrieved it. She ran to the barn and
mounted Argo. She headed to town to warn Gabrielle and Joxer, hoping
she wasn't too late.
_________
Jace and Pierre were kissing each other all over. Pierre looked into
the eyes of his lover.
"May I enter you, my love?"
Jace smiled up at him. "Yes, oh yes, my friend. I want you inside me so
bad it hurts."
Pierre wasted no time as he slowly entered Jace. Jace moaned with
pleasure as his lover entered. Soon it was over as the two men laid in each
other arms.
Suddenly, five men burst into the room. One of them grabbed Pierre and
threw him to the floor then stabbed him. Jace let out a scream.
"No, Pierre! No, my love!"
He ran to Pierre, but one of the men struck him from behind and he fell
to the floor by his lover.
Mimi walked in and smiled. "Take him to the wagon and then to the
temple. Teutales awaits. Remember to keep them separated."
The men nodded their heads. Mimi smiled. "Soon, my lord Teutales, you
will give me what I want."
As Mimi left, Pierre slowly began to move. He got up and staggered out
of the room. Seeing Nebula coming toward him, he staggered to her.
"Please, help! Jace has been taken to Teutales, the God of War!"
Nebula caught the man as he fell into her arms.
______
Xena rode as hard as she could, racing Argo towards the town. Soon, she
came into the town and found Gabrielle, who had just finished up what
she was doing.
"Gabrielle, have you seen Joxer?"
Gabrielle looked at her friend. "He was just here."
The bard turned to the merchant. "Did you see where my friend went?"
"Sorry, miss, no."
"I saw him heading for the inn," replied a girl.
"Thanks! Come on, Gabrielle. We've got to get Joxer."
"Why, Xena? What's wrong?"
"I don't know, but Ares is involved and that's means trouble."
They entered the inn and asked about Joxer, but no one had seen him.
Xena grabbed one of the men and put the pinch on him.
"Where is our friend? You only have a little time before you die."
The man looked at Xena but refused to talk. Gabrielle stared at him.
She couldn't believe he wouldn't talk.
"Sorry, Xena, but he would rather die, than tell you anything. He's
loyal to Teutales," laughed Ares.
Xena released the pinch, and the man gasped for air. He soon got up and
ran out of the door. Xena grabbed
Ares.
"Where are they, Ares?"
"Sorry, Xena. But my offer is still good."
"Go to Tartarus. Come on, Gabrielle."
______
Mimi looked down at the unconscious Joxer. He was naked except for a
loincloth. Three women were preparing him for Teutales.
"Soon, Joxer. Soon, you and your brothers will be one with Teutales.
Oh, to have such an honor."
One of the women walked up to her. "Please, we must prepare him for
Teutales."
Mimi smiled as she stepped aside, and the women began to paint Joxer's
skin red.
She watched as they painted him. He would soon be ready. She left the
room and decided to check on the other two brothers. Jace still lay
unconscious. He also was naked except for a loincloth. The women were
painting his skin blue. Mimi walked over to him.
"I never liked this one. I will make sure he dies first."
One of the women bowed and nodded her head. "Yes, my lady."
"LET ME LOOSE! SO HELP ME, I WILL KILL YOU ALL!"
Mimi laughed. "Ah, yes, the oldest one speaks."
She walked into the next room to find Jett fully awake. The women were
trying their best to prepare him.
"What's going on, Mimi? I want to know right now!"
Mimi walked over to him. "You and your brothers should be honored. You
will become a sacrifice for the
God Teutales."
"Sorry, lady, but I've got other plans." Jett struggled to get loose,
but he was chained to the slab.
"Sorry, Jett, but you are not going anywhere."
Jett stared at Mimi. "So, help me, Mimi, when I get loose you are going
to die!"
Mimi walked over to him and blew dust into his face. Jett eyes rolled
back into his head and then he lay still once more. She turned to the
women.
"Now, prepare him! The hour grows near."
TBC
Author: Susan Owens
Rated PG Maybe R for later
Warning: Might be a little fighting or romance (I'm giving them a love
interest. But I don't know
about sex
yet)
Disclaimer: I don't own them. (But you know who does. I can't spell
it.)
Copyright 2001
Part One
As the wagon drove thought the countryside, Gabrielle marveled at all
the vineyards they passed. She had never in her life seen so many
grapes. Joxer noticed her and smiled. "There sure are a lot of grapes,"
he said.
"Yeah there are. Does your uncle own any of the vineyards?" Gabrielle
asked. Before Joxer could answer her, Jett butted in. "Does our uncle
own any of them? He owns all of this."
"All of it?"
"Yes, Miss Blondie. Every single bit of it. There's more then five
hundred acres. Uncle Jean-Luc's vineyards make the best vintages in
Gaul," bragged Jett.
"Now Jett, don't brag so. There are others around that are just as
good. But I am glad you like my wine."
Jace stared out at the vineyards, his eyes searching for someone. But
he didn't see who he was looking for. "Oncle, does Pierre stell work
for chou?" he asked, hoping with all his heart that he did.
Jean-Luc looked at his middle nephew. He knew about Jace, and he knew
why Jace asked about Pierre. "He doesn't work in the vineyards any
more, Jace."
Jace nodded his head as he felt a tear welling up, but he held it.
"Wha' happen to heem?"
His uncle smiled. "He helps make the wine now. I told him you were
coming, and he is very excited."
Jace smiled while Jett scowled. He loved his brother, but not his way
of life. But if Jace was happy who was he to stand in his way? Soon the
wagon came to a stop inside of a big courtyard. Nebula noticed a huge
house. "Nice place your uncle lives in," she replied.
Xena smiled knowingly. "Nebula, you're a queen. I believe this is the
servant quarters." Jean-Luc smiled and nodded his head. "The house is a
little further."
Soon they arrived at the house. It was a grand house - even nicer than
the triplet's family home in Greece.
Jett help Xena and Nebula off the wagon, both women letting him. Jean -
Luc helped his sister down. Joxer turned to help Gabrielle. He reached
for her as she came to him.
"Joxer! Joxer! Is that you?" Joxer suddenly turned around, forgetting
about Gabrielle, and she landed on her face.
"Joxer!" she screamed. But he paid no attention to her. He was too busy
hugging a young auburn-haired woman.
Xena walked over and helped her friend up. "Are you all right,
Gabrielle?" she asked.
Gabrielle nodded her head but gave Joxer a look that went unnoticed by
the warrior wannabe. He was bursting with energy. "Mimi! I can't
believe you're here. How did you know we were coming?"
"Your uncle told me, silly, and I just had to see you again. Gosh,
Joxer –it's been years. I really missed you."
He smiled at her. "Yeah, me too. I mean I missed you too."
"Joxer, aren't you going to introduce us to your lady friend?"
Gabrielle asked sarcastically.
"Oh yeah. Where are my manners?" He walked up to Xena first. "Mimi,
this is Xena and her baby Eve. This is her mother Cyrene." He then
walked over to Nebula. "This is Nebula, part time pirate and
Queen, and these are some of her men, but I don't know their names. You
remember my mother and brothers right?" He then walked up to Gabrielle.
"This is my other friend, Gabrielle."
Gabrielle turned and faced Joxer, and for the very fist time Joxer
noticed her. Her green eyes were blazing the color of embers. The look
she gave Joxer would do Xena justice. Joxer back away and stared at
her. "Gabs, what's wrong?" he asked, confused by her look.
"What's wrong? You're asking me what's wrong? Why you stupid,
inconsiderate..."
"Gabrielle! That's enough!" scolded Xena.
"But, Xena," protested the bard.
"No, Gabrielle you calm yourself down. We're guests here and I expect
you to behave."
Gabrielle stared at Xena. "I'm not a child, so don't treat me like
one."
"Then stop acting like one," replied Xena.
"But Joxer was ignoring me," said Gabrielle.
Joxer finally realized what he had done. "Oh Gabrielle. I'm sorry. I
didn't mean to ignore you. It's just that I hadn't seen Mimi in such a
long time. Please don't be mad."
Gabrielle didn't say a word. She just stood there. She was so angry
with herself for getting angry with Joxer, but she just couldn't bring
herself to say so. She just stomped off.
"Gabrielle. Where are you going?" asked the warrior princess.
Gabrielle turned back around. "In town. To get away from that....
That.... man. Ooh."
"Gabrielle, it's too far to walk," said Joxer.
"I don't care," came the answer, as Gabrielle stomped away.
Everyone watched as the bard walked down the road. Mimi shook her head.
"She's a mean little girl. Isn't she?"
Xena looked at Mimi. "No she isn't mean, she's just upset. With good
reason I think. I'm sorry I scolded her."
"What do you mean good reason? You said yourself she had no reason to
call him names," replied Mimi.
Xena said nothing to her but turned to Joxer. "I think you'd better go
after her, and now."
Joxer nodded his head and started going after Gabrielle.
"Wait, Joxer! I'll go with you," called Mimi. She started after him but
suddenly found she was being pulled back. "Hey!"
"We need someone to show us around, and I think you will be perfect,"
said the Warrior Princess. Mimi stared to protest, but the look Xena
gave her was enough to make her surrender.
While this was going on, Jean-Luc and Jezda stood there, saying
nothing. They knew Xena could handle it.
Jean-Luc smiled. "Well, come on in. I think everyone could use a nice
hot meal, and I am sure Yvonne has cooked up something special."
"Well, I don't know about you guys, but I could use a hot bath," said
Cyrene.
"I'll have Nanette get it ready, and after dinner you can have one."
"Mom, is it okay if I join you?"
Cyrene smiled. "Sure Xena. No problem."
Part Two.
Joxer had to walk fast to keep up with Gabrielle. She was still upset
about what had happened.
"Gabs, please slow down. I said I was sorry."
Gabrielle kept right on walking, not caring where she was going.
"Come on, Gabrielle, I said I was sorry. What do you want from me?"
Gabrielle stopped and waited for him. "What do I want from you? I'll
tell you what I want from you. Consideration: just a little
consideration. Joxer, you made a fool out of me back there in front of your own
uncle."
Joxer hung his head. "I'm sorry, Gabrielle, I was just so surprised to
see Mimi."
"That's another thing, Joxer. Why didn't you tell us about Mimi?"
Joxer shook his head. "Not much to tell. We were friends."
"Hmmm. It looked like you were more than just friends to me."
"I swear, Gabrielle, Mimi and I are just friends. There's nothing
between us."
Gabrielle shook her head. "Gods, Joxer, are you that blind? Mimi is
crazy about you."
Joxer didn't really want to get into this. So, he changed the subject.
"Well, we're near the town. I think today is market day. I can't wait
to see you in action."
Gabrielle smiled a little. She loved the marketplace, and in a
different place, it made the challenge of bargain hunting even more exciting.
"Okay, Joxer, let's get to town, and you can watch me in action."
She took his hand in hers and smiled at him, no longer angry with him.
At the sight of her smile, Joxer's heart lifted. He knew he was back in
good graces with Gabrielle.
***
Jace looked around, searching for his friend, but he saw no sign of
him.
"Uncle, wheh ees Pierre?"
Jean-Luc smiled at him. "He's at the winery. You do remember the way?
Don't you?"
"Weeth my eyes blin'folded. Tenk you."
Jace raced to the winery. He stopped and looked in, and his heart
started to race. There stood Pierre, more beautiful then Jace could
remember.
Jace walked up to Pierre and placed his hand over his eyes. "Guess
who?"
The broad-shouldered man stood there. "Hmmm, could it be the Emperor of
Gaul?"
Jace giggled. "No, but chou are close."
"Ah, I am close. Then it must be my good friend, Jace of Greece."
Jace was delighted. "Yes, eet's me "
Pierre turned around and faced Jace. They were soon locked in each
other's embrace.
"It's been a long time, Jace. I missed you."
"I meessed chou too, my friend."
Pierre smiled at Jace. "We need to catch up."
Jace smiled as he ran his fingers though Pierre's hair. "I was teenking
we could do more t'en joost talk."
"Ooh, I love the way you think."
The two men went off to have a little fun.
***
Nebula stood there and watched Jett as he was chopping wood for his
uncle. She didn't know why he was doing it. He didn't have to; there were
workers to do that. She approached him and placed her hands on his
shoulders. Suddenly he grabbed her and turned her around, pushing her up
against the tree he was chopping beside.
"Didn't anyone ever tell you it's dangerous to sneak up on a man with
an ax - especially The King of Assassins?"
Nebula smiled and cooed seductively and ran her fingers up and down his
chest. "I find dangerous men are fascinated by my charm, and I don't
think you are any different."
Jett could feel himself getting aroused by The Pirate Queen. He slowly
placed his lips on hers, ready for a deep kiss, when suddenly something
struck the tree between them. They both looked up and saw Xena's
chakram there. She walked up to them and smiled.
"Sorry, it slipped."
Nebula was angry. "Xena, you did that on purpose. You could have killed
us."
Xena smiled coldly at them. "If I wanted to kill you, you wouldn't be
here now. Jett, your uncle wants to see you."
Jett nodded his head and left. Xena turned to Nebula. "Don't you have a
ship to run and people to loot?"
"They can spare me for a few days."
Xena stared daggers at Nebula. "I'm warning you, Nebula. Stay away from
Jett."
"Why? I find him interesting."
"He's not your type."
"Not my type? I think he's very much my type."
"Leave him alone Nebula. I'm warning you."
Nebula turned around sharply towards Xena. "You don't own me, Xena. If
I want to be around Jett, I will."
Nebula turned to walk away, when suddenly Xena grabbed her by her hair
and the two ladies began fighting. The fight was soon over. Xena had
won. She got off of Nebula and stood up. Nebula got up and wiped the
blood from her mouth.
"This isn't over, Xena." She then walked away, past Cyrene, who had
seen the fight.
"Xena, what was that all about?"
"Nothing. Just a disagreement."
"That must have been some disagreement."
"Mom, it was nothing. Just stay out of it."
Cyrene watched her daughter leave. She shook her head. Xena walked into
the barn to brush Argo.
"Boy Argo, I am losing it. I was out there fighting Nebula over Jett,
and I don't know why."
"Me neither. Since I know you love me."
Xena didn't bother turning around. "Ares, what are you doing here?"
"Just came to see my princess."
Part 3
Ares came closer and wrapped his arms around Xena.
"Now, isn't this better?"
Xena punched Ares hard in his stomach, taking him by surprise. He
pulled away suddenly and glared at her.
"Now is that anyway to treat me after I've come all this way?"
"Ares, I am not asking you again. What are you doing here?"
"I can't believe you and Nebula were fighting over that moron Jett."
"Hmmm... Of the three of them, I thought Jett would please you the
most."
"Well, he doesn't. At least Joxer wants to be a warrior. Jett doesn't.
What a disappointment. I could have made him famous. A great warrior,
but no, he wanted to be an assassin."
Xena shook her head. "Poor baby. Did one of your toys get away?"
Ares looked at her. "Jett may have escaped me, but he won't escape
Teutales, the Gaul God of War."
Xena looked at him. "Ares, if you know something. You better tell me
right now."
"Sorry, Xena. If there was any way to get rid of the competition, I am
not going to stop it."
"Ares, I'm warning you."
But Ares smiled and vanished. Xena ran out of the barn towards the
house. She had to warn Jett.
Mimi watched as the Warrior Princess headed for the house. She smiled.
It was time to put her plan into action. Teutales, the God of War,
wanted a sacrifice. He wanted triplet virgins, but Jean-Luc's nephews would
do. She would just tell Teutales that they were virgins. She walked
into the barn.
"Jock, where are you?"
A tall, muscular guy came from behind the door and grabbed Mimi,
kissing her.
"MM... you taste real nice."
Mimi pulled away from him. "Never mind that right now. Are you and your
men ready?"
Jock nodded his head.
"Good. Be careful, Jett is a killer."
"Don't worry. Me and my boys can handle him. What about the other two?"
"They will be dealt with."
Jock watched Mimi walk away and then he went to get his men.
_______
Joxer watched Gabrielle as she bargained with the merchant over a blue
dress. He was bored silly.
"Hey, Gabs, are you done yet? I'm kind of hungry."
But Gabrielle was too busy to hear him, so Joxer walked away and headed
for the inn. When he walked inside, a woman greeted him. She walked
over to him and smiled.
"Hi, cutie, never seen you here before."
Joxer smiled at her. "Well, hi yourself. Do you know where I can get
something to eat and drink?"
She smiled and led him over to the table. She poured him some wine.
"Here, cutie. I'll be right back with something to eat."
Joxer smiled and took a big drink. Soon he finished drinking the mug of
wine, and then he started feeling funny. He tried to stand up, but he
couldn't. He felt so heavy. Nothing seemed to work. Suddenly, he passed
out. The woman walked over to him and lifted his head. Joxer was out
cold. She dropped his head back down on the table. "Take him to the
temple and prepare him for Teutales."
Two men nodded their heads and carried Joxer to the waiting wagon.
__________
Xena ran into the house where Jezda and Cyrene were sitting talking.
"Where's Jett?" she demanded.
Jezda looked at the Warrior Princess. "Jett is with Jean-Luc. Why?"
"His life is in danger. Where did they go?"
"To the winery. Xena, what is wrong?" asked the trio's mother.
"I don't have time to explain. I've got to get to Jett, before it's too
late."
Xena ran out leaving the two mothers confused and worried. She soon
came to the winery. She ran inside and found Jean-Luc coming out. She
grabbed him. "Where's Jett?"
Jean-Luc stared at her. "I left him with Jock, one of my men that helps
make the wine. Why? What's wrong?"
Xena raced inside, but all she found was a dead man nothing more.
"You're too late, Xena. They already took Jett away. I must say he put
up a great fight. But, in the end, he lost."
Xena turned around to face Ares. "Ares, where is Jett?"
"Sorry, but no can say. This is Teutales' territory. I can't interfere.
Teutales wouldn't like that."
Xena screamed as she threw her chakram at Ares. He caught it and
smiled. "I can save Jett and his brothers, if you become my queen."
"No, thanks. I'll find them."
Ares laughed. "Suit yourself." And with that he vanished. Xena's
chakram dropped onto the floor and she retrieved it. She ran to the barn and
mounted Argo. She headed to town to warn Gabrielle and Joxer, hoping
she wasn't too late.
_________
Jace and Pierre were kissing each other all over. Pierre looked into
the eyes of his lover.
"May I enter you, my love?"
Jace smiled up at him. "Yes, oh yes, my friend. I want you inside me so
bad it hurts."
Pierre wasted no time as he slowly entered Jace. Jace moaned with
pleasure as his lover entered. Soon it was over as the two men laid in each
other arms.
Suddenly, five men burst into the room. One of them grabbed Pierre and
threw him to the floor then stabbed him. Jace let out a scream.
"No, Pierre! No, my love!"
He ran to Pierre, but one of the men struck him from behind and he fell
to the floor by his lover.
Mimi walked in and smiled. "Take him to the wagon and then to the
temple. Teutales awaits. Remember to keep them separated."
The men nodded their heads. Mimi smiled. "Soon, my lord Teutales, you
will give me what I want."
As Mimi left, Pierre slowly began to move. He got up and staggered out
of the room. Seeing Nebula coming toward him, he staggered to her.
"Please, help! Jace has been taken to Teutales, the God of War!"
Nebula caught the man as he fell into her arms.
______
Xena rode as hard as she could, racing Argo towards the town. Soon, she
came into the town and found Gabrielle, who had just finished up what
she was doing.
"Gabrielle, have you seen Joxer?"
Gabrielle looked at her friend. "He was just here."
The bard turned to the merchant. "Did you see where my friend went?"
"Sorry, miss, no."
"I saw him heading for the inn," replied a girl.
"Thanks! Come on, Gabrielle. We've got to get Joxer."
"Why, Xena? What's wrong?"
"I don't know, but Ares is involved and that's means trouble."
They entered the inn and asked about Joxer, but no one had seen him.
Xena grabbed one of the men and put the pinch on him.
"Where is our friend? You only have a little time before you die."
The man looked at Xena but refused to talk. Gabrielle stared at him.
She couldn't believe he wouldn't talk.
"Sorry, Xena, but he would rather die, than tell you anything. He's
loyal to Teutales," laughed Ares.
Xena released the pinch, and the man gasped for air. He soon got up and
ran out of the door. Xena grabbed
Ares.
"Where are they, Ares?"
"Sorry, Xena. But my offer is still good."
"Go to Tartarus. Come on, Gabrielle."
______
Mimi looked down at the unconscious Joxer. He was naked except for a
loincloth. Three women were preparing him for Teutales.
"Soon, Joxer. Soon, you and your brothers will be one with Teutales.
Oh, to have such an honor."
One of the women walked up to her. "Please, we must prepare him for
Teutales."
Mimi smiled as she stepped aside, and the women began to paint Joxer's
skin red.
She watched as they painted him. He would soon be ready. She left the
room and decided to check on the other two brothers. Jace still lay
unconscious. He also was naked except for a loincloth. The women were
painting his skin blue. Mimi walked over to him.
"I never liked this one. I will make sure he dies first."
One of the women bowed and nodded her head. "Yes, my lady."
"LET ME LOOSE! SO HELP ME, I WILL KILL YOU ALL!"
Mimi laughed. "Ah, yes, the oldest one speaks."
She walked into the next room to find Jett fully awake. The women were
trying their best to prepare him.
"What's going on, Mimi? I want to know right now!"
Mimi walked over to him. "You and your brothers should be honored. You
will become a sacrifice for the
God Teutales."
"Sorry, lady, but I've got other plans." Jett struggled to get loose,
but he was chained to the slab.
"Sorry, Jett, but you are not going anywhere."
Jett stared at Mimi. "So, help me, Mimi, when I get loose you are going
to die!"
Mimi walked over to him and blew dust into his face. Jett eyes rolled
back into his head and then he lay still once more. She turned to the
women.
"Now, prepare him! The hour grows near."
TBC