Part 4
The women nodded their heads and painted Jett's skin blue. Soon all
three of the brothers were ready for
Teutales.
Gabrielle grabbed Xena as they walked out of the tavern. "Xena, what
are we going to do?"
Xena stared at her friend. "We are going to find them. You ride back
and get Nebula. I will look for Ares."
Gabrielle nodded and got on the horse. "Be careful, Xena."
No sooner had Gabrielle left than Ares appeared.
"I thought she'd never leave. Now, where were we?" Ares started kissing
Xena, who at first looked like she
was willing to let him, then, suddenly Xena kicked him where it hurt.
"Ahhh! Damn, Xena. Why did you do that?"
Xena smiled. "To get your attention. Where is Teutales' temple?"
Ares smiled back at her. "What do I get in return if I tell you?"
"Your life."
"Nope, I need more than that."
Xena stared at him.
"Tell you what, Xena, give me one night. Then I will tell you."
"Drop dead, Ares. We will find them ourselves," Xena replied with
venom.
Ares smiled sarcastically. "Not without my help. So Xena, what's it
going to be?"
Xena stared at him. "I guess I have no choice."
Ares nodded. "I guess you don't."
At that Ares vanished in a flash of blue light, taking Xena with him.
------
Teutales stood over the triplets. He stared at Mimi, his eyes blazing.
"I am not pleased with these other
two. But this one will do. You have served your purpose."
He grabbed her by the neck and lifted her off the floor. "But next time
if you do wrong you will die."
Teutales then looked at the other two. He smiled, "Maybe I can still
use them."
Suddenly Ares and Xena appeared. Teutales looked at them. "Take care
of them, my follower," he ordered
as he vanished with one of the brothers.
"Aiiiiiiiiiii," came a cry as Xena flipped across the floor, kicking
one of the followers. Mimi rushed at Xena
with a scream, her sword raised, but Xena was ready for her and Mimi
fell to the floor. Soon help came
and Xena and the rest took care of Teutales' followers.
Gabrielle ran over to the brothers. She noticed that one was missing
and she knew which one. "Xena! Joxer
is not here."
Xena turned to Ares. "If you want that one night, you better help! Find
Joxer! Now!"
Ares smiled and he took Xena into another room where they found
Teutales hovering over a young lady.
Ares shot a blazing ball of fire at him. Teutales turned around and
smiled at them. "You are too late it has
been done. I will return when the child is born."
Teutales then vanished. Xena went over to the lady and looked at her.
"We have to help her, then look for
Joxer."
Ares stared at her. "Xena, That lady is Joxer."
Xena stared at the lady, then back at Ares. "Okay, we've got to get
them back. Ares, will you zap us back to
Jean-Luc's home?"
Ares smiled at her. "It will cost you."
"Ares, I don't have time for this. Take us back and then we will talk
about your payment."
In a flash they were all back at the home of Jean-Luc. Each of the
brothers were taken to a room and Jean-
Luc sent for a healer. Gabrielle looked at Joxer as she lay in bed. She
then turned to Xena.
"Xena, what are we going to tell Joxer when he wakes up?"
Xena shook her head. "I don't know yet, Gabrielle. All I know right now
is that when Joxer wakes up, he is
going to need us."
Part 5
Gabrielle sat by the bed where Joxer, now a woman, lay sleeping. She
had so many feelings rushing in her
mind. What was she going to tell him... her? Suddenly, Joxer began to
stir. He opened his eyes and saw
Gabrielle staring at him.
"Hi, Gab..." He stopped. His voice sounded strange. Joxer looked up at
Gabrielle. "What's wrong with
me?" he cried. He was so frightened. "What's happened to me?"
Gabrielle swallowed and took Joxer's hand. Joxer stared at it.
Instead of seeing his strong, manly hand, he
saw a small, long-fingered, tender, female-looking hand. He suddenly
pulled away. "What in the name of
Zeus? Oh my Gods! I've been changed into a female! No, this can't be
happening! Not to me!"
Gabrielle took him into her arms. "It's going to be all right, Joxer.
Everything will be all right. Just as soon
as you give birth."
Joxer stared at her, then moved his eyes down to his body and saw that
he was going to have a baby. This
was all too much and he fainted dead away. Gabrielle brushed the hair
from his/her eyes. "Xena will think
of something."
*********
Xena was pacing back and forth while Ares watched her with amusement.
"You are going to put a hole in that floor you know."
Xena spun around to face him, her blue eyes now black and raging as a
stormy night.
"You knew! You knew this was going to happen!"
Ares shook his head. "That is so unfair, Xena. I didn't know that he
would turn Joxer into a female to carry
his child."
"Liar!"
"I didn't! I mean I thought he would use Gabrielle. But what the hay,
Joxer looks good as a female. Now,
about our date, hmm... let me see. How about Chin? I've heard it's
nice this time of year."
"I am not going anywhere with you until Joxer is all right!"
"Xena, he, I mean she is all right. She's not dead, just pregnant."
Xena grabbed Ares by his throat. "He is not a she, and he is not all
right!"
Ares pulled away rubbing his neck. "Okay, okay. What do you want me to
do about it?"
"Change him back."
"I can't. It's not my spell. Joxer will be turned back as soon as he
gives birth."
Xena only stared at him. "Please go. I will keep my promise as soon
as I can."
Ares nodded his head. "As soon as the child is born I will come for
our date."
Ares soon vanished and Xena headed back inside.
**********
Jace looked down at his lover. "Oh, Pierre, I am so sorry you were
hurt."
Pierre looked up at Jace. "No, my love, I will be all right. I should
have tried to rescue you."
Jace held his lover. "There was nothing you could do. It is I that
wish I could have saved you from being
hurt."
Pierre put his head on Jace's shoulder. "I love you so much."
Jace nodded and nestled his head on Pierre's. "And I love you."
Pierre looked up at him. "What of your brothers?"
Jace shook his head. "I know nothing about them. I cannot mind
communicate with them. Something is in
my way."
"Then you must check on them. I will still be here."
Jace pulled Pierre closer. "I will, my love, later. Right now you need
me. They are being looked after."
********
Xena walked into Jett's bedchamber. Nebula was sitting on the bed.
She placed a wet cloth on Jett's
forehead.
"Did he wake up yet?"
"No, whatever they gave him was strong. I think he will be unconscious
the rest of the day and into
tomorrow."
Xena nodded her head and Nebula quietly turned back to Jett. "I am
going to kill those people."
Xena looked down at the unconscious man, then back at Nebula.
"Nebula, don't fall in love with Jett."
"Why? Because you want him?"
Xena shook her head. "No, Nebula, I love Jett, but I am not in love
with him."
Nebula stood up and took out her dagger. "Well, I am in love with him
and those people hurt him and they
will pay."
"Then let the law handle it."
"Since when do you let the law handle anything, Xena?"
"When it is necessary, like now. Nebula, Jett, if he lives, will go
back to prison once we return to Greece."
Nebula looked back down at Jett. "I love him, and I know he loves me."
"No, he doesn't. Jett doesn't know how to love anyone, except maybe
Joxer."
Xena and Nebula turned to see Jace standing there. Xena walked over to
him and took his hand. Jace
looked at his still brother. "Will he be all right?"
"Yes, he will be fine," replied Nebula.
Jace looked at Xena. "You said if he lives."
"I was just talking."
"What of? Joxer?"
Xena decided to just come out and tell him. "Joxer was changed into a
female and is now carrying the Gaul
God of war's child."
Jace just stared at her with his mouth open.
Part 6
Xena waited for him to say something, but Jace was too surprised to say
anything. He just turned and
stalked from the room.
Nebula and Xena watched him go. "What's his problem?" Nebula asked.
Xena shook her head. "Maybe he's jealous."
"Jealous of what and who?"
Both women turned around at the sound of the voice. Jett was
unsuccessfully trying to sit up. Nebula
immediately went to his side and held him down. "You shouldn't be
trying to get up!"
"Back off, woman! I'm fine," Jett tried to push her away, but he was
still weak.
"Yeah, I can see you're *just* fine," she replied sarcastically,
rolling her eyes in exasperation.
Jett ignored Nebula and turned back to Xena. "I asked you a question.
Who's jealous and why?"
"Jace. He's jealous because Joxer was turned into a woman," Xena
explained.
Jett thought for a moment, considering her words. "Yep, that would
definitely make Jace jealous," he
agreed, nodding his head.
Xena just rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in the air at his
reply. "Aren't you at least just a **little
bit** concerned?"
Jett gazed back at her with fire in his eyes. "Of course I'm concerned!
But what can I DO about it?"
Xena shook her head and sighed - he made sense. "There's nothing we can
do, except wait, I guess."
********
Gabrielle ran over and helped Joxer to his/her feet. "Joxer, it's going
to be all right."
He/she looked at Gabrielle. "How? How is this..." he/she stared at
him/herself in the mirror. "...possibly
going to be all right? Look at me! I'm a girl!" *A very, very pregnant
girl,* he/she thought in horror as
he/she ran his/her hands over his/her bulging stomach.
Gabrielle smiled at him/her. "You make it sound like it's a terrible
thing being a girl."
He/she slowly turned to face her, his/her dark brown eyes filled with
fear. "It is to me! I'm a man - or I
was-" his/her voice broke as he/she turned away.
"Joxer, don't cr..." Gabrielle started to say when the door of Joxer's
room burst open and in stormed an
absolutely furious Jace.
"Why you, little brother, and not me? I'm ten times better looking than
you! Why was I not changed into a
woman?" Jace demanded, eyes flashing with anger and jealousy.
Joxer just stared at him in shock but Gabrielle exploded, pushing him
away from his transformed brother.
"How dare you come in here and act like a jerk! What kind of brother
are you anyway? Get out of here now
before I tear you apart, you inconsiderate pig!" Jace hurried to the
door and he was gone in moments.
Joxer smiled uncertainly at Gabrielle. "Uh, thanks, Gabrielle."
"He had no right to act that way, Joxer. What a jerk!" she huffed,
crossing her arms over her chest.
Joxer's face grew ghostly white and he/she staggered forward a few
steps. Suddenly he/she screamed out in
pain and collapsed to the floor.
Gabrielle immediately was at Joxer's side. "Joxer, what's wrong?"
"I-I...I don't know. Oh, gods, I feel like I'm dying! Help me,
Gabrielle, please!"
Joxer's body began to jerk. Gabrielle tried to hold him/her down.
Suddenly it dawned on her that Joxer was
going into labor. "But that can't be it. It's too early! It's not even
been a day. This can't be it!" she muttered
to herself.
"Gabs," Joxer gasped. "Please give me your hand."
Gabrielle stared down at Joxer. "Oh Gods!" *This is it! Joxer's having
this baby now! What am I going to
do?!* She took her transformed friend's hand in hers. His/her body
jerked once more and he/she whined in
pain, and then he/she screamed. Gabrielle felt tears of frustration and
fear stinging her eyes because he/she
was in such pain and that there was nothing she could do to ease it.
"Oh, gods, make it stop!" Joxer reached for Gabrielle with his/her free
hand. "Help me, Gabs! OH, GODS!"
Gabrielle tried her best to calm him/her down. Suddenly, she found
herself being pulled away. "No!" she
protested and stared up to see Jezda stooping down beside her
transformed son. "Joxer's going to have the
baby!" she cried.
"I know, child. Go get me some hot water," Jezda replied in a soothing
tone as she gazed at Gabrielle.
"Now, child!"
Obeying Jezda's command, Gabrielle ran from the room and got the water.
Xena was just coming out of
Jett's room and saw her hurrying towards Joxer's room. "Gabrielle,
what's wrong?" she asked, grabbing her
friend by the arm to stop her progress.
"Joxer's going to have the baby! Xena, he's in so much pain," Gabrielle
replied, tears standing in her eyes.
Xena's ice-blue eyes widened momentarily in shock, but she schooled her
face into a neutral expression and
put her arm around Gabrielle's shoulder in an effort to calm her.
"That may also explain what's going on
with Jett and Jace. They were both in Jett's room talking when all of a
sudden, Jace collapsed in pain and
Jett is holding his stomach. I think they're feeling Joxer's pain."
Gabrielle stared at her friend in amazement. "Maybe you should stay
with them."
"No, Nebula and Jean-Luc are with them. Let's see if we can help Jezda
with Joxer." The two friends
returned to Joxer's room. His mother was by his side. "Push, baby,
you've got to push!" she cried out.
Joxer's face was flushed from the pain. "I can't! I can't! Help me,
Mama! Make the pain go away.
Ahhaaahh!! Make it stop! Please!"
Suddenly Ares appeared and waved his hand and Joxer became quiet.
*********
Nebula and Jean-Luc smiled as the pain seemed to leave Jett and Jace.
Jett got up slowly from the bed and
walked to the door. "Where are you going?" asked Nebula.
"To see if my brother needs me." Jett turned to Jace. "Are you
coming?"
Jace sadly shook his head. "I can't. I made a fool out of myself in
front of them."
Jett grabbed Jace by the collar of his frilly blouse. "You're coming
with me NOW! Joxer needs us. Stop
being so damned selfish!" he growled.
Jace looked at Jett for a moment before hanging his head in shame.
"You're right. I've been selfish and I'll
come with you."
******
Xena looked at Ares. "Thank you for taking away the pain," she said
through clenched teeth.
"You **owe** me," Ares said and then vanished.
Xena rolled her eyes. *Yeah, Ares. Since WHEN haven't I owed you for
something?*
Jezda wiped her son/daughter's forehead. "It's okay, baby. Now you've
got to push. Do it for Mama."
"You can do it, Jox," a raspy voice broke in over Joxer's labored
breathing.
Yeah, Joxer. You can do it," Jace's voice added in.
Jezda looked back at her other sons then back at Joxer with a soft
smile. "See, baby. Even your brothers
know that you can do it. Come on, baby, push," she encouraged, brushing
hair away from his/her eyes.
Joxer began pushing. The pain was not as bad, thanks to Ares, and he
could concentrate now. After a while,
a head appeared. "It's coming, baby. Just a little more," Jezda
whispered. Joxer pushed more, grunting in
concentration and soon the baby was born. Jezda cut the umbilical cord
and gave the child to Xena. Xena
took the child and cleaned her up.
"What is it? Can I see it?" Joxer asked in his normal voice.
Everyone turned around and saw that Joxer was back to his normal self,
although he looked exhausted from
his earlier efforts. Xena smiled and brought the child over to Joxer.
"It's a girl, Joxer. A beautiful baby
girl."
Joxer smiled tiredly as Gabrielle knelt down next to him so that she
could see the baby too. He reached out
his arms to take the baby when, suddenly, Teutales appeared and grabbed
the baby from Xena before she
could stop him.
"The child is mine," the God growled in triumph. He then vanished with
the child before the others could
make any attempt to stop him.
"MY BABY! BRING BACK MY BABY!" Joxer cried in despair.
TBC
The women nodded their heads and painted Jett's skin blue. Soon all
three of the brothers were ready for
Teutales.
Gabrielle grabbed Xena as they walked out of the tavern. "Xena, what
are we going to do?"
Xena stared at her friend. "We are going to find them. You ride back
and get Nebula. I will look for Ares."
Gabrielle nodded and got on the horse. "Be careful, Xena."
No sooner had Gabrielle left than Ares appeared.
"I thought she'd never leave. Now, where were we?" Ares started kissing
Xena, who at first looked like she
was willing to let him, then, suddenly Xena kicked him where it hurt.
"Ahhh! Damn, Xena. Why did you do that?"
Xena smiled. "To get your attention. Where is Teutales' temple?"
Ares smiled back at her. "What do I get in return if I tell you?"
"Your life."
"Nope, I need more than that."
Xena stared at him.
"Tell you what, Xena, give me one night. Then I will tell you."
"Drop dead, Ares. We will find them ourselves," Xena replied with
venom.
Ares smiled sarcastically. "Not without my help. So Xena, what's it
going to be?"
Xena stared at him. "I guess I have no choice."
Ares nodded. "I guess you don't."
At that Ares vanished in a flash of blue light, taking Xena with him.
------
Teutales stood over the triplets. He stared at Mimi, his eyes blazing.
"I am not pleased with these other
two. But this one will do. You have served your purpose."
He grabbed her by the neck and lifted her off the floor. "But next time
if you do wrong you will die."
Teutales then looked at the other two. He smiled, "Maybe I can still
use them."
Suddenly Ares and Xena appeared. Teutales looked at them. "Take care
of them, my follower," he ordered
as he vanished with one of the brothers.
"Aiiiiiiiiiii," came a cry as Xena flipped across the floor, kicking
one of the followers. Mimi rushed at Xena
with a scream, her sword raised, but Xena was ready for her and Mimi
fell to the floor. Soon help came
and Xena and the rest took care of Teutales' followers.
Gabrielle ran over to the brothers. She noticed that one was missing
and she knew which one. "Xena! Joxer
is not here."
Xena turned to Ares. "If you want that one night, you better help! Find
Joxer! Now!"
Ares smiled and he took Xena into another room where they found
Teutales hovering over a young lady.
Ares shot a blazing ball of fire at him. Teutales turned around and
smiled at them. "You are too late it has
been done. I will return when the child is born."
Teutales then vanished. Xena went over to the lady and looked at her.
"We have to help her, then look for
Joxer."
Ares stared at her. "Xena, That lady is Joxer."
Xena stared at the lady, then back at Ares. "Okay, we've got to get
them back. Ares, will you zap us back to
Jean-Luc's home?"
Ares smiled at her. "It will cost you."
"Ares, I don't have time for this. Take us back and then we will talk
about your payment."
In a flash they were all back at the home of Jean-Luc. Each of the
brothers were taken to a room and Jean-
Luc sent for a healer. Gabrielle looked at Joxer as she lay in bed. She
then turned to Xena.
"Xena, what are we going to tell Joxer when he wakes up?"
Xena shook her head. "I don't know yet, Gabrielle. All I know right now
is that when Joxer wakes up, he is
going to need us."
Part 5
Gabrielle sat by the bed where Joxer, now a woman, lay sleeping. She
had so many feelings rushing in her
mind. What was she going to tell him... her? Suddenly, Joxer began to
stir. He opened his eyes and saw
Gabrielle staring at him.
"Hi, Gab..." He stopped. His voice sounded strange. Joxer looked up at
Gabrielle. "What's wrong with
me?" he cried. He was so frightened. "What's happened to me?"
Gabrielle swallowed and took Joxer's hand. Joxer stared at it.
Instead of seeing his strong, manly hand, he
saw a small, long-fingered, tender, female-looking hand. He suddenly
pulled away. "What in the name of
Zeus? Oh my Gods! I've been changed into a female! No, this can't be
happening! Not to me!"
Gabrielle took him into her arms. "It's going to be all right, Joxer.
Everything will be all right. Just as soon
as you give birth."
Joxer stared at her, then moved his eyes down to his body and saw that
he was going to have a baby. This
was all too much and he fainted dead away. Gabrielle brushed the hair
from his/her eyes. "Xena will think
of something."
*********
Xena was pacing back and forth while Ares watched her with amusement.
"You are going to put a hole in that floor you know."
Xena spun around to face him, her blue eyes now black and raging as a
stormy night.
"You knew! You knew this was going to happen!"
Ares shook his head. "That is so unfair, Xena. I didn't know that he
would turn Joxer into a female to carry
his child."
"Liar!"
"I didn't! I mean I thought he would use Gabrielle. But what the hay,
Joxer looks good as a female. Now,
about our date, hmm... let me see. How about Chin? I've heard it's
nice this time of year."
"I am not going anywhere with you until Joxer is all right!"
"Xena, he, I mean she is all right. She's not dead, just pregnant."
Xena grabbed Ares by his throat. "He is not a she, and he is not all
right!"
Ares pulled away rubbing his neck. "Okay, okay. What do you want me to
do about it?"
"Change him back."
"I can't. It's not my spell. Joxer will be turned back as soon as he
gives birth."
Xena only stared at him. "Please go. I will keep my promise as soon
as I can."
Ares nodded his head. "As soon as the child is born I will come for
our date."
Ares soon vanished and Xena headed back inside.
**********
Jace looked down at his lover. "Oh, Pierre, I am so sorry you were
hurt."
Pierre looked up at Jace. "No, my love, I will be all right. I should
have tried to rescue you."
Jace held his lover. "There was nothing you could do. It is I that
wish I could have saved you from being
hurt."
Pierre put his head on Jace's shoulder. "I love you so much."
Jace nodded and nestled his head on Pierre's. "And I love you."
Pierre looked up at him. "What of your brothers?"
Jace shook his head. "I know nothing about them. I cannot mind
communicate with them. Something is in
my way."
"Then you must check on them. I will still be here."
Jace pulled Pierre closer. "I will, my love, later. Right now you need
me. They are being looked after."
********
Xena walked into Jett's bedchamber. Nebula was sitting on the bed.
She placed a wet cloth on Jett's
forehead.
"Did he wake up yet?"
"No, whatever they gave him was strong. I think he will be unconscious
the rest of the day and into
tomorrow."
Xena nodded her head and Nebula quietly turned back to Jett. "I am
going to kill those people."
Xena looked down at the unconscious man, then back at Nebula.
"Nebula, don't fall in love with Jett."
"Why? Because you want him?"
Xena shook her head. "No, Nebula, I love Jett, but I am not in love
with him."
Nebula stood up and took out her dagger. "Well, I am in love with him
and those people hurt him and they
will pay."
"Then let the law handle it."
"Since when do you let the law handle anything, Xena?"
"When it is necessary, like now. Nebula, Jett, if he lives, will go
back to prison once we return to Greece."
Nebula looked back down at Jett. "I love him, and I know he loves me."
"No, he doesn't. Jett doesn't know how to love anyone, except maybe
Joxer."
Xena and Nebula turned to see Jace standing there. Xena walked over to
him and took his hand. Jace
looked at his still brother. "Will he be all right?"
"Yes, he will be fine," replied Nebula.
Jace looked at Xena. "You said if he lives."
"I was just talking."
"What of? Joxer?"
Xena decided to just come out and tell him. "Joxer was changed into a
female and is now carrying the Gaul
God of war's child."
Jace just stared at her with his mouth open.
Part 6
Xena waited for him to say something, but Jace was too surprised to say
anything. He just turned and
stalked from the room.
Nebula and Xena watched him go. "What's his problem?" Nebula asked.
Xena shook her head. "Maybe he's jealous."
"Jealous of what and who?"
Both women turned around at the sound of the voice. Jett was
unsuccessfully trying to sit up. Nebula
immediately went to his side and held him down. "You shouldn't be
trying to get up!"
"Back off, woman! I'm fine," Jett tried to push her away, but he was
still weak.
"Yeah, I can see you're *just* fine," she replied sarcastically,
rolling her eyes in exasperation.
Jett ignored Nebula and turned back to Xena. "I asked you a question.
Who's jealous and why?"
"Jace. He's jealous because Joxer was turned into a woman," Xena
explained.
Jett thought for a moment, considering her words. "Yep, that would
definitely make Jace jealous," he
agreed, nodding his head.
Xena just rolled her eyes and threw her hands up in the air at his
reply. "Aren't you at least just a **little
bit** concerned?"
Jett gazed back at her with fire in his eyes. "Of course I'm concerned!
But what can I DO about it?"
Xena shook her head and sighed - he made sense. "There's nothing we can
do, except wait, I guess."
********
Gabrielle ran over and helped Joxer to his/her feet. "Joxer, it's going
to be all right."
He/she looked at Gabrielle. "How? How is this..." he/she stared at
him/herself in the mirror. "...possibly
going to be all right? Look at me! I'm a girl!" *A very, very pregnant
girl,* he/she thought in horror as
he/she ran his/her hands over his/her bulging stomach.
Gabrielle smiled at him/her. "You make it sound like it's a terrible
thing being a girl."
He/she slowly turned to face her, his/her dark brown eyes filled with
fear. "It is to me! I'm a man - or I
was-" his/her voice broke as he/she turned away.
"Joxer, don't cr..." Gabrielle started to say when the door of Joxer's
room burst open and in stormed an
absolutely furious Jace.
"Why you, little brother, and not me? I'm ten times better looking than
you! Why was I not changed into a
woman?" Jace demanded, eyes flashing with anger and jealousy.
Joxer just stared at him in shock but Gabrielle exploded, pushing him
away from his transformed brother.
"How dare you come in here and act like a jerk! What kind of brother
are you anyway? Get out of here now
before I tear you apart, you inconsiderate pig!" Jace hurried to the
door and he was gone in moments.
Joxer smiled uncertainly at Gabrielle. "Uh, thanks, Gabrielle."
"He had no right to act that way, Joxer. What a jerk!" she huffed,
crossing her arms over her chest.
Joxer's face grew ghostly white and he/she staggered forward a few
steps. Suddenly he/she screamed out in
pain and collapsed to the floor.
Gabrielle immediately was at Joxer's side. "Joxer, what's wrong?"
"I-I...I don't know. Oh, gods, I feel like I'm dying! Help me,
Gabrielle, please!"
Joxer's body began to jerk. Gabrielle tried to hold him/her down.
Suddenly it dawned on her that Joxer was
going into labor. "But that can't be it. It's too early! It's not even
been a day. This can't be it!" she muttered
to herself.
"Gabs," Joxer gasped. "Please give me your hand."
Gabrielle stared down at Joxer. "Oh Gods!" *This is it! Joxer's having
this baby now! What am I going to
do?!* She took her transformed friend's hand in hers. His/her body
jerked once more and he/she whined in
pain, and then he/she screamed. Gabrielle felt tears of frustration and
fear stinging her eyes because he/she
was in such pain and that there was nothing she could do to ease it.
"Oh, gods, make it stop!" Joxer reached for Gabrielle with his/her free
hand. "Help me, Gabs! OH, GODS!"
Gabrielle tried her best to calm him/her down. Suddenly, she found
herself being pulled away. "No!" she
protested and stared up to see Jezda stooping down beside her
transformed son. "Joxer's going to have the
baby!" she cried.
"I know, child. Go get me some hot water," Jezda replied in a soothing
tone as she gazed at Gabrielle.
"Now, child!"
Obeying Jezda's command, Gabrielle ran from the room and got the water.
Xena was just coming out of
Jett's room and saw her hurrying towards Joxer's room. "Gabrielle,
what's wrong?" she asked, grabbing her
friend by the arm to stop her progress.
"Joxer's going to have the baby! Xena, he's in so much pain," Gabrielle
replied, tears standing in her eyes.
Xena's ice-blue eyes widened momentarily in shock, but she schooled her
face into a neutral expression and
put her arm around Gabrielle's shoulder in an effort to calm her.
"That may also explain what's going on
with Jett and Jace. They were both in Jett's room talking when all of a
sudden, Jace collapsed in pain and
Jett is holding his stomach. I think they're feeling Joxer's pain."
Gabrielle stared at her friend in amazement. "Maybe you should stay
with them."
"No, Nebula and Jean-Luc are with them. Let's see if we can help Jezda
with Joxer." The two friends
returned to Joxer's room. His mother was by his side. "Push, baby,
you've got to push!" she cried out.
Joxer's face was flushed from the pain. "I can't! I can't! Help me,
Mama! Make the pain go away.
Ahhaaahh!! Make it stop! Please!"
Suddenly Ares appeared and waved his hand and Joxer became quiet.
*********
Nebula and Jean-Luc smiled as the pain seemed to leave Jett and Jace.
Jett got up slowly from the bed and
walked to the door. "Where are you going?" asked Nebula.
"To see if my brother needs me." Jett turned to Jace. "Are you
coming?"
Jace sadly shook his head. "I can't. I made a fool out of myself in
front of them."
Jett grabbed Jace by the collar of his frilly blouse. "You're coming
with me NOW! Joxer needs us. Stop
being so damned selfish!" he growled.
Jace looked at Jett for a moment before hanging his head in shame.
"You're right. I've been selfish and I'll
come with you."
******
Xena looked at Ares. "Thank you for taking away the pain," she said
through clenched teeth.
"You **owe** me," Ares said and then vanished.
Xena rolled her eyes. *Yeah, Ares. Since WHEN haven't I owed you for
something?*
Jezda wiped her son/daughter's forehead. "It's okay, baby. Now you've
got to push. Do it for Mama."
"You can do it, Jox," a raspy voice broke in over Joxer's labored
breathing.
Yeah, Joxer. You can do it," Jace's voice added in.
Jezda looked back at her other sons then back at Joxer with a soft
smile. "See, baby. Even your brothers
know that you can do it. Come on, baby, push," she encouraged, brushing
hair away from his/her eyes.
Joxer began pushing. The pain was not as bad, thanks to Ares, and he
could concentrate now. After a while,
a head appeared. "It's coming, baby. Just a little more," Jezda
whispered. Joxer pushed more, grunting in
concentration and soon the baby was born. Jezda cut the umbilical cord
and gave the child to Xena. Xena
took the child and cleaned her up.
"What is it? Can I see it?" Joxer asked in his normal voice.
Everyone turned around and saw that Joxer was back to his normal self,
although he looked exhausted from
his earlier efforts. Xena smiled and brought the child over to Joxer.
"It's a girl, Joxer. A beautiful baby
girl."
Joxer smiled tiredly as Gabrielle knelt down next to him so that she
could see the baby too. He reached out
his arms to take the baby when, suddenly, Teutales appeared and grabbed
the baby from Xena before she
could stop him.
"The child is mine," the God growled in triumph. He then vanished with
the child before the others could
make any attempt to stop him.
"MY BABY! BRING BACK MY BABY!" Joxer cried in despair.
TBC