Meg, Queen of the Nile

Disclaimer: Hercules and Megara are not mine, neither is Phil and Pegasus. I do however, own the plot line that you are reading, the drawings that go along with a few of the chapters, and the Egyptian and Roman characters. So...there's that. Don't steal kids.

Note: Hey guys, I just want to thank everyone for reading this, and for being SO PATIENT in the past coughs 5 years coughs that it has taken me to write this baby. I know it's been unkind! But thanks to all the reviewers, and I hope you like this last and final chapter of Meg, Queen of the Nile! Oh, and I'd like to ask you guys' opinion. Review and let me know if you think an epilogue is needed? Thanx : )

On with the story!

Chapter 13:

Morning broke to find the four passengers of the Anubus sailing on calm waters in the middle of the Mediterranean. Traveling with them was the new Queen's counsel, and a good portion of the Egyptian army.

"Are you sure this doesn't seem too threatening?" Meg asked as she stood on the starboard side with her arms folded in front of her. The breeze was just cool enough to ward off the oncoming heat, and the sun rising in front of her gave off an orange and purple glow on the horizon. Hercules put an arm around her.

"It's not threatening…it's just for protection," He said, gesturing to the two ships that flanked them, both of which were full of soldiers. "Besides, if Rome did decide to attack, they'd have just as many or more rebel force than this."

Meg shivered. It didn't sound like a comforting thought either way. Antony and Cleopatra joined the two of them on deck. They both looked a bit more rested, although still strained, and Cleopatra had already been given a fresh coat of make-up at this early hour. For once, though, Meg was glad she didn't have to be bothered by handmaidens painting her face before dawn. The four of them stood together watching the sunrise for a while before Antony spoke.

"We're going to switch ships along with the counsel and let the soldiers take you two home on this one."

Meg looked surprised. "That's a lot of testosterone."

"Well," Antony shrugged, "It's the least we can do. Besides, a little extra protection always helps."

That got a laugh from Meg. "I'm sure it does. You know what they say about sailors."

Hercules groaned at the embarrassing comment and got a quick thwap in the stomach from Meg. "Oh, you should be used to it by now!"

Herc managed a grin and was about to retort when a horn sounded from overhead. The four of them rushed to the upper deck and peered out over the seemingly endless ocean. For the longest time they didn't see anything, and then five ships coming toward them appeared like magic on the horizon. "There!" Herc pointed.

Antony looked very nervous and ran quickly to get a spy glass. "They're the Roman Navy forces!"

"Yeah, and they're coming right at us," Meg said.

"No, look." Antony handed her the spy glass and guided her to one very important detail. "See that? They're flying Caesar's flag!"

Meg squinted at the black flag with a gold laurel leaf and an insignia printed on it: S.P.Q.R. "What does it mean?"

"It means the rebels haven't corrupted the government! It means my orders still stand!" Andony was practically jumping up and down now. "It means the popular senate of Rome!"

Meg laughed. "And that's good!"

"Yes, it's good!"

Cleo squealed and jumped into Antony's arms. "It's not too late!"

"Quick," Antony said, putting Cleo down, "fly our flags in a greeting. We'll get close and see exactly what's what." The grew did as they were told. "Don't pull along side them unless I give the order." He turned back to Herc and Meg. "There's still a risk, but I think I can straighten it out without much trouble."

Cleo put a hand on his shoulder. "I think we'd better part ways now so it doesn't look suspicious."

"Yes, I think you're right." He gave Herc and Meg a final good bye before going to give more orders to the crew. Cleo stayed behind until the ships were lined up and ready to board.

"Sure you don't want to stay and fill in for me every now and again?"

Meg laughed. "No, I think I'll pass. Not sure I would make a very good Queen."

Cleo frowned. "I'm not so sure about it either…"

"Oh Cleo, no! From what I've seen you'll do just fine. I have faith in you."

"Really?" She looked like she would cry again, but Meg hugged her tight.

"Yes, really."

"Come on, darling." Antony appeared again and took Cleo's hand. "Let's go stop a war."

Meg smiled and leaned back against Herc as they watched the two of them cross the plank to the other ship. Then their ship turned and began heading in the other direction. The sun was high now, and Herc and Meg ran to the side to wave to Cleo and Antony.

"Good luck!" Herc yelled.

Antony put his arms out dramatically and yelled back, "It'll be the finest bit of diplomacy the world has ever seen!"

They both laughed and watched till Cleo and Antony were just two specks on the deck of the ship. Hercules put an arm around his fiancé and sighed. They were finally headed back to Greece. Meg turned to him and smiled as she slipped her arms around him, returning his thought exactly. "Some vacation, Wonderboy. I shudder to think how we'll out-do ourselves next time."

Herc gave her an evil grin. "Yeah, just wait till the honeymoon!"

Meg couldn't help but laugh and give him a playful nudge.

"So." Herc smiled back as he brushed his fingers against her cheek and watched the sun play across her face. "Is this the part where the hero kisses his damsel and they sail off into the sunset?"

Meg leaned in close so her nose was almost touching his. "Yeah," she whispered, "I think we're at that part."

THE END