Notes: The characters from Xena Warrior Princess and Hercules the Legendary Journeys belong to StudiosUSA and MCA. The characters from Smallville belong to DC and the WB. The characters from the Marvelverse belong to Marvel Comics. Mutant X belongs to Marvel Studios.  Dark Angel belongs to her copyright holders. The characters from Forever Knight belong to Sony Tri-Star. All other characters are original and are mine. Please send comments to dante0220@yahoo.com.


Prologue [Amazon Village c. 89 AD]

Gabrielle, Bard-Queen of the Amazons, writes….

Even as our allies rush to help us, things continue to darken. The Coven continues to plot and move with their plans. What new low will they sink to next? Already, Hope and Hercules guard Smallville. Meantime, the Community investigates the Countess’ tomb/prison for more information. In Tucson, the students keep watch as well.

Even as this all happens, a familiar face appears to lend assistance. Thank Eli for our friends!

Meantime, I can only imagine what Alti and her companions are doing to our friends. Since the standoff in Boston, I have worried about them. To deal with the situation, however, I have called the Amazon sisterhood to arms. Eve and I will meet with the Council to determine how best to answer this threat.

Xena, I promise you, we will bring you home…..



Chapter 1 [Twenty-first Century—2 days following “Out of the Bottle”]
[Greenwich Village, New York City]

Around the usual energetic backdrop of Greenwich Village, a chill descended on everything. As if ghosts or demons had invaded, the residents stayed indoors, staying away from everything especially a certain vacant lot on Houston Street. There, the air crackled as if charged with diabolical energy.

Of course, the lot wasn’t vacant as it appeared. Rather, the sanctum of Dr. Strange, Earth’s sorcerer supreme, stood on it and yet was disguised mystically from the casual viewer. However, surrounding that structure, an additional imprisoning field kept him imprisoned and unable to interfere in the Coven’s activities.

From out of the sky, a mysterious blonde woman on a flying white horse descended toward the site. Even against the gray backdrop, her dark armor and beige sword scabbard stood out. Her braids and blue cape billowed behind her in the wind. Her eyes cautiously surveyed the entire area, looking for trouble. “Down, Aragorn,” she told her companion.

The pegasus neighed and alighted on the sidewalk.

The Valkyrie dismounted, drawing her sword quickly. She had heard the sorcerer’s summons in her mind and came right away. As she tried to enter the house, the field arrested her progress. “Demons of the Norn! What is this?”

It is what imprisons me, Valkyrie. On the other side of the energy field, Strange’s astral form appeared. A stronger magic than mine holds me here.

“I’m no magician! How can I deal with this threat?” she wondered.

Go to the source. Northeast of here—in the city of Boston, MA, a battle took place. I had warned Spider-Man to be careful….

“Spider-Man? What does he have to do with this?” she inquired, recalling her earlier meetings with the masked hero.

He did the best he could against the evil but he fell along with his companions. Now he lies in a hospital bed under guard by allies. Through him, you will find the answers and the way to old friends. They will need your help as well. I know you have questions but trust me. Go to Boston and find Spider-Man. He will provide the answers you seek. With that, Strange vanished from view.

She looked around once again for potential threats and grimaced. “To Boston then.” She mounted Aragorn and took off into the gray skies over Manhattan.


****

[Boston—Two hours later]

By the time she reached Boston, night had fallen over the city. The dark backdrop put her instincts and senses on full alert. Something did happen here! From her time as one of Odin’s Valkyror, she could tell where people had recently fallen to Death’s scythe.

This place reeked of it to her.

A dark force has murdered innocents. But what could it be? What could be that powerful? She took a look around.

In her mind, Strange told her, The building to your left, Val, St. Matthias Hospital. That is where he is.

She nodded as Aragorn descended to the ground once more. After concealing her friend in the alley, she made her way through a side entrance and down the stairs. One way or another, she would get to the bottom of this situation.


****

[Private Ward]

Even as the Valkyrie made her way toward him, Spider-Man stared at the ceiling impatiently. Despite his burned side and leg sprain, he wanted out of that room. Ever since the Coven had knocked him and Xena out before kidnapping her and his dear friends, he wanted to strike back. I can’t believe that those witches got to us! Even after the Doc and Professor Dubois warned us! At least MJ’s safe. His mind went back to his friends again. Whatever Alti and the Rider have planned for them can’t be good. I’m not leaving Clark, Lana, Lex, Chloe and the Professor to that garbage!

He heard a ruckus from outside the room and felt a slight tingle from his spider sense. Now what?

The two vampire guards flew backwards into the room, skidding across the floor into the wall.

He tensed to see the Valkyrie charge into the room under a full head of steam. “Funny running into you here…” he started. “I take it that Doc Strange sent you?”

She sheathed her sword and looked impatiently at him. “I take it you found trouble again?”

“Hey, hey…Trouble found us, all right?” he protested, dropping his usual façade. “It wasn’t my fault that some ditz resurrected the freaking high priestess of Salem! Why do you think I ended up in here?”

She definitely noticed the tone. He’s not making wisecracks. Something’s really scaring him. “High Priestess?”

“Yeah. Rebecca Lichtenfeld, I think. Between her, the Dark Rider and that Alti chick….” He started.

Alti? Why do I know that name from somewhere? “And you fought them alone?”

“I had help. Sorry, Val, but after they went through me and Xena….” Seeing the surprise on her face, he asked, “What?”

“Did you say ‘Xena’?” she insisted.

“Uh yeah, I did. She’s like the dark version of you with the sword, chakram and the battle cry,” he noted. “Why? You look as though you’ve seen a ghost.”

“You may have. If she’s Xena the Warrior Princess, we have a history of sorts,” she indicated. “She had a partner….”

“Yeah. Gabrielle’s really cool too,” he told her. “You do know them, don’t you?”

“I did…a long time ago,” she revealed. She remembered the last time she ran into the warrior and bard. I wonder if she still looks the same as she did? Then she chided herself, Cease this foolishness! This is business! Besides you know how she and Xena feel about each other! Seeing the two guards finally climbing to their feet, she told them, “Let’s not start again.”

The two vampires didn’t respond; choosing to charge her instead.

Spidey scrambled out of the bed and got between them. “Hey! She’s one of the good guys! Chill out!”

“Nikki says you shouldn’t be out of bed!” the two guards hissed.

“She would understand under the circumstances,” Spidey countered. “I mean it. She’s with us!”

She scrutinized the two guards, noting the eyes and fangs. “You’re vampires!”

“And you are more than you seem as well,” a third male vampire with dark eyes and long brown hair noted while entering the room. “I am Edward Rudolph, Nikki’s second in command. You are like Xena?”

“We’re sister Valkyrie,” Valkyrie responded. “Do you know what happened here?”

“Two sorceresses have returned from beyond the grave. Yesterday, an incident occurred in this city. Despite our preparations, much damage was done and friends have vanished,” Rudolph commented. “Xena was one of those taken, I’m afraid.” He looked at the patient who wobbled on his feet. “You speak for her, Spider-Man?”

“Yeah I do. Val’s a friend. By the way, thanks again for everything,” Spidey affirmed.

“It is no trouble, my friend. And as for you, my Dear, his word is all I require,” Rudolph responded. Then his cell phone buzzed. “Yes?”

“Edward, Max Gueverra wants to see the patient,” a voice informed him.

“Escort her here,” Edward instructed.

“Max made it?” Spidey wondered.

“Who?” Valkyrie inquired.

“Max is another friend,” Spidey declared. “After what the restaurant looked like, I wasn’t sure if Mutant X or the others lived through that mess.”

“We’re tougher than we look, Bug Boy,” Max responded with a mix of mirth and brutal efficiency. “The others are over at the Captain’s Hearth, I guess. Who’s your friend?”

Valkyrie stepped toward the newcomer guardedly. “Valkyrie and you’re Max?”

“Yeah. Glad to meet another sister,” the transgenic agreed, putting her hand out.

“Indeed,” Valkyrie concurred, clasping it. “These are dark times.”

“You got that right,” Spidey agreed, limping toward them.

“Hey! You ain’t ready for another fight!” Max admonished.

“Clark, Lana and the others are in trouble. That makes me ready. The leg can wait,” Spidey pointed out. “Wish we could get Deirdre here.”

As he said those words, the fog appeared in the corner, allowing the priestess to step into the room. “All you have to do is ask nicely,” she remarked. “It’s good to see you awake.” She looked at Valkyrie. “And you, you are one of the Valkyrie?”

“I am. And you are?”

“I am Deirdre, priestess of the goddess. We have need of allies such as yourself,” the priestess told her.

“Is there a way I can speak to Gabrielle? Is she all right?” Valkyrie insisted.

“Fortunately, the goddess has deemed that she be in excellent health,” Deirdre reported. She noted the warrior’s concern. “You know her, don’t you? Forgive me; you seem familiar from her scrolls but….”

“We met when she and Xena faced Grendel. My given name is Brunhilda,” Valkyrie revealed.

Deirdre stared at her. “You’re the one who turned herself into flame to protect her.”

“Indeed. You can understand why I would like to talk with her,” Valkyrie insisted.

“I can arrange that. As we speak, Gabrielle convenes an Amazon council in response to our crisis,” the priestess noted.

“Did you say ‘convene an Amazon council’? Only a queen can do that,” Valkyrie pointed out.

“Gabby’s their high queen or something like that,” Max explained.

“Follow me and you shall see her,” Deirdre pointed out, opening the portal.

“It’s safe,” Spidey concurred before he and Max disappeared into the mists.

“Very well,” Valkyrie agreed as she followed them.

“You will see to their care, I trust?” Rudolph asked Deirdre.

“I shall do what I can. For what you, Nikki and the Community have done thus far, I thank you, Master Rudolph,” she expressed.

“When Gabrielle decides to strike at those infernal witches, Divia and Alyce Hunter await word in Paris,” he reminded her.

“Their assistance shall be most welcome as shall yours,” she concurred, disappearing from view.

“What shall we tell Nikki and Janette?” one of the guards wondered.

“I will notify Tucson personally of the situation. As for Brunhilda the Valkyrie, her resurrection gives us an advantage against Dahak’s servants. Be vigilant, Brothers,” Rudolph reported before leaving the area and the others to their thoughts.

 

Chapter 2 [Vendee—Coven’s chateau]

Deep within Isobel’s dungeon, Xena yanked at the manacles securing her wrists to the masonry above her head. She ached all over from this effort in addition to Alti’s last touch several hours earlier. But she knew that her friends were in really big trouble. No telling what they’ll do to the kids or David. She struggled for a few more minutes before hearing a soft growl outside her door.

The Destroyer glared at her through blood red eyes.

“Hey! Gimme a hand!” she rasped.

He shook his head fiercely.

“Come on! We have to get the others!” she argued.

She heard a familiar laugh and frowned. “Terrific.”

Alti opened the door and strutted into the area. “Still dreaming, Xena? This time, we have you!” She smirked at the prisoner. “And here I thought you wanted to see your friends.”

The warrior grimaced, trying not to think of the potential damage.

“Come, come, Xena….You know how I treat those who work with me. They all turned so easily too!” Alti informed her. “I should have Isobel do it to you. We could be a formidable team again.”

“You wish,” Xena declined, staring at her adversary with a steely gaze.

“Yeah, I figured you’d be like this so we brought you some company,” Alti stated, motioning to the dark hallway.

Behind her, Lana and Lex dragged a bleeding Nick into the cell and secured him to the far wall.

“I see you haven’t changed,” the warrior hissed.

“His pain is enjoyable, Xena, and so is yours,” Alti indicated.

Lana walked over to the warrior, gazing at her through glassy eyes. “You should listen to her, Xena. My great-grandmother could use you.”

“Isobel knows what’s good for us now,” Lex added.

“Not interested and neither should you be! Any of you!” Xena protested.

“They didn’t have a choice, Xena,” the shamaness rebutted, letting her impatience show on her face. “Come on! Let’s allow her and her playmate some time together.”

After the door slammed shut, the Destroyer lingered behind. He looked at the warrior intently as if trying to remember something.

“You can do it! Come on; snap out of it!” she urged.

He hissed softly before disappearing into the darkness.

Even he’s gone. Eli, help us! She steeled herself, focusing on the situation at hand. Seeing Nick’s condition, she mused, They bled him to keep him weak. Where can I get him blood here? “Nicholas?”

He moaned and managed to roll over. “Xena?” he whispered.

“Yeah. Good to see your eyes open,” she told him.

He closed them again, resting in an effort to save his strength.

She kept surveying the cell, trying to find a way out.


****

[Main Audience Hall]

Isobel sat at the high table she had shared with her former husband, Dijon. He’s immortal. Where is he? What’s happened to him? For the previous two hours, she had tried to send mental summonses out but received no response. Once we’ve secured our position, I will find him. With that, she returned to her deliberations. Granted the “family” had proved a big help thus far but there remained phases to her plan that only she knew and could enact. They’ll never see this coming!

Seeing her allies escort the three converts into the room, she declared, “It’s time.”

“Time for what?” Rebecca Lichtenfeld inquired.

“She means the plan of course!” Alti spat.

The Countess nodded. “I have a task to do. Can I trust you to deal with our guests?”

The Rider looked in surprise. “Ye don’t want to see the vampire after we’re done with ‘im?”

“I’ll see his remains. That will be enough for me,” she indicated. “You might want to enjoy that. Make sure our young friends watch their mates go.”

“Aye,” the Rider concurred. “As we discussed.”

“Then we deal with their hamlet,” Rebecca indicated.

At that moment, Isobel looked at the sky, feeling some kind of new disturbance. Now what? We’ve dealt with everything. “Have a care. Something’s not right.”

“You’re imagining things! Go do your task and we’ll handle things here!” Alti admonished.

Isobel glared at the shamaness, tiring of her attitude. “Do that. Once you finish, we meet in Smallville.” Opening the spell book, she recited a verse and disappeared from the scene.

“Come. Let’s prepare for the dawn, shall we?” he urged, leading the others from the room.



Chapter 3 [Paris—Notre Dame]

Two hours after sunset, an ill wind blew across the ancient city, pushing the inhabitants towards shelter and chilling their very souls. Stray dogs howled at the moon. A dank fog descended as well.

Alyce looked around; her enhanced senses piercing the muck in an effort to insure she and her companion were alone. After flying for most of that day in the modified jet and worrying about Nick, she tensed on the edge of self-control. “All clear. The cathedral’s this way.”

“Indeed,” Divia retorted, stepping out of the shadows. “Where are the catacombs?”

“Beneath the structure,” the curator stated as they rushed into the cathedral. Although she felt queasy from the relics and depictions around them, she didn’t let those feelings stop her especially where Nick was concerned.

It would have to be in a church! The Roman stewed over this situation. “There are others here!”

“Of course!” Alyce countered, seeing her former colleague. “Henri?”

“Oui! Alyce, see what has happened!” he declared, showing them the rubble from the devastated bookcase. “She has broken free!”

“Yes, yes…we know,” Divia hissed. “We need to find her rather than waste time!”

“That’s our next stop. We know exactly where’d she go,” Alyce insisted. “The Vendee. Meantime, we need to see the crypt.” She zipped into the dark passage.

Divia rolled her eyes. “We don’t have time for this!” She followed the curator, catching up to her in front of the tomb’s entrance. “This is foolish! What will we gain here?”

“Perhaps some insight,” Alyce countered, taking a lit torch from the wall and entering the area.

As they entered the tomb, the two vampires carefully avoided the broken relics scattered about the room. The sight of the broken granite sarcophagus made them both stop.

“She needed help to do this,” Divia noted, recalling her own “jail break” in Egypt. “Another force had to break the seal.”

“When the elder Lichtenfeld read her spell in Boston, that must have did it,” Alyce realized. “There’s nothing to be had here that we don’t already know. We needed to be sure though.”

“Of course. It pays to be thorough,” the Elder agreed. “Come. This needs to be sealed and then we go.”

“Henri will deal with that. Meantime, Nick and the others need our help!” Alyce noted, taking off toward the main cathedral.

Divia followed closely behind. Lucius would be most displeased with how this has gone. But I doubt he could have done any better! When she found Alyce, the latter was already talking with Henri. “Is it settled?”

“Oui,” he agreed. “We shall seal the catacombs anew. Deal with that menace.”

“Count on that,” Alyce agreed, restraining her fangs from descending. With that, she took off.

We thought Dahak was gone. Only that thing could have broken the witch from here! Time to finish this! With a last look at Henri, she disappeared into the night, following the curator toward their destination.



Chapter 4
[Althanor]

Cybelle paced to and fro, knowing that things continued to get worse. Through the telepathic link, she felt her brother’s separation from the Child and the others’ defeat. “It’s hopeless.”

“It’s not hopeless,” the Empress admonished.

“Begging your pardon, Mother, but your brother has survived worse things than this,” Genaria indicated.

“And he will do so again,” Grimwilkin agreed. “Focus with your feelings, Cybelle.”

The High Priestess took a deep breath to compose herself and did so. She allowed her thoughts to expand, covering increasing amounts of territory. She strained, pushing herself to her limits and beyond them.

Trust in me, Cybelle.

The goddess?

Yes, Cybelle, I have not deserted you all at this time. Even as things seem dark, allies arrive as we speak. As for the answers you seek, look beyond your reality….

Cybelle did as the Voice commanded, allowing her link to pierce the realm of space and time. Then she felt something. “How can that be?”

“How can what be?” Genaria wondered.

I told you, Cybelle, allies come. Your brother will return soon to us thanks to your friends. Even as we speak, the forces of several realities gather on the central prairies to stand against Dahak’s evil legacy. Believe, my High Priestess, believe in me. With that, the Voice went silent.

“Well?” the Empress asked, smiling knowingly.

“It is as you all said,” Cybelle indicated. Seeing the expressions on the Empress’ and wizard’s respective faces, she asked, “You heard too, didn’t you?”

“We did indeed. Patience, Cybelle, soon the day may be reversed,” Grimwilkin advised as they looked at the field in the direction of the Amazon Village.


****

[Amazon Village]

Eve slowly opened her eyes and blinked them into focus. Discerning that she lay in her hut, she forced herself to stand. “How did I come back here?”

“Princess Eve?” a brunette Amazon asked, sticking her head into the dwelling. “Thank the goddess you’re awake!”

“What am I doing here? The last thing I remember is…trying to cleanse a future place,” the former Messenger queried.

The other Amazon shrugged. “I know nothing of that. All the Queen told us was that you tried to deal with a great evil and could not do so. You have been unconscious ever since.”

Eve felt a headache forming between her eyes. “Mother! Gabrielle! Are they all right?”

The younger woman bowed. “The Queen instructed me to bring you to her when you were able to walk. Follow me; the council is being convened.”


****

Even as the two Amazons headed toward the Queen’s hut, Gabrielle tried to remain calm and focused. Her worrying for Xena disrupted everything else. You would tell me to focus, Xena. Despite everything that has happened, I must remain so to bring the Amazons’ portion to the table. She breathed rhythmically, slowing her heartbeat.

“You do well for the situation, my Queen,” Nai-Jin declared. “My apologies; I wanted to let you meditate and calm yourself.”

“Nai-Jin, you’re always welcome. I hope you have better news though,” Gabrielle replied.

“Perhaps. For one thing, Princess Eve is awake,” the prophetess indicated. “And your allies return. Three from the future in fact approach with Deirdre’s assistance.”

“Three?” Gabrielle asked before a knock came from the door. “Yes?”

“Gabrielle, it’s Eve. May I come in?” Eve requested.

“Of course!” the Queen agreed. Upon seeing her heiress enter, she embraced Eve. “It’s good to see you awake.”

“Even if we failed, Queen Gabrielle? According to Eliana, everything has gone wrong,” Eve responded.

“We haven’t failed, Eve,” Gabrielle asserted. “Not yet. We need your faith now. Eli says that even when things seem darkest, the light of faith will shine through.”

Eve blushed with embarrassment. “I should know better than to doubt Eli and the One God now.”

“He is with us, Eve.” Seeing Varia and the other Amazon leaders enter the dwelling, she added, “Please sit. We are still one short.”

“Who would that be? Xena’s missing,” Varia inquired.

At that moment, Jasmine entered the hut. “You called for me, Queen Gabrielle?”

Cyanne protested, “But Jasmine is not a full Amazon!”

“She has encountered the evil we face. As such, I want her here,” Gabrielle countered. “Please, Jasmine, join us.”

“Thank you, my Queen,” the Javalastani student expressed.

Beside her, Varia made a space. “Sit with me, Princess.”

“Not everyone is here, Queen Gabrielle,” Nai-Jin indicated. “Behold!”

The mist portal formed in the corner, allowing Max, Spidey and Deirdre into the room.

“My friends, welcome,” Gabrielle indicated.

“There’s one more, Gabrielle,” Deirdre pressed. “It’s okay. She’s waiting outside with her steed.”

“Who?” the Queen wondered, rushing outside to find Valkyrie with Aragorn. “Welcome.”

“Gabrielle?” Valkyrie asked, not believing what she was seeing.

“Brunhilda? How? The last I saw of you, you had sacrificed yourself! Is it really you?” the Queen wondered.

“It is me. I returned to help you once again,” the warrior agreed. “We must free Xena.”

Gabrielle hugged her old friend. “You are a sight for sore eyes! Come in! Your horse will be fine there! Eliana, please watch her horse please?”

“Of course,” the young Amazon agreed.

Valkyrie strode into the room and looked upon the other Amazons. “And you are her fellow queens?”

“We are,” Cyanne agreed. “And you are?”

Gabrielle introduced, “Everyone, this is Brunhilda, an old friend of Xena’s and mine. Brunhilda, please join us. Max, Spider-Man, I would invite you to do the same.”

“Thanks,” Max replied, helping the costumed man beside her to sit and then did the same. “When do we go on the offensive?”

“We cannot allow them to harm Xena,” Varia declared.

“Agreed. But we need to be careful. The evil that we face is great. Spider-Man, you faced it directly. Tell us,” Eve indicated.

He scratched his head. “From what I could tell, we have four enemies to deal with. I guess you all know about Alti. Then there are two more sorceresses. Finally, the Dark Rider’s a real creep. He’s a powerful guy who rides this weird horse and shoots dark blasts like the Child’s. He and his wife, Rebecca Lichtenfeld, hit me with that stuff and knocked me out.”

“They took Xena, Nick and the kids,” Max added. “The leader—Isobel, I guess, cast a spell that took the powers away from everyone in the room. Fortunately, I have my Manticore training. Bug Boy here was outside so he didn’t lose his.”

“The question is—do we wait or do we go in? The latter carries risks,” Gabrielle stated.

“Can we allow our friends to fall under Dahak’s influence? Imagine if the Child were possessed?” Eve pointed out. Seeing Deirdre’s head bow, she asked, “Deirdre?”

“It has already happened. Lana, Lex and the Child are under their sway. They plan to kill the others soon. We must save them!” the priestess asserted. “I hope for help but I will go in alone if need be.”

“Nay. I will go with you,” Valkyrie indicated.

“And me,” Max added.

“Spidey makes three,” Spidey chimed in.

“And me,” Jasmine stated. “I shall not leave my dear friends to that evil!”

“I cannot ask you to follow us,” Gabrielle pointed out to her fellow counselors.

The leaders looked at each other and agreed. Then Cyanne stood. “Amazons! Our sister, Xena, and allies are in danger! As they have done for us—as Xena helped to do at Helicon—can we allow them to fall into darkness? I say no! Those who are with the Queen and myself, stand and be recognized!”

Without hesitation, the leaders joined Cyanne in their support.

Gabrielle wiped a tear from her cheek and steadied herself. “Thank you, Sisters. Prepare yourselves! Cyanne, I need you to stay here and watch over the Village. The rest of us shall prepare. Get your spears and swords! Tonight, we storm the damned fortress!”

The group cheered.

“She’s really something, ain’t she?” Spidey asked Valkyrie.

“Indeed she always was,” the blonde warrior agreed before heading up to the Queen’s side. “Well played, Gabrielle. I knew that inner strength was inside of you.”

“You helped teach me about sacrifice, Brunhilda. Seriously, I’m glad you’re here,” Gabrielle told her. “You’re experienced with darkness?”

“I am. Dealing with Grendel and the Ring gives us that edge. I fought some skirmishes in Valhalla as well,” Valkyrie concurred. Seeing Max and Spidey looking at her, she asked, “Yes?”

The transgenic quirked a brow. “We thought you said Grendel.”

“I did.”

“Uh, that’s just a story, right?” Spidey asked.

“Grendel was real all right. Xena, Gabrielle, Beowulf and I helped to deal with him,” Valkyrie noted, giving the Queen a special look. “It was there that I learned to look beyond the bloodlust.”

“And became a worthy ally,” Eve insisted. “Brunhilda, I’m Xena’s daughter, Eve. I look forward to fighting beside you.”

“And I you. If you are like your mother, we shall do well indeed,” the Valkyrie complimented. “And you are?”

Jasmine put her hand out. “Princess Jasmine-A ‘isha of Javalastan. I have read of your exploits as well. It is an honor.”

“I shall do what I can to live up to that. Shall we prepare?” Valkyrie stated.

Gabrielle motioned to them. “This way.”

Behind them, Nai-Jin smiled. The Queen develops further as we speak. Already, she overcomes her fear. This crisis may be strangely fruitful yet.


****

[In the Village common—an hour later]

After rapid yet efficient preparations, a strike force of twenty Amazons waited on the common for Queen Gabrielle. As Varia and Jasmine appraised them of the situation, they knew the risks and the importance of rescuing their sister.

Off to the side, Max looked at Spidey. “Are you sure you wanna do this?”

“Are you?” he shot back.

“I ain’t the one with the leg problem,” she countered.

“And I still have all of my abilities,” he argued. Seeing her glare, he added, “Not that you won’t hold your own or anything.”

“Ya got that right. Seriously, watch your ass, all right?” she requested. “Sometimes, you’re a little too stubborn for your own good.”

“When it comes to my friends, you can say that. Max, you too, okay?” he replied.

“I’ll do that,” she agreed. Seeing Gabrielle and Eve approach, she said, “Looks like the fun’s beginning.”


****

Gabrielle collected herself as she looked over the women in front of her; the best twenty warriors that the sisterhood could provide. With Eve and Valkyrie flanking her, she knew they would account well for themselves. “Thank you for coming, Sisters! Soon, we will face a great evil to save our friends! We must be strong and hold onto our faith!”

“For Xena! For our friends!” Varia yelled, raising her sword.

“To them and our allies!” Valkyrie cheered, doing the same.

“To whatever end Eli wishes,” Eve affirmed.

“As well as the goddess,” Deirdre chimed in.

“To the end,” Max put in for her and Spidey both.

“It is settled then. Be cautious. Do not allow the high witch to read from her spell book!” Gabrielle asserted. “Max, you and Spider-Man ride with Jasmine. I wish to go with Brunhilda. Can Aragorn handle two riders?”

“He can indeed,” the blonde warrior agreed.

Deirdre opened the portal. “There. Head through. Quickly.”

The warriors marched through it.

Then Jasmine and her friends flew through on Carpet.

Aragorn bore Gabrielle and Valkyrie through it.

Deirdre took one last look before stepping into the mists and sealing them behind herself. Here we go!