Notes Part 1: The characters from "Forever Knight" belong to Sony Tri-Star. The characters from "Xena Warrior Princess" belong to StudiosUSA and Renaissance Studios. The characters from "Smallville" belong to DC Comics and Tribune. The characters from "Mutant X" belong to Marvel and Tribune. The characters from "Dark Angel" belong to Tribune. All other characters and scenarios are fictitious and belong to me. Please send any questions or comments to dante0220@yahoo.com.

Notes Part 2: Spoiler alert: This story is an AU version to "Mutant X" episode, "A Breed Apart."

Prologue [Amazon Village, c. 82 AD]

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

The four communities, after a period of rebuilding, have never appeared stronger. Cybelle has Althanorian crafts and skills flourishing. Nick has settled matters down within the vampire Community. Dave's experiment with his extraordinary students proceeds at a wondrous pace for both himself and the students. Finally, the Amazons are living in harmony with nature and our neighbors.

However, as is often the case with us, this is only the calm before the storm. As this scroll tells, old hatreds threaten to tear apart what has been so carefully constructed....

Chapter 1 [Genomex]

Lionel Luthor sat in his dark leather chair and surveyed the latest market reports from his investments. Profits were soaring across the board as LuthorCorp gobbled up greater and greater chunks of the corporate landscape. Well almost across the board. The plant in Smallville is down five percent. Lex is doing charity work again. Damn him! No matter how often I tell the boy not to do it, he still ignores me. Blast those friends of his for making him soft with the underlings and more resistant to me! Well soon I'll deal with that situation. Then, Lex, you will listen to me.

Getting up, he walked down to the conference room where several area heads for the GSA awaited him. He smiled and signaled for everyone to sit down around the large meeting table. At least you trained them well, Mason. "Report," he ordered.

One of them, a rather stocky man with dark brown hair, stood up. He said, "Mr. Luthor, we haven't brought in any more new mutants over the last few weeks. Everywhere we turn, Mutant X is one step ahead of us."

"I see," Lionel noted. Mutant X. Yes, the ones who assisted the Duboises in getting Clark Kent out of Smallville. Interesting. Apparently, they're going to be difficult. No matter, I have just the thing to deal with them. "Ladies and gentlemen, I want to meet our new ally." Pushing a button on the chair, he requested, "Mr. Ashlocke, can you come in please?"

The door slid open and Gabriel Ashlocke, a very powerful mutant, strutted in, a cocky smile visibly on his face.

The department heads gaped and protested, "Sir."

"Is there a problem?" the administrator asked, not caring about what these underlings thought one way or the other.

Ashlocke savored their discomfort. They deserve to sweat a bit after leaving me in that prison for all of those years.

"Sir, he's a menace!" Sanderson challenged. "Haven't you seen his file?"

The businessman glared at Sanderson. As if I haven't looked into all of the possibilities! Vile slug. "Yes, Sanderson, I have seen his file. That brings up a subject I was going to touch on later, but now seems to be as good a time as any. First, as much as Mr. Eckhart was my friend, I'm not him. As such, I don't believe in wasting valuable resources such as Mr. Ashlocke here. If you want to continue working here, I suggest you get used to that change in our corporate operating policy. Understand?"

Around the table, the air seemed to warm considerably as the heads chaffed at this new directive. They didn't like new mutants because they were trained to hunt down and imprison them as menaces. And this idiot wanted them to work with new mutants openly and as equals? At some point, this head would have to be "instructed" in the proper etiquette of dealing with the anomalies.

Taking the silence as at least unwilling compliance, Lionel continued, "Over the past few weeks, we've been having difficulties detaining new mutants. Therefore, I'm stepping up the pace a bit. If you want to deal with the enemy, you find where his or her weaknesses are, and strike out."

Charles Delay, another operative, asked, "With all due respect, Mr. Luthor, what are you planning? Who are you planning to strike out against? We have several enemies."

"Very perceptive," Lionel complimented before continuing. "In this case, we need to find a common denominator. I suggest we strike at the troublesome professor." Walking over to the whiteboard, he wrote even as he spoke. "That way, we get to everyone in one fell swoop: quick, deadly, and efficient. In war, people, one never attacks an enemy's mind or body. You go after the heart."

Since Ashlocke had heard this plan twenty minutes earlier, he grinned. As long as it pains Adam and his precious team, I don't care.

"In this case, I propose a two-fold assault. Through my sources, I have learned that there will be two big affairs in which the Duboises are involved: a class reunion and a gathering for their long lost niece, Miranda. One of our agents, Adrienne Mitchell, will also be at the former event and has agreed to coordinate the attack there. Meantime, several of our agents will go with Mr. Ashlocke to 'prepare' the other facility for our...little surprise," Lionel continued.

The others squirmed uncomfortably. While they had been branded as such, the GSA didn't consider themselves as terrorists nor did they relish willingly endangering normal people to get at their quarry. But, as Luthor had pointed out, this was war, and perhaps they might need to break a few eggs to make the desired omelet. One way or the other, this was definitely a different tact for them. This would take them further into the public eye than they had already gone.

Additional notes: Spoilers-Mutant X Series Premiere and Smallville-Precipice.

Chapter 2 [New Sanctuary]

Early the next morning, Adam stood in front of the computer screen scanning the progress reports for the members of the Tucson Underground. Across the board, everyone was making noted improvements with their abilities. Their grades were holding steady. Best of all, Dave and Nick had reported no incidents with this group. This is everything we hoped for. Maybe that day has come when new mutants can live side by side with their neighbors. We just need to be vigilant in case the GSA tries something.

Running his fingers over the keyboard, he saved the files for future examination. His watch said that it was 8:30. Just enough time to get a cup of coffee before the group gets here for their session.

"Hey, Adam, how's it looking?" Shalimar inquired, wearing a whimsical smile on her face.

"Reports look great. Thanks. I was just about to hit the kitchen and get some coffee before the others show up. Can you keep an eye on things here for a couple of minutes?"

"Absolutely," she assured him. "There's a pot brewing in the kitchen right now."

He nodded and walked off toward the kitchen. Along the way, he noted how the new facility was shaping up. For the previous two months, he and the others had been putting things back in position, setting up equipment, and arranging the décor. It's finally coming together...our new home. He still dreamt of the GSA's attack. I'm glad we have our friends. Without them, this wouldn't be possible. Helping with our common dream is the least we can do. Glancing at the dry basin area of the fountain, he had hoped that the old facility's plumbing would have accommodated it, but that wasn't the case. Shaking his head, he continued on his way.

****

An hour later, Adam stood at his main computer keyboard on the mezzanine overlooking the dojo. Beneath him, the Tucson delegation awaited his next test of their abilities. For most of the morning, he had run the students through a battery of tests, examining their individual capabilities to focus in adverse situations. To their credit, their ability to maintain control had improved tremendously from their first workouts. Of course, that comes from having used their abilities before. Still, one never knows what they will have to face.

The teamwork between the students pleased everyone most of all. In one test, the shape shifters fought holograms in their animal forms with Mika coordinating the efforts. While the students' technique needed work, their effort was extraordinary, and they helped each other through the conflict, leaving the prefab agents in the dust. In another snap exam, Sebastian used his elemental control over water to create an icy prison for his attackers out of thin air.

Likewise, Dave and Steve had been equally as impressed by their young friends. In just three months, they had mastered the basics of their new lives. With the threat of the GSA looming out there, these kids needed to be ready.

I'm glad I assigned those group projects in the World Civ. class and asked Eve to do the same thing, Dave mused. The kids trust each other and know how to stick together as a team. I'm really proud of them all.

"Okay, Clark and Lana, you're next," Adam told them.

Lana glanced at her classmates and nodded. While it's good to watch, I'm glad that it's our turn. Besides, I can't wait to fight beside Clark again. She sighed, recalling the face off with the GSA agents in Smallville. In case that happens again, we need to be ready. "Come on, Clark."

Clark followed her up the stairs cautiously. During the two months they had trained at the New Sanctuary, he had learned one thing: expect the unexpected. "Hey, Lana, just be careful. All right?"

She stared deeply into his eyes and replied, "I will be. You too, okay? I'm not made of glass. You know?"

"Yeah. I know," he admitted, shrugging in discomfort.

"Besides, who had to save your tail with Sheriff Adams, remember?" She pointed out.

"You did."

"And who put the spin kick on that bully, saving the day?"

"You did. I get the point. Sorry, Lana," he apologized, feeling ashamed for doubting her.

She put her hand on his shoulder. "It's okay, Clark. I do appreciate your looking out for me. I love that about you. Just don't forget that I want to help too." She allowed her eyes to shine into his and gave him a kiss. "Don't change. Just give me my space. Now come on." She took his hand and led them onto the dojo's platform.

"Are you guys ready or are we going to shoot the soap over again?" Brennan cracked.

"Hey, you've been guilty of that too at times, Pal," Shalimar pointed out.

Adam shot him a dirty look, cutting off any further comment. Clark's having a tough enough time repressing his protectiveness toward Lana without that stuff. He smiled supportively at the two teens, as he programmed in a random sequence. "Ready, guys?" Seeing them nod, he pushed another button. "Here we go."

Clark and Lana watched as the CGI backdrop came up. They were now inside of a perfect facsimile of Genomex.

"This again?" he wondered, surveying the scene.

"Hear anybody close by?" she asked, focusing on the matter at hand.

He listened carefully with his enhanced hearing. Then he heard footsteps running toward them. "We're going to have company."

"You don't say?" she supposed. "From where?"

"From several directions. We're going to be surrounded."

She sighed, forcing down the fear burning in her stomach. Come on, Lana. Pull your weight. You can do this. You have the talent. Besides, remember those karate lessons you've been taking. "Clark, let's do this. Back to back, right?"

"Back to back," he agreed.

At that point, twenty agents spilled into the passage.

"Ready?" he asked.

"Let's do this!" she told him, tensing as several agents rushed her. Remembering what Lex had told her, she moved like lightning, dispatching the opposition quickly with rapid-fire spin kicks, karate chops, and rabbit punches.

One agent connected with his probe, sending a jolt through her.

Instead of going down, she absorbed the punishment and blasted the agent with his weapon's own current, putting him out.

On the other side, he mowed through his opposition pretty efficiently as well. Within seconds, he had dealt with most of the goons.

Then, as he moved in on the last enemy, he felt strangely nauseous. Looking at his hand, he saw the familiar swelling of the veins there. Where's the meteor rock?

"We've been reading up on you, Kent," the agent-apparition laughed, taking off the covering on his probe to reveal a glowing green tip. "You've had this coming for a while." He prodded Clark with the meteor tip, taking pleasure in his pain.

Clark gritted his teeth, as he fell to the ground. Can't give up. Despite feeling weak, he tore up a section of floor and whipped it hard.

The agent stumbled, dropping the meteor rod.

Before the goon could take hold of it again, Lana grabbed the rod and hustled it away from her boyfriend. What will Adam think of next?

With that, he felt his strength return. Gripping the agent, he tossed him into the wall, knocking the latter out.

"Are you okay, Clark?" she inquired with concern.

"I'll live," he informed her. "And you?"

"I'm okay," she replied, rubbing his shoulder. "I wonder what Adam's got planned now?"

At that moment, the backdrop shimmered again and they saw Sanctuary once again.

"That was good, guys," Adam complimented. "Six minutes. Lana, you were excellent in there. Good thinking on your feet. Clark, great going as well. One thing though, you need to be careful about the meteors, all right? With Lionel Luthor now running Genomex, he'll tell the agents that they make you sick. What's to stop them from using them against you in a fight situation?"

He winced, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment. "You're right, Adam. Sorry. I'll do better next time. And sorry about the floor paneling on the dojo."

"It's okay. That's why we practice, Clark. Still, I did want to say one more thing. You did the right thing by tearing up the floor as you did. At least, you bought yourself and Lana a couple of extra seconds that way. You didn't panic. Great job," the former geneticist complimented. "Get yourselves a drink, guys. You deserve it."

Dave held up a couple of glasses for them. "Nice job. Both of you."

"Lana deserves the credit for getting us through it," Clark told the medievalist.

She shook her head. "No, Clark, we got through it together. Both of us as a team. Don't be so hard on yourself. You heard Adam. We had a surprise thrown at us. We got through it."

He smiled sheepishly, as their friends admired the scene between them. "Thanks, Lana, for being you."

"Don't mention it," she grinned. "Now let's not keep the next lucky contestant waiting, shall we?"

"On that note, I think some lunch is in order," Adam broke in, changing the subject. "Let's get something in the kitchen."

With that, the group left the practice facility heading for the kitchen and a well-deserved meal. What they couldn't have known was how prophetic those last words would be for them all.

Chapter 3 [Two Days Later]

[Student Union, Campus]

Lana looked over her notes, trying to think of how to wrap up her latest term paper. While she liked Dr. Messenger's "World Religions" course, the comparative assignment proved a bit difficult. I wonder how far I should go with this?

At that moment, Clark walked over. "Hey. What's up?" he asked, kissing her cheek. "Still working on that paper?"

"Yeah and I'm almost done. This last paragraph's a bear," she replied with uncertainty.

He read the section in question over and shrugged. "It sounds good to me, Lana. But I'm not an expert in that stuff."

"Neither am I," she admitted. "Well, I'll give it another look later." She packed her backpack. "Changing the subject, are you ready for our trip next week?"

He grinned. Miranda was going to have her "Welcome Home" party during the following weekend at the Blackwells' farm in Wabash, New York. She deserves it. From the emails they had received and her visits, she and her father got along well and were catching up on lost time, reestablishing their relationship. "I am. I'm so happy for Miranda."

She nodded. "She's such a good friend. It's nice to see her happy."

"And the fact that you can go horseback riding has nothing to do with this, right?" he teased.

She quirked an eyebrow at him. "What do you think?"

He chuckled while sipping on his mocha. "I think you want to see where Dr. Dubois grew up too."

She smiled. "I do. From what she says, it's not that much different than Smallville, Clark. Besides, having Miri, Chloe, and Lex up there with us will be like old times, you know?"

Lex and Chloe. Now there's something to wonder about. Since the Professor's return from Cornell, they had heard from both Chloe and Lex about their blossoming relationship. "I wonder how Lex and Chloe became attracted to each other?"

"They each needed someone, Clark. Love works in funny ways. Hey, look at us. Who would've figured that we'd get together?" she explained. At least, I always hoped we would.

Well I knew we would. "I guess. Still it's good to see them together. Now we don't have to feel guilty about her," he commented.

She smiled, her eyes twinkling. "Absolutely. And we can all enjoy ourselves without secrets, trouble, or worrying about who's going to be upset at whom." She kissed him. "Best of all, we don't have to worry about things either. Promise me, you'll relax while we're there."

"Why wouldn't I?" he inquired.

"Because I know you, Clark. When you want something to be absolutely perfect, you go into guard dog mode. Just let your guard down for once, all right? For me?" she requested.

She knows me all right. Well since she asked. "All right. I promise that I'll relax while we're there."

I know he'll still be watchful, but that's something at least. "Thanks, Clark. You'll see. This will be a lot of fun."

"Absolutely," he agreed, looking toward the northeast. For some reason, he felt uneasy. Something's going to happen. For some reason, I just know it.

*****

[Dave's office]

Dave sat in his office, checking his date planner. I can't believe it's already November! Where does the time go? Even as he thought about the question, he already knew the answer. Between grading papers, working with his new students and everything else, the months had sped by. Soon, it'll be Thanksgiving. At least we'll get to spend it with the families this year. He smiled at the thought of spending the holiday with his in-laws, not to mention the Alvarezes and certain select members of his own family.

I'm glad that Mama and Papa B. agreed to host Miri's party. It's always so scenic up in Wabash, he mused, taking a sip from his tea. And that follows the class reunion that afternoon. By that time, we'll be ready for some celebrating.

Hearing a knock at the door, he called, "Yes? Come in."

Steve stuck his head in. "Hey, Dave, what's going on?"

"Oh, just prepping for the class reunion and the Miri's party," the professor replied, scribbling notes in his book.

"Yeah, it's coming up fast, isn't it? Speaking for myself, it'll be great to see everyone again. Natalie's really looking forward to going with us."

"That's nice," the professor concurred, taking another sip of his tea. "I'm sure she'll enjoy herself there. Besides, Angie's folks will finally get to meet her."

"Too bad we missed the fight with Divia and Hope," Steve sassed, taking a seat. "I was still dealing with Ares, Alti, and those Roman soldiers around the library."

The medievalist chuckled. "The big bad agent can't handle a little excitement. Spare me."

"Yeah, like that book by your computer is knock' em-out stuff," Steve shot back, grinning as he looked around the room.

"Actually, this tome has some stuff about Nick in it," the other deadpanned, logging into his computer.

"You're kidding."

"I'm serious. This is an account of the fall of Jaffa. Nick was there," Dave maintained, opening the book and flipping pages. Placing the text before his friend, he continued, "Middle of the page."

The agent strained his eyes trying to scan the Latin mess in front of him. I wonder if he knows how illegible this crap is. Man, no wonder he was always cloistered like a monk in school. "So, where?"

"Nicolas, milites Francorum et Christi," Dave said, still typing away on the computer.

Sonnuva...there he is! "So you can tell that from this piece? Interesting," Steve conceded.

"Tony always said that the original language told the story. You always lose part of it in the translation," Dave theorized, hitting the enter key and saving his work.

"If you say so. Better you than me. Were those accounts in Orleans like this?"

The professor smirked. More challenging. "Worse, they were in the scribe's hand. That text is printed at least."

The agent took a deep breath and put the book back on his friend's desk. Better you than me. "Do we have an itinerary yet?"

"For next week?"

"No, for our trip to Pago Pago. Of course I mean next week, Knucklehead," Steve chided with a bit of mirth in his voice.

The professor smiled at him. "Angie spoke to her folks yesterday. With Francesca, the Alvarezes, my mom, Cybelle, Deirdre, and Miri to help set up, everything should be fine. Miri also wanted Chloe to come. Meantime, we're going to Amherst for the reunion."

"Ah. I see. So will I have time to give Nat the tour?"

"I don't see why not. Personally, I was hoping to drop in on the Cappuccino Express anyhow," Dave noted, taking another sip of his tea.

Figures. Just as with our friends from Smallville and their ties to the Talon, he can't resist his mochas. "Great. I'll let Natalie know." Then he remembered the other element of the puzzle and a frown creased his features.

"Now what?" Dave wondered. "Steve, what is it?"

The other leaned against the bookshelf, chiding himself. Damn, I slipped. "I didn't want to bring it up."

"Bring what up?"

"What about the GSA?"

"What about them?" Dave asked. "They've been too quiet since Eckhart's death for my taste, but there's been no activity that Adam or the others can tell. Besides, Steve, we have to live our lives and deal with things as they come up."

Spoken like a true guerrilla fighter. "Can't let them stop us, huh?" the agent inquired.

"Nope. If we stop living, then they win. Period. Let's not worry about it, okay? Hey, it's not like I'm not planning for something anyhow. Karen, Angie, Garth, you and I will be at the reunion. Cybelle, Francesca, Deirdre, Miri and I believe Clark and Lana will be at my in-laws. Besides, Dee-Dee or Cybelle can bring help one way or the other if needed." Dave explained.

"You always have a plan," Steve stated with relief.

You'd be a fool not to have one. Still, he's right. The GSA could strike at us while we're away from here. It would be the perfect opportunity. "I'm going to get a hold of Frank as well. We'll need to whip up a couple of those blocker devices in case the Suits show up. Does the Bureau have any info on Genomex?"

"None. If they're planning something, they're keeping an airtight seal on it," Steve commented.

That's what I was afraid of. "We'll just need to be extra careful especially with Lionel Luthor running things up there," Dave added.

Adam said that too, but how do they know? "After hearing Adam say that on Saturday, I checked the Bureau's database and found nothing. When did you hear about this, Dave? You know this could affect my case!" the agent exclaimed, pacing about the room.

"Since Lex told Angie and me up at Cornell." Man, Dubois, you really screwed up in not telling him. Damn! "I don't suppose there's anything else that I should know, is there?"

"There is, actually. Dave, just before you folks came back from Smallville, Eckhart's body vanished from the morgue. The lock on the freezer door was shredded," Steve started. Seeing his friend about to comment, he put his hands up. "Wait. It gets better. Nick told Natalie that he was brought across by Ali."

"Ali...as in the Enforcer? The master of Dijon? The scum that wants us all dead? That Ali? Oh, this just keeps getting better and better. Well, we'd best be prepared for something on all fronts. We need to talk with Nick and the others before we leave. For now, let's get some lunch and try to cool off, okay?"

"Your treat this time," the agent reminded him.

"Ah, yes. You're still sore about trudging through the sewer, aren't you?" Dave jabbed playfully. "C'mon, let's go."

The agent would have retorted with something equally as comical, but his mind had too many things spinning around in it. As much as I hate to admit it, Dave's right. We'll need to be ready for anything. Anything at all.

Chapter 4
[Ithaca, NY]

While her friends were planning for their trip back East, Chloe typed madly away on the computer. She had an eight page paper due for her World Civ Class, not to mention a last minute article for the school paper. Mandy, you're really cool, but you owe me on this one. She really hated being here while her classmates were out at the pre-Thanksgiving mixer. Not that she cared that much about football or the jocks that played it, but she wanted to be somewhat socially accepted. If I keep missing these events, nobody's going to want to hang out with me. She looked at the floral display on her bureau. The flowers had just arrived that morning straight from Lex's private florist. How considerate of him. She smiled warmly, recalling how he had come to visit her about three weeks earlier. And what a wonderful visit it was!

As if on cue, the phone rang. Who? "Hello?" she answered.

The voice on the other end chuckled warmly, asking, "Hey, if I needed an expose for the Ledger, where can I find a reporter to write it?"

Nice timing. "That depends. If you want an honest, slam to the gut piece, I know a certain blonde who would be happy to do it," she teased.

"If I want that, I could go to the Inquisitor," the other cracked. "Can't I entice the reporter with anything?"

What does he think I am? She mused over his words even though she knew he was kidding. "I don't know, Lex. I'm a sucker for visits...and romance. Of course, you understand that I have to report the truth."

She never changes. "Of course, Chloe. I wouldn't expect any less from you. How go the assignments?"

"This article for the school paper will be done tonight. Then, I have the paper for the World Civilizations class that's due on Wednesday. I'll have that done tomorrow," she sighed.

"That's another thing I like about you, Miss Sullivan, you don't procrastinate," he complimented. "By the way, wasn't that the class that Professor Dubois spoke to?"

"You mean with the Bluto triplets? Yeah, it was. Both Professor Miramoto and he have helped me a lot," she replied.

'Bluto triplets'. Hah! Leave it to her to stand on her tiptoes and spit in their eyes! "I'm sure. Hey, I'm going to be in your neck of the woods again next week. You want to go out again?"

Darn. I would love to, but Miri's party is at that point. "I...can't, Lex. I promised Miranda that I'd be at her party in Wabash."

"Well, I got invited too and that's where I'm heading. I need a date, if you're interested?" he offered.

"I'll have to check my calendar to see if it's free," she jabbed.

"Do that," he chuckled. "I'll check my dance card as well."

"Just meet me up there, okay?" she requested. "Granted, there will be plenty of people to talk to, but...well...I have a confession to make...it wouldn't be the same without you."

He shook his head as he felt his heart pitter-patter a bit. Nothing's going to keep me from there now. Nothing. "Thank you, Chloe, I really appreciate that. Besides, I can't miss Miranda's big moment, can I? By the way, did the flowers get there?"

"They're beautiful, Lex. Thank you. You shouldn't have gone to so much trouble," she expressed.

"It wasn't any trouble, Chloe. My florist thought you'd like them," he assured her. "Well, my Dad's got a meeting in just a bit so I need to get going. I'll see you at the Blackwell farm in a week."

"I'll keep busy until then," she cracked. "I love you."

"And I you," he concluded, hanging up the phone. It's going to be a long week considering how much I have to put up with my father. Oh well, might as well see what the old bastard wants. Getting up from his desk, he left the office determined to make it through the intervening period or die trying in the process.

Interlude [Amazon Village]

It was a bright and sunny morning in the Amazon lands as the sisters got up and prepared to do their work. Around them, the woods were still damp with the night's cool dew and the gentle residue of the rain.

Xena galloped through the woods on Argo II's back at a brisk pace. While she had grown accustomed to the sedentary lifestyle as chief counselor to the Amazon High-Queen, she still needed these workouts to keep the blood flowing through her veins and the rush of excitement running through her. Sometimes, I really miss the chase and the fighting. Still, to be here with Gabrielle and Eve is all worth it. After all of the fighting, it is nice to be 'retired'.

"Is it really?" a voice chided.

She growled. "Ares, come out!"

The war god appeared in a flash of light. "Hey! Is that any way to greet an old buddy?"

She snorted as she dismounted from the mare. "Some buddy. Hey, have you recovered from Dahak's butt whupping yet?"

He frowned. All I do is help her. All she does is insult me. Why do I put up with this crap? Trying to let himself cool down, he looked about at the scenery for a minute.

She smirked and arched her brow at him. "Uh, unless you're out here on a wilderness retreat, I'd guess you've got something to say. So, spill it already."

He shook his head. Remember she needs to know. "It's about your buddy, Dubois."

Upon hearing the name, she drew her sword and glared at him. "What are you gonna do to him now?"

He put up his hands defensively, stating, "Hey! Hey! Cool it! I'm not gonna do anything. I just wanted to warn ya about what's gonna happen."

At that moment, a scream echoed up the pass from the village, cutting him off.

Xena shook her head. Now what? Damn it, this was such a good morning too! "We'll talk about this later, Ares. Meantime, stay outta my hair! Yah, Argo!" Galloping at full speed, she soon disappeared amidst the trees.

He shook his head, recalling what he had gleaned from his momentary glimpse at the Fates' loom. Not only Dubois, but you, Gabrielle, and Eve are gonna get it, Xena. Before this is done, you'll be begging me for help. With that, he disappeared in a flash of light.

****

Meantime, back in the village, everyone scrambled trying to find the alarm's source.

Gabrielle and Eve emerged from the former's hut and looked about anxiously. Their sister Amazons were instituting a hut-to-hut check to insure that all was in order.

Seeing Varia run by, Gabrielle called to her. "Varia! Could you come here please?"

"My queen," she greeted once she had reached their side.

"How goes the search?" Eve wondered.

"Everything seems in order, Princess," the former queen reported. "Still, Nai-Jin remains unaccounted for."

"We'd better check her hut," Gabrielle stated, grabbing her scythes and rushing across the common area.

Eve glanced anxiously at her fellow counselor before taking off for the mystic's hut. Not another emergency!

Minutes later, Eve and Varia reached the oracle's dwelling and rushed inside. There, they found Gabrielle cradling a shaking and distraught Nai-Jin. "Is she?"

"She's had a scare. I'll need Cybelle or Deirdre to look at her," the queen replied, looking up just as Xena arrived.

"What's going on, Gabrielle?" the warrior asked nervously.

"I don't know. We heard the scream just as you did and..."

At that moment, Nai-Jin's eyes snapped open. "M...My queen. Thank the gods. Y...you need to know..."

"Rest, Nai-Jin. There'll be plenty of time later," Gabrielle assured her.

"No!" the frantic mystic exclaimed. "Forgive me, but you must know...I was meditating this...morning."

Xena leaned over and inquired. "What did you see?"

"Xena," Gabrielle urged, telling her that this wasn't the time.

"Sorry, Gabrielle, but Ares just tried to tell me something. We need to know."

"S...she's right. You do need to know. You and your counterparts have some festive gatherings...right?" Nai-Jin started.

"Yes," Eve responded. "Go on."

"Both scenes were attacked by men...in long coats and dark eye coverings. They caused pain with metal stick things. I saw you, my queen and princess, defending yourselves along with the long lost girl-child. Xena, you and our friend, David Dubois, were at the other place. Then there is an explosion...and screams from the dying..." Her eyes bulged and she shook violently.

The bard-queen and her companions exchanged anxious looks. What could it be now?

Then, the seer continued, "From the pain, whole families are destroyed. From the pain, he will emerge...dark and terrible...seeking revenge and vengeance. He stumbles about screaming his pain to the skies and destroying things in his path."

"He who?" Varia asked skeptically.

"The Child," Xena guessed with certainty. Something's gonna set David off badly. Eli, help him when the time comes. "David's dark persona...the one that defeated Velasca."

Varia took a step back thinking about the devastation around them and recalling the stories from Althanor about the battle between him and Cybelle.

"Xena, my queen, both of you will suffer from this as well....Look to your future friends. They will need you in the following days," the mystic concluded, collapsing into a healing trance.

"Will we need a council, Queen Gabrielle?" Varia inquired.

"No. We'll need to meet with Cybelle however. Xena, Eve, and I will take care of that. Meantime, Varia, be watchful of anything unusual in our absence," Gabrielle directed. "Could you wait until the healers come for her?"

"I shall," Varia agreed.

"Thank you," the queen replied. "Xena, Eve, come with me."

As she watched the trio leave, Varia thought, Be careful, Gabrielle. Remember, you three carry the hopes of our people as well as those of the future upon your shoulders.

Onto the next part