Reluctant Goddess
Part 1

by Titanium and awatcher (Smilegal)

WARNING:

For the most part there is little or no graphic violence except chapter 10. Sorry, it couldn't be helped. Other than that there is no foul language, sex, or other objectionable content. By the way bring your own hair dryer, Gabrielle doesn't provide them. The authors of the story would appreciate any comments readers might have, please send them to either or both authors.

Chapter 1 "Goddess? What goddess?"

All the gods were assembled on Mt. Olympus, each involved in their little squabbles with one another. A few arguments were getting very heated and shouting ensued. Then, others started shouting to be heard over the others. Soon, everyone was screaming and no one could understand anyone else.

"Enough!" bellowed Zeus. He threw a lightning bolt into the middle of the pack. Several gods jumped back in surprise, all immediately quieted. "The decision is made; both Velasca and Callisto will be stripped of their godhood."

"About time." muttered Artemis.

"Quiet, daughter, it's partially your fault this mess occurred"

"My fault!" exclaimed Artemis, "How is this my fault?" She shifted the quiver that rested on her shoulder and was looking quite offended. "Callisto is one of Ares’ toys and Hera allowed her to get immortality."

"And Velasca?" asked Zeus with a slight smile. He stroked his long white, curly beard and looked at the goddess with his pale blue eyes; waiting for her response.

Artemis lowered her head slightly and busied her hands by fiddling with her bow.

She mumbled almost incoherently, "All right, she was one of my Amazons." Speaking a little louder, she continued, "But then, she tried to kill my people. Besides, you are always saying to stay out of mortal affairs as much as possible."

"It doesn't matter now." replied Zeus, beginning to pace. "What matters now is what we are going to do with the power after we strip them of it."

"What are you talking about?" asked Apollo, entering the conversation for the first time. "Just wave your hand and turn them back into mortals."

"It's not that simple," explained the King of the Gods. "That kind of power cannot be destroyed. It must be converted or channeled into another form. Call it a conservation of energy. One of the godhoods I can disperse into the cosmos and allow nature to transform it and gently merge with the rest of the world. The other must be deposited in another living vessel."

"Whoa! Major brain overload, Pop." Aphrodite said holding her hand to her head. "Want to translate that into Greek?"

Athena sighed and shifted her spear into her other hand, impatient. "What he said, Miss Airhead, was that one of the godhoods can be released into nature but the other one has to be given to somebody else."

All eyes went wide and immediately arguments started over which mortal should become a god.

"Hold it!" roared Zeus. "First things first, the fate of Callisto and Velasca need to be determined. Hades?"

"Without her godhood Velasca is dead, she never would have survived her wounds without the ambrosia, let alone the lava she is trapped in now."

"What about Callisto?" questioned Zeus.

"Callisto is another story" Hades mused. "As an immortal the lava won't kill her but there is no way she can get out, either. At least, I don’t think she can."

"You think, Hades?"

"There is no way to be certain, Zeus. It’s not like immortals get thrown into lava pits every century."

"So be it." declared Zeus. "Since Velasca should have died that shall be her fate. Callisto shall be trapped in the lava for eternity."

"Wait a minute!" shouted Ares. His hands rested on his sword that lay sheathed on his belt. Since losing it, he never let the weapon out of his sight. "Why leave her there, just let her go."

"No, Ares. Callisto got greedy, she needs to be taught a lesson."

Ares looked like he was about to argue but stopped. 'If I let her stay there for a few years,’ he thought, ‘she might appreciate me a little more when I finally let her out.'

"Very well, father, let her stay there."

"Now all we have to do is decide who shall become a god." said Zeus knowing he was going to spend hours listening to arguments.

The King of the Gods was wrong, WEEKS later the list had boiled down to a handful of names with only one really standing out.

"NO!" shouted Poseidon and Ares. "No! No! NO!"

"Why not?" asked Artemis, "She has a good heart and is willing to stand up for what she believes in."

"She is nothing but trouble," responded Poseidon.

"You're just ticked because she helped lift the curse you put on Cecrops. And you," Athena said looking at Ares, "are annoyed because she keeps getting in your way from spreading death and destruction."

"That irritating blond has caused more trouble than either of you know. I will NOT stand for her being a goddess," yelled the God of War cringing as he spit out the word "goddess."

Athena and Artemis shared a smile. Since they had narrowed down the choice to the bard, Ares had refused to use her name, always referring to her as 'That irritating blond.'

"Gabrielle," continued Athena, purposely using her name, "Would make a good goddess. She doesn't have any REAL enemies," Athena smirked at Ares, "and all she wants to do is help people. Besides, we all know your choice."

"Well, what’s wrong with Xena?" asked Ares indignantly.

"Nope", "Forget it", "I don't think so", "Are you out of your puny, little mind?" came assorted calls from the gods.

"I think its a good idea, I like it." Hermes said surprising everybody, but nobody as much as Ares.

The room got quiet as all eyes turned on Hermes. He adjusted his silver, winged cap before continuing.

"Look, she is no longer the warlord she was. She fights for good and surely nobody here has anything against that. Besides..."

"Besides." interrupted Ares, "You owe her one. You know maybe you aren't so bad after all." Ares put his arm around Hermes’ shoulders, much to the messenger's displeasure.

Using thumb and forefinger, Hermes removed the arm. With much willpower, he suppressed a shudder.

"Forget it nephew." said Poseidon. "I will go along with you to prevent the bard from getting her godhood but I will not allow Xena to become a goddess."

"Xena wouldn't agree to becoming a goddess, anyway. You already made the offer once when you were mortal yourself and she turned you down then, she will do the same now," commented Hades.

Ares mumbled something incoherent but nodded his head in agreement. Hera got up to speak.

"I say no. She is friends with Xena and while I don't care about her, that makes her friends with Hercules and I will not allow that bast..."

"Watch what you say about my son in my presence Hera," Zeus said. "Well, we know your opinion, now what about you Aphrodite, Apollo, Hades?"

Aphrodite responded first, "I got nothing personal against the babe, but she is totally too naive to be a goddess. I mean, did you hear her dribble about love being gentle? Gag me." She put her finger in her mouth for emphasis. Then removed it, inspecting the nail.

"Do you think we could hurry this up a little? My hair is like, totally wilting with all the negatory vibes going ‘round."

"I'll take that as a negative," said Zeus shaking his head.

"Gabrielle is a good bard but she could be the greatest. If she becomes a goddess now, that’s all she’ll be remembered for," Apollo remarked. "Can’t we just wait until she finishes living her life as a bard?"

His twin sister Artemis gave him a withering look and started to walk towards him.

Apollo gulped. "Or maybe we could just make her a goddess now," he added quickly.

"Hades, your turn." Zeus said as he turned to his brother.

"Personally it makes no difference to me one way or the other but just to annoy Ares and Poseidon," he looked over to the two and smiled broadly, "I vote yes."

Ares and Poseidon scowled in reply.

"Hermes, Xena is out of the picture so what is your vote on Gabrielle?" asked Zeus.

"Think about it Hermes." said Artemis, "Gabrielle is Xena's best friend and if Gabrielle is made a goddess then Xena will be happy."

"Yeah, yeah. Put me down for a yes."

Chapter 2 "Getting the news"

It had been a long day and both Xena and Gabrielle were tired. Even Argo was showing signs of strain and she had been walking without a rider since throwing a shoe several stadias back.

"How far are we from the next town, Xena?" asked Gabrielle.

"A stadia less than when you asked me last time," replied Xena looking at the bard.

"Oh"

"Come on, we're not going to make it tonight so we might as well set up camp," said Xena as she lead Argo off the path to a secluded glen near a small stream.

Nothing was said as they started to set up camp. The two had been traveling together long enough to know the routine. Xena removed the saddle from Argo and started to takecare of the horse while Gabrielle set out the bedrolls and got a fire going.

After making sure Gabrielle had things underway Xena said, "Your turn to pick."

"Quail, I'm tired of fish."

"Wrong area of the country, wrong season, wrong....."

"Fine, how about pheasant?"

"Pheasant" muttered Xena. ‘It’d probably be easier to find quail. First eel and now pheasant. Next time she gets to do the hunting.'

"Fine, I'll be back in a few hours. I want to scout the area while I am out there."

Gabrielle nodded her head and returned to setting up the camp. 'That will teach her to want honey on her biscuits,' thought Gabrielle as she remembered yesterday's encounter with the hive of bees. She inspected her hands and grimaced at the site of several large welts.

'I guess I deserved it after the eel incident though.'

Gabrielle smiled as she thought about it.

'I hope we can get a few days off without any incidents.'

After the camp was set up, Gabrielle collected the waterskins and headed down to the stream grabbing her staff on the way, Xena had lectured her time and time again about forgetting it. She had just finished filling the last of the waterskins when she felt a presence behind her.

She swung her staff around and shouted "Yahhhh!" which was quickly followed by a thump and "Oommph" as she landed on her rear. 'She did it to me again!' thought Gabrielle. A hand reached down to help her up, "Next time Warrior Princess, next time...." Gabrielle's voice trailed off as she looked up and saw the Moon Goddess and patron of the Amazons pulling her up.

"I take it this has happens all the time?" asked Artemis with a twinkle in her eye and a smirk on her face.

"No, only right before we get visited by gods," replied Gabrielle regaining her sense of humor.

"Ah, you must mean Hermes. Sorry about that, by the time I found out it was all over."

"We all learned something, but what brings you by and please don't tell me you want to grant a favor or gift. I don't think Xena and I are up to it." Gabrielle smiled and the two headed back to the camp.

"Actually yes," Artemis replied, "but this time its your turn and its something I think you will like."

Gabrielle groaned.

"That's what they all say," she said but sat down and motioned for Artemis to join her.

Artemis smiled but continued, "First of all, Callisto and Velasca are no longer goddesses."

Gabrielle let out a breath. Artemis grinned, "I thought you would like that, but that is not all. When Zeus removed their power one of the godhoods was released into nature, but the other one has to be give to another mortal."

"Okay, I follow so far but what does that have to do with me?"

"You are that mortal," replied Artemis.

"ME?"

"You."

Gabrielle sat there stunned letting it sink in. "Why me?"

"Don't sell yourself short Gabrielle. You have many good qualities and are favored by many of the gods, not just myself. Relax, you will make a great goddess."

"Xena..." started Gabrielle.

"Xena has nothing to do with this. This is your gift, you are welcome to help your friend, but don't feel bad that you are the goddess and not her."

"What I was going to say was that Xena doesn't really like the gods. She thinks you meddle too much. What am I going to tell her? How am I going to tell her? What will she do? What will she think?" Gabrielle started rambling as Artemis sat there watching the new goddess with an amused expression on her face.

"The first thing you need to know is that contrary to popular belief gods and goddess don't know everything, so don't ask me what to do about Xena," said Artemis.

"Oh just great," interjected Gabrielle.

Artemis continued, "What you do or do not tell her is up to you. If you want my advice though, tell her. You two have been through a lot, she is not going to let a little godhood come between you."

Gabrielle wasn't so certain but continued to ask Artemis questions, "How do I control my powers? What if I can't control them? Can I bring back the dead?"

"Slow down Gabrielle, you have an eternity to learn but I will answer your last question first. No, you can only bring back the dead with permission from Hades or you have sufficient power to bypass him. Hades doesn't owe you any favors so don't expect the former and it will take you time to gain enough power to do the latter."

Gabrielle looked a little depressed.

"I know you are thinking about Perdicus, Lyceus and other lost friends and loved ones, but don't go around trying to change the past, think about the future," lectured Artemis. "Look, I have to go but remember this you can control your power by using your imagination, that is something you have in abundance. I will leave you to think about your new life but cheer up, this is a good thing. I'll be up on Olympus if you want to talk."

"Do I have the powers yet?" questioned Gabrielle.

"Yes."

"How come I don’t feel any different?"

Artemis shrugged.

"Beats me, I’ve been a goddess all my life." Artemis faded away leaving Gabrielle alone in the camp.

'Now what?' thought Gabrielle. She looked around the campsite and her eyes settled on the battered and worn pots and pans. A small grin crossed her face.

"I guess that is a good a start as any."

Gabrielle waved her hand as she had seen the other gods and goddesses do and concentrated on the pots and pans. A shimmering glow appeared above them. When the glow disappeared the pots and pans appeared brand new.

"Won't Xena be surprised when she sees that?" murmured Gabrielle to herself. 'Oh Hades, she will start to ask questions and I don't know if I am ready to tell her yet.'

Gabrielle waved her hand again and the pots returned to their previous condition.

'Maybe I better try something less obvious, but still something she will like...I know!'

Gabrielle held out her hand and closed her eyes. When she opened them there was a small bag containing candied fruit, Xena's favorite. A snap of her fingers and a wine flask appeared.

'These should be easy enough to explain without causing too much suspicion.'

Gabrielle felt, more than heard somebody near the edge of the camp. A little concentration and Gabrielle knew it was her friend trying to sneak up on her as usual. She quickly hid the bag and wine flask in her satchel, picked up a small rock and threw it into the darkness.

"Ouch!" rang out from behind the trees.

Gabrielle grinned and called out, "Better luck next time Xena!"

Xena entered the campsite carrying a couple of rabbits. "You are getting better. Sorry, no pheasant. These will have to do."

"No problem. I should have realized there wouldn't be any pheasant around."

The two ate their dinner quietly talking about simple things. As they settled back to relax, Gabrielle asked, "Xena, when Ares offered to make you a goddess why did you turn it down?"

Xena looked up from sharpening her sword, "Many reasons, but one of them was I didn't want to owe him."

"What if there were no strings attached?"

"There always are, Gabrielle."

"Let's just say that there weren't."

"Gabrielle, that kind of power was not meant for mortals. Look what happened to Callisto and Velasca. Can you imagine what kind of damage I could have inflicted as a goddess?"

"You are not like them, not anymore."

"Maybe, but power corrupts." Xena paused for a moment. "Why all the questions? It has been months since Callisto and Velasca fell into the lava and even longer since Ares made the offer."

"Just wondering." Gabrielle sat back and thought about what Xena had said and wondered if she would be corrupted as well. 'No. Callisto and Velasca were evil before becoming goddesses. As much as Xena thinks what that power would do to her, I am convinced Xena would have made a good goddess. I will do the same with my powers. Only time will tell and I have Xena to help me keep my head on straight.' Gabrielle decided this was starting to get depressing and reached into her satchel.

"Catch!" said Gabrielle as she tossed the bag of candied fruit to Xena.

Xena barely caught the bag before the flask followed. Xena opened up the bag and smiled. She uncorked the flask and took a long drink. Xena looked at Gabrielle.

"Where did you get these?" asked Xena. "You know I loved candied fruit, but how did you know about my favorite port?"

Gabrielle was happy she had gotten the port part right. Right up until the time Xena had uncorked it, the flask had contained nothing but water. She had changed it after picking up on Xena's thought about what she had hoped it would be.

"I picked them up in the last village with the extra dinars I made telling stories at the inn. I was going to wait until tomorrow but figured I owed you something after the rock incident."

"Consider us even," replied Xena, enjoying her gift.

They spent the rest of the night enjoying the fruit and port. Xena was so relaxed that she didn't notice the bag was never empty and the flask always seemed to have enough for one more swallow.

Chapter 3 "Secrets"

The first thing Gabrielle noticed that had changed about her was that she wasn’t tired. She didn’t even realize she wasn’t until they decided to turn in. When closing her eyes, the realization came she was more energetic than at the beginning of the day.

Yet, the bard was afraid to move. She didn’t want Xena suspecting anything as she wasn’t quite ready to tell her about the goddess thing.

‘She’ll probably be mad when she finds out.’ Gabrielle mused. ‘Not that I had much choice in the matter. It was more like, "Hi. You’re a goddess. Have fun. See ya.’ Gabrielle sighed as another thought came to her mind. ‘I have the powers of a goddess and I’m immortal but I still worry about Xena’s opinions more than anything else.’ Gabrielle kept her breathing steady as to not alert her friend that she was still awake.

The night passed on slowly, but Xena was up well before dawn.

‘How does she do it?’ Gabrielle asked herself. ‘She gets little sleep at night and is then up way before dawn. No wonder I can never get up before she does.’

When hearing her friend stir, Gabrielle slammed her eyes shut.

Xena walked over to her, kneeled down and looked her over to make sure she was okay. Satisfied, she stood up and went to the nearby stream to fill the waterskins. A short time later, she was back. She packed up Argo then left again to go find breakfast. The minutes dragged on for Gabrielle, who was lying there motionless. Finally, Xena came back from the woods and laid two rabbits down. She started a fire and then skinned and gutted the rabbits. The warrior put them both over the fire and watched the dancing flames envelop the meat. Only when breakfast was done, did she call Gabrielle.

Gabrielle sat up immediately. She had grown quite impatient and was wondering when Xena was going to finally get to waking her. She stood up, folded her blankets, then packed them on Argo. She then took breakfast and sat down to eat.

Xena watched her friend who was acting rather strangely. Usually, it took Gabrielle several calls to get up. Today, she sat up immediately. She also seemed to be wide awake. Gabrielle had never been a morning person. Xena watched her friend eat, or not eat as was the case.

‘That’s strange,’ thought Xena. ‘Gabrielle is always ravenous. But this morning, she’s barely taken a bite.’ Immediately Xena started to worry.

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Fine," answered Gabrielle. ‘Not being hungry must be another side effect of being a goddess,’ Gabrielle guessed. ‘I’m not going to be able to hide this from her long. She knows me too well.’ Gabrielle sighed.

‘Now’s just not the right time to bring it up. Maybe tonight.’ The bard knew she was procrastinating but she just couldn’t bring herself to tell Xena. ‘She’s going to be even madder that I hid this from her.’

Xena interrupted Gabrielle’s thoughts.

"Well, if you’re not going to eat, we might as well get going."

"Where are we heading, anyway?"

"Where the road leads."

"Is there anytime you AREN’T cryptic?"

Xena shrugged.

Gabrielle rolled her eyes.

‘You know,’ she thought, ‘it’s going to be really hard not to zap her all the time.’

Xena mounted Argo and watched Gabrielle, puzzled at the strange grin she was wearing.

"What’s up with you?" the warrior questioned.

Out loud she only said, "Nothing," but her mind continued to say, ‘except I’m a goddess and I could zap the living daylight out of you.’

"See, I must have a different definition of ‘nothing.’ ‘Nothing’ means not a thing is going on, but something is definitely going on."

"NOTHING, Xena."

Xena grunted in response. She dug her heels into Argo and began to head down the road. Gabrielle followed closely behind.

Not far from where they had started the day, the two travelers were jumped. About 20 men ambushed them from the bushes. Xena unsheathed her sword and Gabrielle readied her staff. The ruffians began the attack.

The invaders were common raiders and were no match for either Xena or Gabrielle. In about five minutes, Gabrielle had rendered four unconscious and after several blows another had run away. Xena had taken care of ten, leaving five left. Three of them went after Xena and two went for Gabrielle. The warrior-bard easily took one down with a blow to the knees, knocking the man off his feet then a swift blow to the head sent him into oblivion. The other one after Gabrielle thought better of it and took off into the woods.

Gabrielle turned to Xena to see how she was fairing. She had already finished off one man and was working on the other two. A powerful kick to the stomach then face left just one attacker left. He was very large, but obviously not very skilled with the sword. He held his weapon with both hands and brought it high above his head, preparing to make a wild, downward swing at Xena’s head.

As the raider’s sword came down, Xena’s went up for a block. The two swords clanged and Xena took a step back to brace herself from the impact. Unbeknownst to Xena, there was a large stone wedged in the road directly behind her left foot. When stepping back, the foot found the stone and Xena lost her footing. The sword remained in Xena’s hand, but it had buried itself into the road. From Xena’s position, lying on her back, she didn’t have the leverage to pull it out.

The man grinned and raised his sword for the final blow.

Gabrielle concentrated.

Xena reached for her chakram. She poised her hand to let it fly, but for some reason, she couldn’t let go of the disc.

The man started to bring the sword down on Xena, but suddenly it dropped from his hand. Xena kicked the raider in the gut, sending him flying through the air. A tree stopped his flight and he slumped to the ground.

Xena stood up and pulled her sword out of the ground.

Gabrielle sighed in relief. She knew Xena wouldn’t have been hurt, that wasn’t the issue when she used her powers. She used her powers because she didn’t want the attacker to get seriously hurt.

Xena walked over to Gabrielle.

"You okay?"

"Yeah, I’m good," Gabrielle replied.

"It was weird, Gabrielle. My chakram just stuck in my hand. And did you see that guy? He just dropped his sword for no reason. I’d bet my boots a god has something to do with this."

"A god? What would make you think this has anything to do with the gods?" Gabrielle laughed nervously.

Chapter 4 "Letting the cat out of the bag"

Xena raised an eyebrow. She sheathed her sword and walked over to Argo and picked up the reigns. With Argo in tow, the warrior started again down the well-traveled road.

"You coming?"

"Yeah, yeah. I guess you wouldn’t feel like telling me where we are going?" Gabrielle began the trek down the dirt path and was soon at Xena’s side.

"At the moment, we’re heading toward Syria."

"Syria? What business do we have in Syria?"

"We’re low on supplies, aren’t we?" returned Xena.

"So that’s not are final destination?" continued Gabrielle hoping to eventually get an answer.

"We’re constantly traveling, Gabrielle. We don’t have a FINAL destination."

"You’re not going to tell me, are you?"

"Tell you what?"

"Where we’re going."

"I told you. We’re going to Syria."

"After that."

"I told you that too. Where the road takes us."

"So we don’t have a specific destination?"

"I never said that."

Gabrielle pounded her staff against the ground in frustration. 'This is really starting to annoy me.'

"Fine. Are we close?"

"To Syria? Yes. We should be there by the end of today."

"To ‘where the road takes us’?"

"You can’t just let it go, can you?" Xena half-smiled. Their ultimate destination would be Amazonia.

Ephiny had sent her a message a few days ago explaining that a big party had been planned for the anniversary of Gabrielle becoming queen. Either Xena would bring her or she would be sent for. It was preferred that the warrior bring her because it was supposed to be a surprise. Xena had agreed to bring the queen and to keep it a secret. Eventually, Gabrielle would realize where they were going, but she wanted to hide the fact for as long as possible. Besides, she was having fun playing with the young bard's mind.

"If I didn’t, would it get me anywhere?"

"No."

"Fine." Gabrielle walked in silence for a few minutes before speaking again. "I have a riddle for you."

"Oh?"

"Yep."

"This isn’t that Sphinx one, is it?"

"No, it’s a different one."

"All right. I’m listening."

"Okay, here it is:

Often talked of, but never seen,
Ever coming, yet never been,
Daily looked for, never here,
Still approaching, coming near.
Thousands for it’s visit wait
But alas for their fate,
Tho’ they expect me to appear,
They will never find me here.

What is it?"

"Often talked of but never seen?" repeated Xena.

"That’s what I said."

"Death?"

"No. It’s just like you to think of something like that."

"Call it a character flaw."

Xena and Gabrielle reached the top of the hill and saw Syria below. To their horror, the village was in flames.

Xena mounted Argo and headed toward the village as fast as Argo’s legs could take her.

Gabrielle ran as fast as she could, following her friend.

Xena reached the village and, by the collar, grabbed the nearest person she could find. It happened to be a man, probably in his late thirties. He donned a full, dark beard and was mostly bald. Obviously just a peasant, his clothes were worn and held many patches from old tears. He looked at the warrior woman with startled, pale blue eyes.

"What happened here?" she asked the man.

"It’s b-b-been rather hot lately, and we’ve had a drought. So though w-w-we’re not exactly positive that it’s the reason, we th-think that it was just caused by how dry it has been.

"Great," Xena muttered. She went off to join a bucket line that had formed to try to put out the fire. Gabrielle also joined a few seconds later.

Eventually, Xena gave up trying to put out the fire. It had gotten way out of hand and they wouldn’t be able to stop it. Besides, there was a more pressing matter. She ran over to Gabrielle.

"Gabrielle, see those houses over there?" Xena pointed to a group of about four different houses, all burning quickly. "I just talked to a villager and he says he thought he heard someone screaming from that direction."

"Lets go then," Gabrielle stated.

The two rushed into the first house and came out a minute later. They had two girls and their mother with them.

The second and third house proved to be empty. They rushed into the final house and found no one was there, either. When they turned to leave, the ceiling came crashing down in front of them; trapping them inside the burning inferno.

‘Great. We’re going to die and there wasn’t even anyone in here,’ thought Gabrielle. ‘Wait! I’m a goddess. I guess in all the chaos I kind of forgot that. Okay, I won’t die, but Xena will. I got to think of something fast.’ She looked up and saw the sky where the ceiling used to be.

‘Man, if only I could fly. Hmmm. Maybe I can do something better than that.’ Gabrielle noticed the overcast sky. ‘I’ll make it rain.’ She stretched out her arm and hand; palm down and fingers stretched toward the sky. She willed the water droplets to fall.

"Gabrielle? What are you doing? We gotta find a way out of here." Xena’s eyes searched her surroundings for any means of escape.

"Just watch, Xena."

The clouds moved away, revealing a brightly shining sun.

"Oops." Gabrielle grimaced. Her mind was racing, trying to think of something else. An idea entered her mind and she hoped she had the power to do it.

Again, Gabrielle’s arm was outstretched. This time, her palm faced upward. The flames around her started to swirl. They spun around as if a whirlwind. Gabrielle’s hair was wildly blowing by some imaginary wind and only her tiptoes touched the ground. Xena stood watching, not sure what to think.

The fire from the house had all gathered into a small ball that was hovering above Gabrielle’s hand. The house was charred, but any and all flames were gone.

As if in a trance, the newly-turned goddess stepped out into the middle of the village. All the flames were attracted to the ball of fire as if it were a magnet. They joined the ball and it grew until its circumference was the length of a man. Now, it hovered over Gabrielle herself.

The astonished town gathered around the girl and the fire ball. Not a whisper came from the crowd. Each waited in anticipation of what might happen next.

Gabrielle didn’t notice the people. All of her concentration was spent on keeping the fire in a tight ball. She jerked her head upward and the ball flew skyward. Everyone watched it until it was out of site.

Gabrielle sighed in relief. For the first time she noticed all the people around her and blushed in self-consciousness. She then noticed the towering Xena striding purposefully toward her.

"Uh-oh."

Chapter 5 "Sharing Secrets"

"Would you care to explain what just happened?" asked Xena, eyeing Gabrielle.

Gabrielle just looked at the ground, not really wanting to have this conversation. The villagers started to head towards the two heroes, hoping for an explanation for the miracle that they had just witnessed.

"Well Gabrielle?" continued Xena waiting for an answer, refusing to budge from her position directly in front of the bard. The crowd was getting thicker and seemed to know that one of the two women had an answer to what had just occurred.

"Let's talk about this some where else, Xena." Gabrielle finally replied and quickly headed toward Argo. To Xena's surprise, Gabrielle actually mounted the horse and waited for Xena to join her.

'Whatever it is, it must be big for her to want to get out of here THAT fast,' thought Xena who quickly mounted in front of Gabrielle and spurred Argo on, leaving the bewildered crowd in the dust. They rode for nearly an hour before Xena reined Argo and dismounted, indicating for Gabrielle to do the same.

Both stood on the ground now and Xena stood in front of Gabrielle, allowing no means for escape.

"Out with it. Now, Gabrielle!" Xena nearly shouted as Gabrielle poked at the dirt with her staff.

"Why don't we set up camp first?" stalled Gabrielle.

"Quit stalling."

"Whose stalling?" asked Gabrielle innocently as she proceeded to take their gear off of Argo.

"You are. Now, tell me what is going on."

"Over near the brook looks like a good place to camp."

"Okay, fine. We'll make camp first. Then, you are going to tell me everything. Right?"

Xena waited patiently for an answer. She waited a little longer and then repeated louder, "RIGHT?"

"Right. Geez, you don't have to yell."

Xena set up camp in record time. Gabrielle tried to go as slowly as possible, but Xena wouldn’t allow it. Any time she was caught dawdling, the warrior very strongly suggested she got moving unless willing to suffer the consequences. Finally, everything was completed and a fire was started.

"Aren't you going to hunt?" inquired Gabrielle looking for every possible chance to avoid the upcoming confrontation.

Xena gave Gabrielle a dirty look but didn't move a muscle.

'I guess its now or never,' thought Gabrielle. She took a deep breath and said four simple, earth-shattering words.

"I am a goddess."

Xena’s eyes grew very wide and she just stood there for a moment. Quickly, she regained her senses.

"Mind repeating that?" asked Xena, not sure if she had heard correctly.

"I am a goddess," Gabrielle said again, crossing her arms.

"WHAT? When? How? Why? Who? Where?" Xena stammered, not making much sense.

"That is pretty much what I asked when Artemis told me," responded Gabrielle as she smiled, happy that, for once, she had caught her friend off balance. Her smile faded when she saw the expression on Xena's face.

Xena was not happy.

"When were you planning on telling me this little secret of yours?" demanded Xena.

"I was waiting for the proper time."

"And when would that be? When Tartarus freezes over? When boars learn to fly?"

"Well..."

"Well, what? Don't you think I should know I'm traveling around with a goddess?" shouted Xena.

"I didn't tell you because I knew you would be angry that I was a goddess and would want me to leave." Gabrielle shouted back. She turned away from Xena and started to run into the woods. A strong hand fell on her shoulder and spun her around. Gabrielle's hands started crackling with energy as she felt her anger rising. She looked into Xena's eyes, but instead of the anger she expected, she saw a hurt expression.

"I am not angry that you are a goddess, I'm just upset you didn't tell me."

"I know, I'm sorry." Gabrielle sighed. "I was afraid you would tell me to leave."

Xena pulled Gabrielle over to a log. She pushed her friend gently down forcing her to sit. The ex-warlord then sat down next to her.

"That never crossed my mind, I assure you. I wish you had told me right away, but now that its out in the open, let's hear the whole story."

"It maybe hard to believe, but there really isn't that much to tell. Last night, Artemis appeared and told me the gods on Olympus decided that to punish Velasca and Callisto, they would be stripped of godhood. Such power has to go somewhere. Half of it would go into nature, and the other half into a mortal." Gabrielle pointed to herself with her forefinger and let out a small smile. "She told me that I was chosen and if I had any questions to see her on Olympus. That's basically it."

"Let me guess, you conjured up the fruit and port to test your powers."

"Well, I started out with pots and pans, but I figured you would notice that right off."

"That explains why you got up right away this morning and didn't eat much. I was getting worried you might be coming down with something. However, immortality never crossed my mind." Xena let out a little laugh.

"I spent the entire night pretending to be asleep. You took forever to wake me up!" Gabrielle gave Xena a grin, knowing that it usually took three or four tries to get the lazy bard up.

"At least you have control of your powers."

Gabrielle blushed, "Not exactly. I did all right with the fruit and port, but I think the fire was more out of desperation than knowing what I was doing. You should have seen some of my earlier experiments."

"Wait a minute!" exclaimed Xena. "Do you mean to tell me that we survived that inferno by LUCK!"

Gabrielle shrugged and said thoughtfully, "I guess if I waved my hand the wrong way I could have ended up turning everybody into candied fruit. I know I have that down cold."

Xena blinked and began laughing.

"Oh, you think that's funny do you, Warrior Princess? Well try this on for size." Gabrielle waved her hand and a bucket appeared over Xena's head. Xena had enough time to look up before the bucket tilted over. She closed her eyes, expecting to get drenched. When she opened them, a dry, empty bucket came crashing down and landed on her head. Xena looked over at Gabrielle.

Gabrielle gave Xena a nervous grin, "Oops, uh, I guess I waved the wrong hand. Ah, don't bother to get up. Xena, let's talk about this." Gabrielle took off running toward the brook. Suddenly she was flying through the air.

"I can fly! I can fly!" shouted Gabrielle.

SPLASH!!!!!

"I can get thrown into a stream," muttered Gabrielle spitting out water. She looked at the bank and saw Xena with a smug look on her face.

"Maybe you're related to Poseidon," remarked Xena, still grinning. "Truce?"

"Truce."

"Let's dry you off before you catch a cold."

Gabrielle nodded in agreement but then paused, "Wait a minute. I can't catch a cold."

"Oh, right"

She swam to shore. Once standing again on land, she decided to see if she couldn’t get herself dry.

Gabrielle waved her hand and her clothes became dry but her hair was still a soaking mess.

She glanced at Xena, "Not one word."

Xena suppressed the smirk that threatened to creep up her face.

"How about this one? Dinner." She began to walk back to camp, but suddenly stopped. She turned back to Gabrielle. "Sorry, I forgot you don't have an appetite anymore."

"Actually, I figured out how to turn it on and off."

"That would have come in handy the past 2 years."

Gabrielle just shook her head not wanting to agree but couldn't really disagree.

"I guess I have time to go hunting. It's not too dark yet." said Xena looking into the forest.

"My treat. Your turn to pick."

"Are you sure about this?" asked Xena, skeptical. She thought about Gabrielle shouting she could fly and the mess her hair was still in after being thrown into the stream.

"Just give me a second to concentrate."

Gabrielle pointed to a small clearing, closed her eyes and snapped her fingers. A big flash temporarily blinded Xena, but when she looked again there was a small cabin in the middle of what had been an empty field.

Gabrielle clapped her hands with glee and ran to the cabin, "Come on!"

"What about our stuff?"

"Already taken care off," replied Gabrielle.

Xena looked back at their campsite and saw nothing, not even the campfire. Argo trotted up to her. Xena mounted and followed Gabrielle to the cabin. Xena left Argo outside and entered the cabin.

"You forgot a stable for Argo," joked Xena.

"Did you check out back?" responded Gabrielle with a grin.

Xena shook her head and headed out to check.

'I know I didn't see one when I approached the cabin.'

Xena turned the corner and sure enough there was a stable big enough for Argo and enough water and feed for the war-horse.

That little...She did this on purpose to make me think I'm seeing things.'

Xena left Argo and reentered the cabin, "Real cute, Gabrielle."

Gabrielle just smiled. "What do you want for dinner?"

"Let's keep it simple."

"Simple? Come on, now is the time to get fancy. Name it, anything you want."

"Anything?"

"Anything."

"How about starting with a big mug of ale the way my mother makes it back home."

"One mug of mom's ale coming up!" announced Gabrielle. She held out her hand and a big mug of ale, complete with the initials of the tavern Xena's mother runs, appeared. She handed it to Xena. Xena cautiously sniffed the contents of the mug and carefully tasted it.

"Not bad, not bad at all."

Far away at a tavern in Amphipolis, a customer shouted, "What in Hades happened to my ale?"

"Next?"

"Since you are treating, how about a big roasted goose complete with stuffing and gravy, some boiled potatoes, fresh garden salad, what else..."

"Slow down, let's see...a goose. My aunt makes the best roasted goose this side of Rome. I don't think she will mind my borrowing her recipe."

Gabrielle waved her hand towards the table and a huge goose appeared smoking hot.

Near the outskirts of Poteidaia, an elderly woman's voice rings out "Who took my goose?!?!?!"

Gabrielle and Xena spent the better part of the night trying out new things. They tried to get as much practice in as possible while enjoying the results at the same time. Needless to say, the cream croasus was wonderful but the pickled yak brains left something to be desired. Xena eventually went to sleep as Gabrielle created some scrolls and started to chronicle their latest adventure.

Go To Part Two of Reluctant Goddess

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