SATURDAY FAN FICTION REPORT - 5/30/98
[Previous report was for 5/27/98]

Hi guys,

First of all - a little clarification on the links I include in these reports. Whenever possible I try to include the link that leads directly to the story mentioned. However, in some cases stories are posted in parts and the parts do not feature links to one another so that if a reader goes directly to part one lets say he/she will not find a link to part two. In cases like those instead of linking directly to the story I link to the page that lists the parts so the reader can just choose whichever part is desired. Now, for our hard-working Webmasters out there - here's a suggestion that will...uh...give them more work >:) It does make it easier for readers when story parts include a link to the next part so if at all possible please consider coding your pages with links to those next chapters/parts.

A reminder that THE PALACE will be hosting a terrific BARDAPALOOZA tonight at 10pm EST. Lots of our favorite fanfic bards will be in attendance so we can chat with them. The WHOOSH Webmasters have increased the capacity of THE PALACE site to 500 so lots more Xenites will be able to participate now. THE PALACE is a graphical chat environment that does require special software so make sure to drop by the Web site early to find out more about it and download the software before the BARDAPALOOZA! The site is at: http://www.whoosh.com/palace/

We now have Xena fanfic in German available! The main site featuring original German stories is called SYMBIONT'S XENA PAGE located at: http://www.kronach.baynet.de/~symbiont/

The fan fiction page is directly at: http://www.kronach.baynet.de/~symbiont/index-f.htm

On a side note - some of you may remember that a couple of weeks ago I released a SPECIAL FAN FICTION REPORT reviewing the comic series called STRANGERS IN PARADISE by Terry Moore. Well, it seems a lot of Xenites have recently gotten hooked on Terry's terrific series so below - in addition to some new Xena fanfic I'm also including a SIP section talking about the latest volume in this series.

GENERAL FICTION:

THAT ROAD ONCE TRODDEN by Karen Surtees
The concluding parts 3-4 are now available. This writer's debut on the Web is an exceptional new story with a lot of heart that begins with Xena and bard on their way to Amphipolis for a much-deserved rest and what Gabrielle hopes will be a chance for the warrior to touch base with her mother. Before it's over, however, Cyrene not only will have learned more about the daughter she saw become a destroyer of nations, but also about the young bard who loves that warrior now and believes in her above all else. Before it's over too that bard and the entire Amazon Nation will find themselves facing a deadly challenge as they try to tame a beast knowing their very future may lie in the power of that beast. Featuring one of the better characterizations of Xena's mom I've seen in fan fiction as well as solid depictions of our two heroines, this story is deeply rooted in the dynamics of the Xena/Gab relationship. Poignant and heartwarming at the same time with an action-packed storyline, this is a MUST READ! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Note: story features references that could be considered subtext]
http://scrollsociety.simplenet.com/fanfiction/alt3/surtees/road1.htm

ALTERNATIVE FICTION:

THE BLACK MASTIFF by Keefer
This EXCELLENT new story is a very well-written mystery that could easily be an actual episode from the TV series. It has the warrior and bard on their way back to the town of Thellus where the villagers have requested their help in trying to solve a series of gruesome murders. In their search for answers, Xena will find herself once again having to face the sins of her past and turning to the bard who knows her so well in trying to deal with those. Keefer's characterizations in this are outstanding. His Xena and Gabrielle are two partners devoted to one another, playful with one another, starting to become aware of one another as more than just friends. The supporting cast is also well drawn with solid characters that complement the principals beautifully. Keefer combines a touch of humor with suspense and drama in a story that draws you in and will keep you anxiously hitting that page-down key 'til the very end. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!! [Note: story is not explicit]
http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content3/blackmastiff.html

A BARD'S THOUGHTS by TwoCan
Sweet vignette that has the warrior trying to understand why Gabrielle seems so distant - and then getting the surprise of her life when she investigates.
http://scroll society.simplenet.com/fanfiction/alt3/twocan/bardsthoughts.htm

FOR FOREVER by A.L. Dunham
The third entry in A.L.'s CAMPIRE CHAT SERIES finds the warrior and bard having a heart to heart after some hidden feelings surface.
http://www.geocities.com/~rensnce/forever.txt

THE RIVER by My Warrior
Nice vignette about a lazy, playful day by a river and the love between a warrior and her bard.
https://ausxip.com/fanfic3/theriver.html

CHICAGO 5AM by L.N. James
Chapter 20 of this story is now available. Teenagers are disappearing from the streets of Chicago, casualties of a dark subculture based on drugs, sex and rock and roll. Assigned to investigate is Mariel Potidean, a brilliant young FBI agent who soon finds herself teamed with a mysterious and decidedly fascinating partner - an ex-cop by the name of Tina Amphipoli with a dangerous reputation, a mysterious past and electric blue eyes. In this latest chapter the two partners prepare to step into the lion's den... L.N.'s newest delivers an engaging premise with two very strong heroines and lots of potential for suspense, drama and romance. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED! [Note: Story features rough language]
http://www.squonk.net/users/lnjames/CHICAGO.htm

ONLY ONE by Redhawk
Chapter two is now available. This is a promising HIGHLANDER/XWP crossover story set in the modern world which has the one-time Warrior Princess, now a deadly immortal, getting the shock of her life when she sees a familiar face lost to her centuries before. In this latest chapter Xena does a little investigating while a certain street kid is certain she's seen a serial killer. Still unfinished this is nicely written and should be particularly entertaining for fans of both series.
http://www.xenafan.com/fiction/content3/onlyone.html
http://xwp-altfic.simplenet.com/fiction.html

LEAP OF FAITH by Missy Good
Part eight of this story is now being posted. So consistent she'd probably never make it as a character in a third season episode of XWP, Missy returns with another exceptional XWP novel. Set about a month after the events in DARKNESS FALLS, the story begins with the warrior and bard recovering nicely from their recent ordeals, rejoicing in the healing their relationship is experiencing. The sense of things in fact returning back to normal becomes even more pronounce when they visit Poteidaia and once again find people in need of their help, people looking to the Warrior Princess when no other hope remains. Unbeknownst to them, trouble is stirring in other parts too, as danger envelops a dear friend. In this latest section, Xena and Gabrielle struggle for a solution that will give one lost soul a chance and perhaps bring resolution to another - then, amidst the peace of a moonlit glade once frequented by a young girl full of dreams, the two celebrate the magic of their connection once again - a magic that can make all things possible... Featuring exceptional writing, masterful storytelling, Missy's endearing sense of humor, and one of the most beloved depictions of the Xena/Gab relationship in fanfic this is another treat for us all guys. A MUST READ that receives my HIGHEST RECOMMENDATION!!
http://home.att.net/~merwolf/xena.html
http://www.fortunecity.com/lavendar/attenborough/356/leap1.htm

SPECIAL SECTION:

STRANGERS IN PARADISE Vol.5: IMMORTAL by Terry Moore
This latest compilation of Terry's increasingly popular comic book series includes all the individual issues in vol.3 from #6-#12. Here's the blurb from the back cover: "Katchoo leaves her beloved Francine to look for David, the only male friend she's ever had, but finds his wicked and powerful sister Darcy Parker instead. Given an offer she can't refuse, Katchoo is forced to return to work for Darcy in the sordid world of sex and politics, or lose Francine forever. When Francine enlists the aid of Detective Walsh to help find Katchoo, she soon discovers the horrible secrets her friend has been hiding - secrets that may destroy them both!". This latest volume is gripping and powerful as it gives us an insight into the nightmare life Katchoo once escaped and is now being pulled back into. All the while, we also see Francine and David struggling with their own emotions over Katchoo - each desperate to help the young woman despite the deadly foes they are facing. Another fitting addition to this fantastic series! If you want to read more about the series, learn about the other volumes or find out how you can obtain these check out the SPECIAL FAN FICTION REPORT at: https://lunacyreviews.ausxip.com/lunacysp51798.shtm

For those of you reading this post who are not familiar with the term alternative (alt.), it refers to ADULT stories that add a romantic element to the relationship between Xena and Gabrielle, depicting them as more than just friends.

Happy reading!

Lunacy 8-)