SUNDAY FAN FICTION REPORT - 5/31/98
[Previous report was for 5/30/98]

Hi guys,

CATHBAD'S XENA PAGE featuring Cath's parodies and fiction has changed addressed. The new URL is: http://home.e arthlink.net/~cathbad/cathxena.html

Great stuff tonight in an all alt. report.

ALTERNATIVE FICTION:

CROSSING OVER by Della Street
The incomparable Della is back - this time with some pieces she wrote during the Golden Age of XWP (seasons 1-2 ;-). This first one is classic Della Street - a heartwarming, subtle, thoroughly satisfying piece that has Xena and Gabrielle joining Hercules and Iolus on a mission to try to destroy a deadly monster. It is a mission Hercules thinks should have no "civilians" along but which the bard insists on participating in regardless. In the ensuing days, as the demi-god grows increasingly wary of Gabrielle's presence he tries to reason with Xena but unbeknownst to him those efforts are backfiring juuuuuust a bit ;-) Della's characterization of Xena as a tough warrior of few words with a decidedly sharp mind and a profound weakness in the heart for her little bard is one of my favorites in fanfic. I also love the gentle heroism with which she has always portrayed Gabrielle. DO NOT MISS this early effort by one of our finest talents. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
https://www.altfic.com//subtextfic/Xena/della/crossingover.htm

MISTAKEN IDENTITY by Della Street
Another early piece from Della - this one a vignette about a bar, a bard, old acquaintances and a slight misunderstanding ;-) Cute.
http://pinkrabbit.simp lenet.com/subtextfic/Xena/della/mistaken.htm

SCIENTIFIC METHOD by Della Street
After reading this third new one from Della you're gonna be so glad this bard decided to open up that hard drive, dust off these early gems and share them with us :) SCIENTIFIC METHOD has a very curious and very devious Gabrielle conducting a little experiment as she and Xena arrive at a village right in the midst of a festival - an experiment which if all goes right should prove just how well the little bard knows her warrior ;-) You're gonna have a HUGE grin plastered on your face throughout this. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
https://www.altfic.com//subtextfic/Xena/della/scientific.htm

MANTIC by Baermer
Another of my favorite bards returns tonight with the first four chapters of an exceptional new story which promises to keep us well enthralled in the weeks to come. MANTIC begins innocently enough with the warrior and bard at an inn where both are busy doing what they do best - Gabrielle telling her stories, Xena protecting her bard ;-) However, the moment is just the calm before a storm which starts brewing the instant a messenger arrives with a mysterious summons...a summons for the bard...a message asking her to travel into Persian territory. Along with a VERY suspicious Xena, the bard begins a journey which will engulf her in deadly intrigue while offering her an opportunity also to at last explore a dormant potential within herself. This story already is firmly centered around all the things Baermer excels at - a wonderfully solid, stoic, protective depiction of the Warrior Princess - an equally well-done characterization of Gabrielle focusing on the bard's nobility and guts - a treatment of the relationship which speaks of devotion and love - some of those great hurt/comfort moments Baermer does so well - and a carefully crafted plot full of political machinations and suspense. This is riveting guys and will get more so. A MUST READ! VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
https://ausxip.com/fanfiction/m/mantic.html

SEARCH by Rooks
This is the latest in a growing trend of very original, highly entertaining new uber-Xena stories we've been seeing lately. Rooks' latest is set in modern-day Canada where Engineering student Denise Alexander is busy working on her degree but not feeling very happy with the way her life is going. She dreams of traveling like her beloved Aunt Janice has done with her partner Mel - both now in their eighties. She wonders at the lonely existence she's been living and finds herself yearning for more. Then one day a mysterious young woman moves into her apartment building - a tall stranger with pale blue eyes who seems as lonely as she is. Despite the odds, the two will find themselves drawn to one another by a connection neither understands as the legacy of an ancient warrior and her bard once again works to bring soulmates together. This is very nicely written with some truly heartfelt kleenex moments and rather original uber renditions. DO NOT MISS!! [Note: Story is not explicit]
https://ausxip.com/fanfic3/search1.html

A THIRD DEATH by C.L. Bactad
Part 5 of this story is now available. This new warlord/slave story is simply put - one wild ride! It begins with Xena and Gabrielle on their way to Crete, but it is a journey neither will complete as a vengeful God of War puts into play an evil plan to forever separate the two lovers. The repercusions will challenge them as never before, turning partners into enemies...soulmates into strangers. In this new part Gabrielle is forced to choose between her heart and her duty as the Warrior Princess puts into play a desperate plan. Featuring a very passionate, loving interpretation of the Xena/Gab relationship, this story is gripping and suspenseful as it sets up one of the greatest tests their love will ever face. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
http://whoosh.org/katrina/STO/amazons/thirddeath.html

THE DANGEROUS TRUTH by Curiositee
Chapter 12 is now available. Set in the present day, this FANTASTIC new uber-Xena story gets off to a rousing start as it follows a gutsy young reporter named Bridget Stone on a fateful excursion into the Chicago slums. In search of a lead, she'll find more than she ever bargained for when an assassin tries to end her investigation and a mysterious stranger interferes, one of the many homeless that frequent the slums, only in the blue depths of that stranger's eyes Bridget will sense a connection as old as time. Soon enough the reporter finds herself with two mysteries on her hands as she considers who may be trying to kill her while trying to solve the puzzle that is the woman who saved her...a woman whose tortured past holds secrets only Bridget may be able to uncover. In this latest chapter the reporter demands some answers. Terrific characterizations make Bridget and her indigent savior immediately endearing. Combining suspense, mystery and a sense of pathos this wonderfully written tale is going to leave you anxiously awaiting that next chapter. A great uber drama in the making folks. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
http://www.geocities.com/WestHollywood/Heights/7228/tdt1.htm

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-)