The Glory of Asura
by Daniel Stevens

DISCLAIMER: The more familiar characters and situations in this story are property of Renaissance Pictures, Universal/MCA, and Studios USA.  No copyright infringement is intended.

SYNOPSIS:  The events of this story take place following the Fourth Season 'Xena: Warrior Princess' episode 'A Family Affair'.  The story itself was written prior to the initial airing of the India arc, or any other 'Eli' episodes, which is why it somewhat anticipates the Eli arc, but does so in a *very* different fashion from said story arc.

********************

CHAPTER TWO

After two months travel, during which they had encountered and defeated several bands of brigands, and a few warlords, as well, Xena and Gabrielle find themselves looking down into a green valley set against arid mountains.  At their destination, the Persian city of Ecbatana.  They see no clearly defined temples, though.

"What now, Xena?"

"We start asking questions."

Soon, a young man, wearing what looks like some sort of priestly garb, happens by, on the way from town.  Xena motions for Gabrielle to speak first, which she does, in Persian.

"Excuse me, Magus."

"Yes, Ma'am?"

"I and my companion are on a pilgrimage, in obedience to a vision, to learn more about the ways of Asura."

"In that case, you're speaking to the right person.  I am the Magus Vishtaspa.  And you are?"

"i am Gabrielle of Potidaea, a seeker of Truth, and my companion is Xena of Amphipolis."

Vishtaspa's face pales at the sound of Xena's name, causing her to speak now, likewise in Persian.

"I take it you've heard of me."

"Indeed I have, Milady.  Many of us have heard how the daughter of Asmodeus defeated an entire regiment of Imperial Guards Cavalry all by herself, killing nearly half of them in the process."

'Who is 'Asmodeus'?"

"Asmodeus is the demon of wrath, fury, and war, much feared by us."

"Sounds like Ares."

Vishtaspa notes the hint of contempt in Xena's voice.  Then, Gabrielle begins again.

"What do you know of Dahak?"

The look on Vishtaspa's face is all the answer they need.

"We are the sworn enemies of Dahak, and have fought the demon's minions four times now.  Xena's son was murdered, in fact, by Dahak's daughter, falsely named Hope."

"My condolences to both of you, and I must say that I admire your choice of enemies." , though he can sense that Gabrielle isn't telling all she knows of that particular situation.

"Thanks.  By the way, could you take us to a place where we could fulfill the vision we mentioned earlier?"

"I was headed back to the Altar of Tak-i-Asura, if you two would care to join me."

"Well, Xena, what do you think?"

"Count me in."

********************

Two hours later, the three arrive at a village near the base of a mountain.  A path leading up the mountain from the village stops about halfway up, at a stone structure.

"Welcome to the mountain, Altar, and village of Tak-i-Asura.  The older man coming this way is the Arch-Mage Mitradata."

Vishtaspa introduces them, and tells Xena's story.  Then, Mitradata speaks.

"Take our honored guests to the visitor's hut.  Oh, and while they are here, I want you to teach them from the *Avesta*."

"Your wish is my will."  Then, to Xena and Gabrielle, "This way, please."

********************

That evening, in the visitor's hut.  As Xena and Gabrielle finish their meal, Solan appears once more.

"I'm glad you could make it here so quickly."

"We came part of the way by sea."

"Well, that explains it.  By the way, where's Joxer?"

"We couldn't find him before we embarked."

"I see."  Then, "While you are learning from the Magi, I'd also like for you to visit the synagogue of Rabbi Ezra, in town, where the local Israelite community worships, as a point of comparison.  Also, I'll be back periodically, to answer any questions that may arise."

"Thanks, Son.  Since I'm sure that the two faiths can't be exactly the same, we may need some help in reconciling certain points of difference that we don't know about yet."

"That's what I'm here for.  I have to go now, Mom, but I'll be back soon."

********************

The next morning, Xena and Gabrielle have worked out a study plan.  First, they would simply watch the Magi perform their rituals, and read from the *Avesta*, which they now know to be the Sacred Scriptures of Asura.  That way, they would know what questions to ask.

Fortunately, a Yasna ceremony is planned for that day, specifically for Asura.  Afterwards, Xena, Gabrielle, and Vishtaspa return to the visitor's hut, and sit down in a circle on the floor, to talk over what had been done.  Gabrielle asks about the main hymn, the *Asura Yasht*.  Vishtaspa replies.

"The Yasht is mainly a recitation of the seventy-two names of Asura.  The first of those names is sometimes translated as 'I AM'."

"Magus, Xena and I have heard that the God of the Israelites goes by the same name."

To which Vishtaspa replies, "Except that they now regard that name as being so holy that they won't even say it.  They simply refer to Him as 'LORD', which, by the way, is the meaning of the name 'Asura'."

Xena now speaks.

"The more I hear references to both your Asura and the One God of the Israelites, the more similar they seem."

"I've noticed that myself, which caused me to study the Israelites' beliefs.  In doing so, I did see a lot of similarities, but also some differences."

"Like what?"

"For instance, the Israelites are so concerned with maintaining a strict monotheistic position that they are willing to risk ascribing evil to their LORD as well as good.  We are not willing to speak of Asura in such a manner."

"I see."

"It is our experience that good and evil, especially in their purest form, are so distinct and so opposed to one another that they must come from two different sources, which are locked in combat with one another."

"That's been our experience, as well.  We have encountered evil in that pure form, and once we saw it for what it was, we both swore that we would do whatever we could to fight against it.  But not before that evil had violated Gabrielle, killed my son, and briefly turned us against each other, with almost equally tragic results."

Gabrielle reaches over, to take Xena's hand in hers, and smiles.  Then, Vishtaspa speaks again.

"Uh-huh, that sounds like the genuine article.  No wonder you're willing to do whatever it takes to stop Dahak and... I believe you said her name is 'Hope'."

"We did."

"That obviously now included offering your sword and chakram, and your staff, in service to what must seem to you a foreign God."

"Our own Olympians are no match for Dahak.  In fact, one of them even went over to Dahak, and sired a monster by Hope.  A monster I hopefully killed just a couple of months ago.  So, I have no problem offering my combat skills to any God who can defeat Dahak."

After a moment, "There is something else I need to tell you about.  At the end of this present age, Asura will send a Savior, who will completely renovate the Universe.  This will include the souls of the wicked, who will have been cleansed of their sins, and made pure.  But just before that, Dahak will indeed enter the world, and it will take all your faith to stand firm in the face of his evil.  When the Savior comes, though, Dahak's apparent triumph will be overturned, and Dahak himself will be cast into Hell, from whence he came, with none but perhaps 'Hope' to join him.  All those whom Dahak apparently destroys will be restored as pure and fit to stand before Asura.  From what you've told me, your son, Xena, is a prime example, and one you should be proud of."

"I am."

"Vishtaspa?"

"Yes, Gabrielle?"

"Do you think that time is upon us now?"

"It would appear so.  The time allotted to give yourselves to Asura in either His Persian or His Israelite Revelation is short, I fear."

"We will, of course, have to study the Israelite faith just as thoroughly as we are yours, before we can choose which one is best for us."

"I would expect no less from you or Gabrielle.  The choice is far too important to make impulsively.  Now, let us pray to Asura to guide your steps."

********************

A month passes.  Xena and Gabrielle learn all they can of the teachings of Asura, as taught by the great prophet Zarathushtra.  They also begin to become part of the village's daily life.

Finally, they take their leave of Tak-i-Asura, and go into Ecbatana.  There, they seek out the synagogue of Rabbi Ezra.  Once there, they ask to speak to the Rabbi.

"Yes, I am Rabbi Ezra, and you are?"

"Gabrielle of Potidaea, and this is Xena of Amphipolis."

"I've heard of you, Xena.  You're also called the Warrior Princess, I believe.", as he gestures for them to follow him into his home, next to the synagogue.

"I'm flattered to know that my name has found it's way this far east.  Also, I'm glad you speak Greek. That will make things easier.  None of the Magi of Tak-i-Asura spoke a word of Greek, and our knowledge of Persian was tested to the limit."

"I'm not surprised.  Persian Magi generally don't get around much, whereas since the destruction of our first Temple, we Israelites have become a much traveled people.  In fact, I spent some years on the Isle of Rhodes before coming here.  By the way, Xena, what does bring you here, or to Tak-i-Asura?"

"We both came in obedience to a vision.  My son's spirit told us to come here, to study the teachings of both Zarathushtra and Moses."

"Both?  That's interesting.  I take it you've already studied with the Magi of Tak-i-Asura?"

"Yes, we have."

"In that case, you may have to set aside some things you learned up there, in order to study with me."

"We're willing to do that."

"Very well.  While you're here, you will stay with the widow Miriam, who lives two houses down from here.  I'll take you there right now, if you wish."

"Thanks, Rabbi."

********************

That evening, at Miriam's humble abode, after dinner.  Xena and Gabrielle are seated at a table, and studying from a scroll titled 'The Repetition', which they had borrowed from Rabbi Ezra.

"Xena, I can see what Vishtaspa meant about a strong concern for maintaining a strict monotheistic position.  Read this."

Gabrielle hands Xena the scroll, and points out the passage in question.

"'Hear, O Israel, the LORD our God, the LORD is One'."  A moment later, "Well, that's about as cut and dried as it gets."

"And it is a teaching that we have learned by hard experience *never* to compromise in any way."

They turn, to see, "Rabbi Ezra.  We're glad you could join us."

Xena pulls out an empty seat, which the Rabbi takes.

"Thanks, Gabrielle.  Unfortunately, it is also a teaching that the Persians have compromised after their prophet Zarathushtra's time - in the name of maintaining a total opposition between good and evil.  Aside from that compromise, and it's bitter fruit, there is much to be admired in their worship of Asura.  I've sometimes wondered if their Zarathushtra may have learned a few things from some Levites who were carried off into captivity centuries ago by the Assyrians.  Even their name 'Asura' is but their word for 'LORD'."

"So the Magus Vishtaspa told us."

"Intelligent young man, that one.  And more open-minded than some.  He studied with me a year or so ago."  Then, "Well, I'll let you get back to your studies.  If you have any questions, please feel free to ask them.  If I'm not here, Miriam will be glad to help you."

"Don't worry.  We will."

********************

Later that evening, Solan appears again, and takes a seat with Xena and Gabrielle.

"So, Mom, what do you think of what you have learned so far?"

"Quite interesting, Son - if I may still call you that."

"Please do.  I may be an Angel of Asura now, but I'll always be your son as well.  But, aside from that, I believe that as you study the Israelite teachings, you'll see much more clearly where their version of Asura is willing to forgive those who truly repent of their sins, and return to Him, along with an injunction for His worshippers to do likewise when possible."

"Needless to say, Son, mortals often fail to live up to that ideal."  Xena looks at Gabrielle, her face etched with shame.

"That in no way negates the validity of that ideal, however."  Gabrielle takes Xena's hand, and smiles.  "Even if Ares was blowing smoke up your rear end that day - again."  All three laugh.

"It'll be the last time he blows smoke anywhere near me.  I've come to detest that traitorous scum almost as much as I do the unholy monster that I used to be.  Which in fact makes me all the more ready to place my sword and chakram in the service of Asura - if He'll have me."

"Mom, the fact that He had me bring you here means that He has already chosen you and Gabrielle for His Work."

"In that case, my sword and chakram are His."

"As are my staff and scrolls."

"Great!  I can assure you, neither of you will ever regret your decision."

With that, Solan vanishes.

And Ares appears.

"You know, Xena, I've been looking all over for you."

"Good-bye, Ares."

"Xena-"

"Whatever you have to say, I DON'T want to hear it!"

"Neither do I!"

"Fine.  As you wish.  But I am disappointed in you."

"GOOD!", in unison.

Ares vanishes.

"Asura willing, that's the last we'll ever see of him."

"A-men, Sister!"

Gabrielle high-fives Xena.

********************

Xena and Gabrielle are continuing their study of the Israelite faith.  In the scroll of the prophet Daniel, they find a reference to 'the abomination of desolation standing in the place where it should not stand'.

"Definitely sounds like a description of Dahak."

"Note again, the apparent initial victory of evil in the last days, before the coming of what the Israelites call 'The Anointed One', in glory, to destroy all evil, and exalt the righteous."

"Gabrielle, I'm more convinced than ever that we are living in the last days, before the LORD Asura brings all to pass."

"So am I, Xena.  So am I."

********************

One night, in his study, Rabbi Ezra asks them about their pasts, and each one describes her past, in turn, Xena first.

"Well, I can certainly see why both of you are ready to turn away from your past, and trust in the LORD.  One with bloodstained hands, the other forced against her will to bear the Child of Darkness, and both desiring to more effectively oppose the One Great Evil behind all evil.  So, which set of teachings do you lean more towards?"

"Actually, Rabbi, I am still torn between your teachings and those of the Persians."

"As am I."

After a moment, "That's understandable.  This is all still new to you, and you're still sorting through what you've learned, and are still learning.  I'm sure that if you pray earnestly about this question, our LORD will show you His Will for you, either directly, or through your son turned Guardian Angel."

"Thanks, Rabbi.  We'll most certainly do that."

********************

Some days later.

"Miriam?"

"Yes, Xena?"

"Could you go get Rabbi Ezra?  Gabrielle and I have decided to undergo baptism.  We would also like for you to witness this."

"Why, certainly."

Some time later, at a nearby brook.

"Xena of Amphipolis, I hereby baptize you for the repentance of sin.  Go, and sin no more."

Then, "Gabrielle of Potidaea, I hereby baptize you for the repentance of sin.  Go, and sin no more."

"Thanks, Rabbi, Miriam."

"Yeah, thanks."

********************

That night, as Xena and Gabrielle make ready for bed, Solan appears once more.

"I'm glad you chose as you did today, Mom, Gabrielle.  You made the right choice."

"What do you mean?"

"The future lies with the Israelite Revelation rather than the Persian.  But not in it's present form."

"How so?"

"Just before Hope was born, you were in the Castle of the Knights of the Pierced Heart.  They mentioned a Child of Light, to be born close to the same time as Hope."

"Yes, they did."

"He has indeed been born, three years ago, on Solstice.  He is the Son of Asura, and believe it or not, you have already seen and helped Him."

After a moment, Gabrielle speaks.

"Tobias the donkey!"

"Yes, Gabrielle.  That couple you gave your donkey to are the mother and stepfather of the Child of Light, who is called Joshua.  A new world is indeed coming, but Joshua, not Hope, will be central to it."

"That's good to hear."

"So, Mom, what decided it for you, between Persian and Israel?"

"Comparing their views if human nature.  The Persians seem to have too high an opinion of humanity.  It's been my experience that it is all too easy to do evil, but a read struggle to do good.  Of course, that may just be me, my Warlord past, and my guilty conscience."

"Not really, Xena.  You may still think me to be relatively pure, but you have to admit that I, too, have spots on my record that I'm ashamed of, some where I hurt you badly.  So, it's hardly just you."

"In fact, Mom, if you remember, in Psalm 14, it states that there are none who are righteous.  But the overly cheery view of human nature was put in for a reason."

"Which was?"

"To force us to learn from bitter experience that we're nowhere near as good as we like to think we are, and thus prepare us for a more accurate, but less flattering, appraisal of human nature, which Joshua will spell out clearly."

"I see."

"It will be some years before Joshua reveals Himself.  Unlike Hope, He is growing up like a mortal child."  Then, "I had some instructions for you, but Rabbi Ezra will need you to do something for him first."

"What's that?"

"He'll need you to take the taxes and tithes from the Israelites of Ecbatana to the Temple in Jerusalem.  After you have done that, you'll need to go into the Sinai Desert, for the purification of your souls.  There you'll stay, until you are ready to take up your new work and lives."

"Very well, Son."

********************

The next day, Rabbi Ezra asks to see Xena and Gabrielle immediately.

"In case you're wondering about the urgency of my summons, I have a favor to ask of you."

Xena speaks for the both of them, this time.

"Sure.  What is it?"

Rabbi Ezra places two very full, and very heavy, bags on the table.  Some gold dinars spill out.

"The Temple Taxes, right, Rabbi?"

"How did you know?"

"My son told us last night.  My only question is, why us, and not one of your own people?"

"Because there's not all that many of our congregation who are skilled warriors, and much of the area between here and Jerusalem is infested with bandits, brigands, and warlords.  Not to mention the Roman border guards at the Euphrates.  The two of you are the best warriors that I know of.  If anyone can get through to Jerusalem with the money, you can."

"Okay, we'll do it.  We'll leave at first light."

"Here's a little extra, to pay your expenses enroute.  I'd offer you more, except that I've come to know you well enough to know that you wouldn't take it."

"You're right.  We wouldn't."

"I don't know how much to thank you."

"You already have."

CHAPTER THREE

Taiko's Scrolls of the Xenaverse