Disclaimer:
Most of the characters presented in this story are property of MCA/Universal
(you know who they are) and I have shamelessly borrowed them for my own deviant activities.
Thank you. All other characters are figments of my twisted imagination. This is
a work of fiction and it's mine, mine, mine. You (whomever you are) may not alter,
reproduce, or post without my expressed permission. That would be very naughty.
Furthermore:
This story involves acts of love (sigh) between two women. If this bothers you than
I am truly saddened but invite you to read anyway. I propose a friendly challenge
for you to open your mind. If you're not up to it then there's plenty of non-alternative
fiction floating around and some of it is quite good.
Also:
This is a dark, moody story with copious amounts of violence. Just a warning. However,
love always triumphs.
One more thing:
Comments are very much encouraged but no flames as they will be quickly discarded
into the black depths of cyberspace. Okay, let the games begin!
If you have questions or comments you can e-mail me at:
Chiru97@aol.com
A Third Death
By: C.L. Bactad
Prologue
The warlord looked wearily at his mug of mead and momentarily contemplated the request
which was just put forth. He looked across the table to the dark-haired man that
occupied the chair and currently his time. "I need some guarantee." The warlord
spoke his voice hoarse from his recent siege. The stranger smirked. " A guarantee? Of what?
That you won't get a boo boo?"
"Hey look! I've tangled with her before. She's changed but not that much." He took
a large swig of his mead as if trying to chase away the memory. "She'll kill me without
hesitation. How do you think I got this scar?" He jutted a stubby finger up toward
a long diagonal slash across his face. "Last time we met she just about ripped my .
. . "
The other man held up is hand to quiet the whining warlord. "Spare me the sob story.
I know perfectly well what she is capable of." Smiling he turned his hand over to
inspect his nails. " I made her what she is you know . . . all that leather and rage.
Mmm, a masterpiece."
"Yea, well your 'masterpiece' isn't doing your bidding is she?" The warlord grinned
thinking he bested the dark god sitting across from him. Proudly he allowed himself
another swig of his drink but before his lips touched the mug his throat became constricted. Gasping for air he looked wide-eyed across the table and tried to force out an
apology. "Ar.." He started but he couldn't get enough breath to push out the words.
He clutched his own throat.
Across the table an evil smirk flashed uplifting the edges of a neatly trimmed goatee.
"What is it Mercurio? Are you trying to say something? Seems like a God has got your
tongue." Clenching his teeth he could see the warlord could not breathe at all now.
He allowed the big, lumbering man struggle for breath a fraction of a second longer
then released him.
Sputtering the warlord fell forward on the wooden table his forehead landing in a
puddle of his own spilt mead. His back was heaving as he tried sucking in the breath
that was taken from him. "Ares, I didn't mean . . . "
"Shut your trap before I kill you!" Ares' spat in disgust "Listen to *me* Mercurio."
His voice became quiet as he lowered his head toward the now frightened warlord.
"Xena is not the one that you need fear the most." He paused for effect. "Do you
understand?" Mercurio shook his head furiously in agreement and started to speak but thought
better of it.
'Mortals are so weak . . . well, except for Xena.' The God of War silently mused then
turned his attention back to Mercurio. "Good now have some more mead and I'll tell
you what you're going to do."
Part one
Chapter 1: Declarations
All the while, believe me, I prayed
our night would last twice as long.
-Sappho
The sun began to ascend above the eastern mountains. The sleeping form underneath
the blankets began to stir as the first rays of light fluttered across her eyelids.
Gabrielle opened one eye cautiously fearing the rude brightness would jolt her too
quickly from her slumber. The forest was covered by dew and a mist could still be seen floating
in the cool air. Reluctantly she opened the other eye and looked up into the forest
canopy. Shadows and bright light battled against the large tree boles. The clarity
of the early morning light sharply defined the green foliage above which now came
into a clear focus. Lifting her arms above her body, she stretched her torso trying
to loosen the morning stiffness. Her nostrils picked up the drifting smoke of a small
campfire. Xena was up, of course.
She focused on the figure kneeling by the fire feeding it small branches. "When will
I ever see you sleep past dawn?"
Xena smiled as she heard Gabrielle's voice which was still rough from sleep. " And
when will I ever see you get up at dawn?" She looked over to the women who was still
tangled in blankets. The bard shifted onto her side so she could see Xena more clearly, careful to keep the blanket tucked tightly around her bare body. She looked at her
lover who was already dressed in her leathers. Her appreciative gaze did not go unnoticed
by the dark warrior. Gabrielle smiled, effectively melting Xena's heart at the same time.
Xena's azure eyes locked with the grey green of her companion. Suddenly, overwhelmed
with her own emotion she mouthed the words "I love you." She had not meant it to
be silent but she could not will her voice to tone. The noise would seem like an
intrusion.
Gabrielle closed her eyes and rolled over onto her back letting the silent words wash
over her. Her reality was now better than her dreams. Three moons ago she would never
have imagined that this was going to happen. Her love for the warrior was best kept
to daydreams always pushed back at the first questioning look of her traveling companion.
Now it was real and she still couldn't believe it. She had what she wanted. What
they both wanted.
"Xena"
"Hmm" The warrior was tending the fire once again looking intently at a small flickering
flame.
"Come here."
Xena looked over to Gabrielle who was now holding the blanket open to her lover exposing
her naked flesh to the cool morning air and to Xena. The warrior stood and began
to walk over to the shivering bard. One eyebrow raised on her beautiful face as she
knelt beside her bard, eyes mesmerizing her insatiable lover. "Do you ever get enough?"
She smiled knowing the answer already.
Gabrielle shuddered at her lover's tease and memories of the night before warmed her
body. She parted her lips to answer but that was all Xena needed before she descended
upon Gabrielle. A groan escaped from the bard's throat as Xena hungrily pressed her
lips against her lovers. She felt the warriors strong arms around her back supporting
her just inches off the blankets. Gabrielle wrapped her arms around Xena's neck pushing
herself into the leather clad chest. The urgency of the kiss heightened into a blinding passion. Each woman pressing fiercely against the other. Lips parting, pressing,
heads shifting, separating and coming back for more. Gabrielle's heart felt as if
it would burst from the pressure of beating too fast.
Breathless, Xena forced herself to pull away. "We can't . . . not now."
"Xena please don't . . . " Gabrielle muttered still searching for Xena's full lips.
"Gabrielle, we have to travel today. I promised Celeste that we would be in Crete
in three days" Lovingly, she stroked Gabrielle's reddish-blonde hair still keeping
her lips out of reach from the persistent bard. Gabrielle threw her head back in
compliant disappointment. She knew if Xena made a promise she intended to keep it even at the
expense of her highly aroused lover. Slowly she lifted her gaze to see the amused
look on the warriors face. Her blue eyes shining brightly and a crooked smile accenting
her flawless features. Gabrielle was caught and try as she might she could not help
but stare into the eyes of her love. Focused on each other the world fell silent.
"Gabrielle" Xena spoke softly. " I want you to always look at me with those eyes."
She reached out to run her index finger along the bard's jawline. Gabrielle was stunned
at the simple sincerity of Xena's words. Trying to gain control of her now spiraling
emotions she closed her eyes to the blue lights boring down into her soul. And then
she heard her own voice. " Each breath I take is for you." She grabbed the hand
touching her face and held it against her beating heart using it for strength and
to still her own trembling. She opened her eyes and her heart instantly ached. Xena's face
was stoic as usual but tears ran freely from her eyes unchecked by her need for control.
"What's wrong?" The bard sat up startled not used to seeing her best friend and lover
cry. Worry crept into her voice. "Did I do something wrong?"
Xena realized that she had been crying. " Wha . . . no Gabrielle." She reached out
to grasp the blondes' shoulders. "You have done everything right." Pulling her into
a protective embrace, Xena now whispered. "I have come to need so much. I'm . . .
afraid for the first time in my life Gabrielle." A darkness came over the warrior angry
at her own fear and want.
Gabrielle sensing the change in Xena pushed herself tighter into the warrior. "Xena
. . . I..I know what you're afraid of. Your darkness won't scare me away because
I know that you would never hurt me. You aren't that person anymore. There's more
love inside of you than hate. I feel it and that's why you've captured my heart so completely.
I'll never leave you don't you understand that? Every day I thank the gods that
they have allowed me to find the other half of my soul. Some people search a lifetime
for what we have...I can't live without you."
They sat there holding each other underneath the rising morning sun. Energy passing
between them and reaffirming a bond that no man, woman or God could break. Or so
they thought.
In the forest a twig broke under pressure. Xena jolted back to reality jerking her
head in the direction of the offending noise. Eyes narrowing she scanned the surrounding
tree line still heavily shadowed. She detected a slight movement. "Stay here." She
growled and the ice in her voice told Gabrielle that is was a command not a request.
Quickly she grabbed her sword and chakram and silently moved away from camp stalking
her prey with feral grace.
Watching Xena stealthily slide out of camp Gabrielle quickly moved to her clothes.
The last thing she wanted was to be attacked while nude. Fully dressed, she crouched
down in a ready position. Staff in hand she listened into the forest. She was not
listening for Xena. She knew that she would not hear her. Instead she listened for something
else; fleeing footsteps, heavy breathing or perhaps a struggle. She remained low
keenly alert to the stillness around her. She clutched her staff tighter steeling
herself for a possible attack. 'Traveling with an ex-warlord has it disadvantages
', she silently thought to herself. However, Gabrielle realized a long time ago that
the adrenaline she felt in situations such as these also made her feel alive. A smile
crossed her lips as she realized other advantages of traveling with Xena. Shaking
her head, she forced herself to focus. A lesson learned from her warrior.
She remained silent for what seemed like an eternity and looked around to Argo who
was tethered to a nearby tree. Xena's armor still lie next to the saddlebags. Gabrielle's
heart began to race. "Gods, she doesn't have her armor on." She muttered to herself. The bard knew that many serious injuries had been deflected by the armor lying in
a heap by Argo. For some reason not entirely known to Gabrielle she felt panic. Intent
on regaining control of her racing heartbeat she concentrated on her breathing. Slow
steady breaths in through the nose and out through the mouth. Pushing away the panic
Gabrielle was now intent on finding Xena.
A hand reached out and grasped her shoulder. Gabrielle turned on her bent knee swinging
her staff in a low arc. Twisting her hips she continued the swing across her body
and around her back. It was a fast, low swing that would have broken the shins of
the offender. However, Xena aware of the muscle twitch in Gabrielle's back jumped easily
allowing the staff to pass underneath. Landing squarely in front of the bard she
had a proud grin on her face. "Well, nice to see you too."
"Xena! Do you have to do that? Can't you make just a little noise when you come back
to camp?" Gabrielle stood abruptly putting her index finger and thumb close together
to illustrate her point. The exasperated bard narrowed her eyes at her lover. "You
know I used to think that ..that sneaky thing was amazing and even a bit cute. Now I
find it really annoying. Just save it for your enemies okay!"
Xena arched her right eyebrow and looked down at her furious bard. "Are you done?"
"Am I done?" Gabrielle looked at her incredulously. Tilting her head, she tried to
stammer out a response. "You . . . is that all . . . can't you..ughhh!" She shook
her head looking down at her feet. The warrior knew that this was a gesture of passive
frustration. It was soon becoming a trademark of Gabrielle and it amused Xena greatly.
"Yes, I'm done."
"Good" Xena whipped her head around to her armor and quickly moved toward it.
"So are you going to tell me what or who that was?" Gabrielle watched as Xena reached
over to pat her horse then stooped down to pick up her arm bracers.
" I couldn't find anyone." She stated flatly. "Must have been an animal." 'That was no animal',
she thought to herself grimly but she didn't want to frighten her friend. She hoped
that it was a hunter or a traveler passing through but she was fighting every warrior
instinct in her body. Xena knew that she should have followed the tracks farther
but didn't want to alarm her lover.
Gabrielle could tell Xena wasn't telling her everything. However, she knew not to
push the subject. "Oh, well that's a relief."
Xena adjusted her breastplate and scabbard. "Gabrielle, can you eat breakfast on the
road? We need to get moving if we want to make it to Crete in three days." She waited
for a nod of agreement then turned to saddle Argo. A sarcastic smile crept upon her
face. "I'll try to be louder next time I come back to camp. I didn't realize you were
getting so jumpy." She tried to hide the amusement in her face as a bedroll came
flying at her.
Chapter 2: The Chase
The scout ran into the center of the large camp collapsing in front of a large white
tent. Gasping for air, he began to push himself to his feet. He was helped by two
stubby hands gripping his shirt pulling him up face to face with Mercurio. The
scout tried to turn his head away from the warlord's foul breath. "Well!" Mercurio boomed
into the young boys face.
"I found them sleeping . . . " The scout was still trying to catch his breath. "..in
the forest about a half a days ride North of here."
"And" Mercurio released the boy from his grasp.
" And the darker one woke first and built a fire. The younger one slept a few candle
marks more then awoke. They seemed very . . . affectionate and ow!" The scout startled
as Mercurio slapped him across the face then grabbed him once again by the sweat
soaked shirt.
" I'm sure the scene was very touching but I don't give a rats ass about fires or
who woke first!" Mercurio threw the boy down in disgust. "What I want to know, you
idiot, is which way they're headed." With that he belched. The boy flinched in disgust
as he once again struggled to his feet.
" Okay..I didn't get as much information as I wanted. I was moving in closer to camp
for a better look and I stepped on a twig snapping it in two."
"You what!" Bellowed the angry warlord.
" I...I barely heard it. I have no idea how she heard it. I was a good league away
from her camp. You would have had to have..I don't know . . . but nobody could have
heard that." Noticing the warlord's impatience, the scout quickly moved to finish
his report. "Anyway somethin' must have spooked the dark one because she jerked her head
up in my direction." His eyes grew wide as he further explained his situation. "She
started to move away from camp like some animal... a cat perhaps. I felt as if she
were stalking me." He shivered at the thought. "I had to move quickly but I assume she didn't
see me . . . probably thought it was some stag or somethin'." He shrugged his shoulders
happy with his explanation. "As best as I can figure out it looked like they were making their way south toward the coast."
Mercurio cocked his head to one side now smirking at the boy. Young as he was, he
was still his best scout. 'I suppose I let him live this time
,' the warlord begrudgingly told himself. "You know . . . " The warlord stopped realizing
that he didn't even know this gangly scout's name. "What is your name anyway?"
"Julian sir."
"Julian huh?" Mercurio wrapped his meaty arm around the thin boy's shoulders. "Do
you know who those women were? You know the ones that I sent you to spy on?" The
boy shook his head no. "Oh that's right. I didn't tell you. Well that woman, the
one with the dark hair that was Xena.." He thrust his fingers in the air signaling quotation
marks. "..Warrior Princess and the blond is her personal bard slash sex kitten."
Julian's jaw went slack. "Xena?" Recognition washed white against the boy's face.
"Oh so you have heard of her." Mercurio once again grabbed the scouts abused shirt.
"So you know not to make assumptions of what she *does* or doesn't realize." He threw
Julian down into the dust. "You are very lucky pissant. It's not every day that you
survive your mistakes." With that he retreated into his tent bellowing for his second
in command.
Julian remained seated in the dirt shaking his head in disbelief. 'She did hear me'
he thought grimly. "Wait a minute . . . sex kitten?" The poor boy was so confused
that he did not even realize his last thought was audible to a passing soldier. The
soldier stopped in his tracks and looked down at the now very dirty boy. "What did you
call me?" Julian shook his head. 'This day just keeps getting better and better
' was his last thought before a large fist connected with his nose. Julian was out
for the day.
Chapter 3: Color
The road was well traveled and worn into a pale brown while the rest of the country
side remained green. The sun was directly overhead and the hotness began to sear
into Xena's bronze back. Dark brown leather, although useful in battle, acted as
a heat sink and got to be unpleasant during the warmer seasons. Shifting in her saddle she thought
of it only as a minor inconvenience while others would think it excruciating. She
moved the horse closer to the side of the road trying to take advantage of the shade
provided by the thin trees.
The dust swirled under the tan warhorses' hooves. Each stride releasing a whirling
coalition of air and particle. Xena turned her head to look back at her bard wondering
if the dust was beginning to bother her. Gabrielle was walking behind them but slightly to the side to avoid the worst of it. "Whoa Argo." Xena gently cooed to her horse.
She stopped and waited for Gabrielle to catch up.
The bard was quickly beside her. "What is it? Why did you stop?" Xena looked down
at her dusty lover. The leather of her saddle squeaking as she shifted her weight
extending a hand to Gabrielle. "Why don't you ride up here with me?"
"Xena, you know how I feel about riding. I would rather walk and besides Argo really
doesn't like me." As if on cue Argo shuffled slightly and snorted. "See what I mean?"
Gabrielle shook her head, "Nope, I'm perfectly fine down here."
"Gabrielle that's ridiculous now get up here." Xena jutted her hand out again and
shot the bard her best warlord glare. Gabrielle almost took the hand that was extended
to her but a nasty little stubborn streak once again got the best of her. Her eyes
narrowed and she deliberately pointed her staff at the warrior. "Xena don't look at me
that way."
"What way?" Xena feigned innocence.
"What way?" Gabrielle mimicked earning a dry look from her lover. "That way . . .
the don't mess with me the mighty warrior because I'm always right way."
Xena studied the slightly cranky Amazon Queen for a moment before a sly grin touched
her features. "Gabrielle I think the sun is getting to you. Maybe you should sit
in the shade for a moment." She gracefully slid off her horse. "You look a bit flushed."
With mock concern she reached her hand out and checked Gabrielle's forehead. The bard
rolled her eyes as Xena teased at her expense. "Hmm you don't feel too warm." With
a sigh, "Well I guess we'll keep moving." She turned and started toward Argo.
"Xena"
"Yea" Xena replied as she was grabbing the saddle horn to mount her horse.
"That's because you're not feeling the right places." Xena stopped just as she was
going to swing her other leg upon the worn saddle. Her eyebrow shot up and a crooked
smile danced across her bronzed face. Slowly she turned her head looking at the strawberry-blonde over her shoulder. "I'm not huh?"
"Nope." The bard replied quickly watching Xena's reaction and loving every minute
of it.
"Gabrielle" The sleek warrior walked toward her prey.
"Yes Xena?" replied Gabrielle innocently while a wicked smile was fully displayed.
"I think we need to find a nice shady spot."
"What about Crete and the three days thing? I really don't think we can spare that
kind of time." The bard looked hungrily at her approaching lover. Her breathing now
becoming ragged as the warm blue eyes lavished their attention on her body.
" I'll make it a quick stop." In two steps Xena had grabbed Gabrielle around the
waist ushering her off the road into the seclusion of the green underbrush.
Some time had past before Gabrielle could get herself to roll off the spent warrior.
"Mmm, I do love shady spots." She let her stomach relax with laughter. She looked
down at her lover who seemed perfectly content to lie there all afternoon. However,
the nearness of her sword and chakram belied her true readiness. Still Gabrielle had never
seen her so peaceful. 'Gods she's so beautiful'
, the bard mused. "Xena" the bard toned gently. Xena smiled; eyes still closed.
"Open your eyes."
Xena turned her head in the direction of her bard's sweet voice. Slowly she forced
her heavy eyelids open. With abated breath Gabrielle looked into Xena's eyes. "They
are so beautiful. I want to memorize every coloration . . . every speckle. They change
color you know?" Xena's left eyebrow shot up in a question.
"I love that" Gabrielle smiled as she ran a finger over the raised eyebrow. A moment
later she continued her previous thought. "It was your eyes that I noticed first.
The color, the way they could look right past me and not even realize their effect."
Xena started to say something but was quickly quieted with a soothing look from her lover.
" Right now I would describe them as a cloudy blue somewhat paler than they are normally."
She looked up at the sky noticing the high clouds thinning and separating only to be rejoined again. "They're that color."
Smiling up at her bard Xena decided she would take a moment longer to indulge herself
before pushing onto Crete. Only Gabrielle could make her feel so calm and she was
learning to appreciate these times more and more. "I didn't know that there could
be more than one color blue."
Gabrielle adjusted herself up against a tree and pulled Xena so her head rested on
her lap. She loved the moments where she could get Xena to just sit and relax. "That's
better." She once again started to stroke her lover's eyebrow. "There are many colors
of blue. All of which can be seen in your eyes."
"Really?" the warrior asked incredulously.
"Hmmm, right before and actually in battle they get intense . . . so clear. The blue
becomes almost a white . . . mere backdrops for your jet black pupils. I guess they
sort of glow." Gabrielle couldn't help but put a bit of her storytelling flair into
her apt description.
Xena let out a laugh. "Well there's a definite advantage of glowing eyes to scare
an opponent. They probably think I'm insane." She stopped to ruminate on what she
just said. A dark thought rushed to the surface before the warrior could push it
back. "Sometimes I probably am."A moment of sadness flickered in the eyes the bard was now studying
so intently.
"Xena, what's past is past but I've seen you fight...many times." Xena saw Gabrielle
give a slight smile. " It's not insanity. It's determination. You're so confident
in battle that victory isn't even a question for you. That is what frightens your
opponents. Your eyes see everything. I'm glad..that I can be a part of it...a part of you.
Right now...the way you've turned your life around and your quest for atonement.
Not very many people could do what you're doing."
"What have I done?" A tone of regret crept into Xena's voice. It was the same sound
Gabrielle hears when she comforts Xena through her nightmares. It broke her heart.
"Xena you've faced your past. Everyday you face it and beat it back until I can feel
you hurt. That would have broken weaker people a long time ago...but each day you
force yourself to do it again. Your pain manifesting itself in nightmares because
you can't take the time to look out for yourself. You're too busy saving the world....saving
me." Gabrielle closed her eyes and laid her head against the tree. She spoke the
last sentence in a whisper, "Xena, one day you have to forgive yourself."
Xena turned her head in her lover's lap letting her gaze rest on a distant cloud.
Solemnly she replayed the bards words in her head. 'I wish it was that easy my love',
she thought to herself. Gabrielle didn't know the true horrors that were nestled
in a warlords nightmares. She couldn't let her know just how complete Xena's descent
into evil had been. How could she forgive herself when she knew that Gabrielle would
reject her so completely at the full knowledge of her cruelty? No, forgiveness was not
a luxury she would let herself own. She was not sure that a lifetime of redemption
would ease her soul either. What she did know,however, was that the only peace she
had came from this woman beneath her. This fact haunted her because she didn't fully understand
what she had done to deserve it.
"Gabrielle we need to go." Xena said flatly as she pushed herself up to her feet.
She whistled for Argo.
"Right...Crete in three days," Gabrielle reluctantly followed Xena's lead. "Are you
alright?"
"Yes, I'm fine we just need to get moving." Feelings locked tightly inside she was
once again in full warrior mode. Without looking at the bard she mounted Argo. "Will
you ride up here with me? Please."
The other woman was about to refuse but thought better of it. Xena's use of the word
please wasn't really a question but more of a gentle command. She grabbed Xena's
outstretched hand letting its strength lift her effortlessly onto the gigantic horse
behind the warrior. "Xena I love you." The warrior pressed back into the bard. She smiled
and with a quick nudge into Argo's sides they were off.
Chapter 4: Capture
The second day had been uneventful so far. They were back on schedule due to Xena's
relentless pace. Gabrielle remembered when she first started traveling with the reformed
warlord that this pace was grueling. She never did say a word about it in fear that she would make Xena angry or worse make her want to leave her behind somewhere.
She followed biting her tongue and at night aching from the soreness of legs and
feet. Now after more than two summers she kept the pace easily. Her legs had become
stronger and she could see the definition of her thighs contracting at each step. Her muscles
were well defined and all traces of baby fat gone. She liked who she had become.
More confident, wiser and very good with a staff. She smiled looking up at Xena,
stoic and quiet as usual, astride her tan mare. She had shaped so much of her life in a
short period of time. Gabrielle had grown physically and emotionally. Her love had
no bounds her gratitude no depths. Xena was all there would ever be for the bard.
"What." Xena's colorless word broke into Gabrielle's thoughts.
"What" she said squinting up at the warrior.
"You were smiling and not talking."
"So?"
"It was...odd." Xena smirked at the blonde who had been easily keeping pace with the
mare.
"I was just thinking."
Xena rolled her eyes. "About your next story I presume." She knew when Gabrielle had
'that look' she was concocting some sort of tale with her usually as the star. "I
told you that you need to be more aware of your surroundings on the road." she said
slightly irritated. "Don't let your mind wander so much. You need to save some of your
focus for the things around you."
She nodded at Xena knowing that it was a lesson she had tried to teach before. Awareness
is what kept them both alive. She needed to stop being so reliant on the warrior
to be her ears for her. Gabrielle sighed. Bards were basically dreamers with the
compulsion to share them with others. Daydreaming was one of Gabrielle's favorite past
times.
"Xena I wasn't concocting a new story."
"No?" the warrior raised an eyebrow obviously not believing the bard.
"No" she patted the warriors firm thigh.
Xena, against her better judgement, was intrigued. "What were you thinking about then?"
Gabrielle shrugged. "I'll tell you later. Hey let's play that game... 'Who am I'."
"Gabrielle" Xena's low tone was meant to send a warning to the bard.
"Just go with it....I'll tell you when we get to Crete. C'mon ...is this person tall?."
Xena looked back down the road a crooked smirk draped upon her face. Sorry that she
had reprimanded her friend she decided to let the bard have her way. "Fine. No."
******
Mercurio's men were set up along the side of the road. A blind corner and lush vegetation
proved to be the perfect ambush spot. He had brought at least fifty of his best men
not wanting to leave anything to chance. Of course, he knew that some of these men would be sacrificed to the warriors anger. It almost saddened him but only because
he didn't want to go through the trouble of recruiting and training more. 'Oh well.'
he thought to himself.
He sat hidden among the bushes. Five mercenaries were precariously perched on limbs
overhanging the road. A thick net camouflaged with foliage stretched among the branches.
The rest of his men were hidden in positions along the road. A deadly trap had been set. Mercurio let a sick smile flood his thick face. Xena had taught him well. As
a soldier in her army he was careful to observe every move the warlord made. Her
success in conquest obviously proved that she was a worthy teacher. He had followed
her pillaging town after town. Those were the good days before she found her conscience and
hooked up with that little do-gooder. "Bitch" he muttered under his breath. She was
the reason Xena gave him his facial scar. A little reminder that the bard was not
to be toyed with. Luckily Xena was merciful that day or he would surely be dead. Of course,
that bard bitch urged Xena to spare him. Strange, he reflected, but he hardly gave
it a thought as he ran from the tavern. Perhaps, he would have his fun anyway.
As luck would have it the wind had shifted and they were upwind. Another card dealt
in their favor. One element of chance taken away from the warrior. She would not
be able to smell them until they were right on top of her. Quietly he and his men
waited for their prey to arrive.
*****
"Is it Draco?" Gabrielle asked.
"Finally. How many questions do you need?" Xena let her amusement show in her voice.
"Draco. Yuk. What made you think of him." Gabrielle was slightly irritated by the
warriors choice and the fact that it took her so long to figure it out.
"Why not? We both know him?" Xena stopped Argo suddenly. Her head jerked slightly
to her right. They had just come around a sharp corner and now she sensed something
was wrong. She thrust her hand down to Gabrielle "Get up her now!" she yelled but
it was too late.
Men came out of the trees one after the other. Xena let out her battle cry as she
vaulted off her horse. Landing in front of two rushing men she jumped up letting
each foot connect with their chins. Quickly she unsheathed her sword spinning around
and thrusting it into another. Her clear blue eyes searched for Gabrielle. She saw her furiously
battling a group of three with her staff. The bard's movements were quick and fluid
as the staff whooshed around sending one of the men crashing to the ground. Xena
launched her chakram towards the group slicing through one of the men before returning
to its mistresses' grip. Gabrielle quickly finished the other one. She turned her
attention back to the mass of men now rushing her at once. Her eyes became wild as
she took one out after the other blood coating her sword and splattering her face.
"Xena!" It was Gabrielle. Without a thought Xena spun towards the voice. Breathless
she called for her. The bloodied warrior's face paled at the sight before her. A
net was now discarded by Gabrielle's feet and her staff lie a few feet away red from
use. She was slumped down to her knee with her body bent as if protecting ribs in pain while
blood trickled down her face from a head wound. Her eyes pleading as if to say sorry.
Her arms stretched out to the sides held by men.
"Gabrielle!" Xena growled as she started in a dead run towards the bard ready to kill
her captors.
"Oh not so fast now Xena." Mercurio stepped from out of the trees behind Gabrielle.
A knife blade flashed around to the front of Gabrielle's neck. "I would hate to have
this lovely girls blood on your hands." He pushed the blade into her neck drawing
a trickle of red and causing the bard to let out an involuntary whimper.
Xena skidded to a stop. Fear blended with anger in her eyes. Mercurio had the upper
hand. "If you hurt her I'll kill you....painfully." She spit out through clenched
teeth. 'Please don't let anything happen to her',
Xena pleaded inwardly scared far more than her exterior would allow her to show.
"Gabrielle don't move."
"Im alright Xena" Gabrielle fought for control of her own voice.
"Shut up you little whore!" Mercurio pushed the blade roughly against her neck making
the cut sting even more. He smiled at Xena. "I've waited a long time for this Xena.
Who say's revenge doesn't pay? You see all I have to do is apply a bit more pressure
and I've slit your precious little bard's throat." He laughed amused by the fact he
had the great Xena exactly where he wanted.
"You son of a bitch I'll send you to Hades' doorstep before this is all through."
Xena's voice shook in controlled rage. "You always were a wannabe warlord. Never
had enough courage to fight me evenly. I should have killed you when I had the chance
but I let you run out of that tavern. A coward just like a dog with its tail between its
legs."
Mercurio's quick temper took over. How dare she insult him in front of his men. "Well
see who the coward is!" He pulled his blade from Gabrielle's neck thrusting it above
her chest instead. "Say goodbye to your precious before I thrust this blade through
her heart!" His hand began to descend in a quick motion.
Gabrielle looked up at the knife but she couldn't even scream. Inwardly she said goodbye
to her love.
"No!" Xena saw the blade, her fear apparent, she reached out but knew she was too
far. "Gabrielle I'm....." She stopped in mid-sentence.
Right before the knife broke the bards skin it dissolved vanishing from the angry
warlords grasp. He stared wide-eyed at his now empty hand.
"Now Mercurio that wasn't our deal" a wicked drawl sounded in the nearby trees. A
dark haired man bounded out as if on cue.
"Ares" Xena spat in disgust. " I should have known you were behind this. Mercurio
doesn't have the brains for something this elaborate. Mercurio, hearing the remark,
grabbed the bards hair jerking it back painfully. Causing Gabrielle to gasp in pain.
"I'd be careful if I were you." Mercurio stated.
Xena winced knowing her temper was causing her love more pain. She looked into Gabrielle's
eyes seeking reassurance. It was there but fading fast.
Ares walked over to Mercurio and Gabrielle making sure he was a safe distance from
Xena. Even Gods have been know to get a good whack from the Warrior Princess every
know and then. "Mercurio there is no reason to be so rough with our little friend
here." He touched Gabrielle's face before flashing a wry grin towards Xena. Still looking
at Xena he pointed a finger at Mercurio letting a flash of white light hurtle towards
the unsuspecting warlord. The impact of the light sent the weighty warlord tumbling
from behind the bard. Ares looked down at the man sprawled out in the dust. "That was
for disobeying me."
Gabrielle let out a sigh thankful that the warlord was not standing behind her. Ares
saw this and directed his next comment toward her. "Oh, just wait Xena's annoying
little friend. Your ordeal is far from over. Oh no. Your fate now lies in the hands
of your beloved." Again he flashed a wicked grin. "Tie her up". The two men holding Gabrielle's
arms quickly pulled them together and bound them tightly.
"Ares what do you want." Xena said cooly now barely in control of her raging emotions.
Her mind was racing to come up with a plan.
"Ah Xena...what do I always want?" He paused waiting for a reply. Xena merely lifted
her eyebrow. Realizing she would not take the bait he continued. "Why I want you
of course."
The acid dripped from Xena's voice. "Well your accomplishing quite the opposite."
"Umm I don't think so." Ares took seat on a nearby log. "It's perfect really. You
let yourself get too close to someone, caring for them and even..excuse me while
I hold back my lunch..fall in love with her." He shook his head feigning disappointment.
"How quickly you forget all my lessons. Now you have a weakness and target. Poor Gabrielle.
She's just an innocent you know. Annoying as she may be she really doesn't deserve
what you bring her; pain and suffering." Ares let out an exaggerated sigh. " Oh well, you live and learn." He allowed himself an even bigger smile as he motioned the men
to stand Gabrielle up and move her closer to Xena.
"Wait that's enough. Not too close. I just want Xena to be able to smell Gabrielle...
to hear the fear in her breathing."
Xena fought the urge to run to Gabrielle now standing a few feet in front of her.
She locked eyes with her instead trying to reassure the obviously frightened bard.
Ares was right; Gabrielle didn't deserve this. Mercurio started to stir behind them.
Ares noticed "Mercurio. Good you're awake. Come over here and enjoy the fun. I was
just going to explain to Xena why she's going to come back to me. Come on." He ushered
the warlord over with a gesticulating hand. Mercurio wearily came to stand by him.
"You look a little pale..you should listen more carefully next time. Now I want you to
go and reposition yourself behind Xena's little wench."
Xena's eyes widened and she began to move forward but a warning hand from Ares stopped
her. "Xena don't worry. Mercurio isn't going to hurt your little friend..." The lightness
in his voice took on a menacing tone "..unless I tell him to."
Xena shot the dark God an icy glare. "God or not you'll pay for this."
Ares rolled his eyes. "Maybe.. but I don't think so. Now let me tell you how this
thing's gonna play out. I have been trying to show you how silly this path of atonement
is and well you've been very stubborn about it. It's become very clear to me that
I can't just kill the whiny bard because she already gotten to you. Telling you all sorts
of crap of how you can fight your dark side blah, blah, blah.. And then there's
that pesky Artemis. She told me that if I shed what's her names blood she'll ...well
it won't be pleasant. This is where Mercurio comes in. She said if *I* shed the blood
not some insignificant mortal. You see I have tried everything and I'm just about
at my wits end..."
"Could you speed up the story I'm getting bored." Xena drawled with steel in her voice.
"...very well. If your not coming back to me I'd rather see you suffer. Thus to make
that happen I have to take away your happiness. Since I can't kill her Mercurio
will."
"What the..what about Artemis. She's her chosen and Queen of the Amazons!" Xena spoke
desperate to make an argument.
"Well what Artemis doesn't know....besides it would be worth the torment. I'm a bit
twisted that way. Anyway, Mercurio will kill her not me."
"Just because your hand doesn't touch the blade doesn't absolve you from the crime."
Xena growled. Her fist clenching at her sides willing herself to remain calm and
to find a way out of this. She now knew her options were few if any.
"Touche'... But don't look so sad we haven't come to that yet. There is a way out
for sweet Gabrielle."
"What is it?" Xena spoke her heart already sinking. She knew now that Ares wasn't
bluffing. He had gone over the edge willing disfavor with Artemis.
"*You* have to give yourself back over to me. Become the warlord you were meant to
be. No resistance....completely, fully, sacrifice yourself."
Xena stood looking at Ares. Her face betrayed nothing of her inner turmoil. Silently
she stood searching for a solution. The God of War had finally got her. Gabrielle
was her greatest weakness. Xena knew it and so did Ares. Evenly she began to speak.
"How do I know you won't kill her?" She saw no way out. She was surrounded and there was
no way to get to Gabrielle before the knife cut into her throat.
Gabrielle watched the interaction but what had just transpired sent her into a panic.
"Xena you can't be seriously thinking about this...don't" She felt a sting as Mercurio
slapped her ear.
"Gabrielle please" Xena pleaded with her while trying to remain in place instead of
running her sword through Mercurio. Instead she looked directly at him letting her
rage become fully exposed. She was satisfied when she saw him flinch.
The sky began to cloud and darken as she shifted her attention back Ares. "Like I
said, what guarantees?"
Ares smiled sensing victory. "Gabrielle will not be killed unless she *purposefully*
seeks you out. For some reason she is favored by Gods other than Artemis and it would
be a very ugly situation for me if I killed her anyway."
"What about Mercurio" Xena asked secretly wishing she would be able to kill him for
this later.
"Mercurio will not remember a thing. In fact, when you give yourself back over to
your evil, neither will you. In your mind, you have been back leading an army with
no recollection of the past two years. In your mind and in everybody else's you will
have spent the last two seasons being a very diligent warlord."
"I won't remember anything?" Xena spoke in a whisper
"Sorry, your bard won't even be a memory."
"You bastard!"
"Her pull on you is much too strong Xena. I can't have you going around thinking that
you can be someone different." He laughed clasping his hands. "Delicious isn't it?
It will be your what...third death? Only this time you will be reborn into what you
really are."
Gabrielle had silently began to cry. Her world was falling apart and she was utterly
helpless to stop it. Xena had indeed been dead to her before. She couldn't believe
it could happen again. "This can't be happening."
Ares walked over to the crying bard bending down to look into the tearing eyes. "Oh
don't worry little bard. You'll still have your memories but you will be the only
one. To everyone, the Amazons, your family, you've been traveling with some nameless,
faceless friend that nobody will remember. Your memories, however, will be clear and oh
so painful. Oh and one more thing.. mentioning the name Xena will not help you. People
will think you're crazy. Remember she has been warring and pillaging at the same
time you were gone. No time to carry on with a lonely peasant girl."
Gabrielle looked up into the black eyes of the vengeful God and spit. "You will not
win."
Ares wiped the spit of his face then reached out to tenderly touch the bards face.
"I already have."
Xena's body now shook with raw emotion. "How can you be so cruel.. let me die to her!"
Ares stood up and walked over to Xena. "Let's just say I'm a little irritated by how
hard I had to work to get you back. Somebody's got to suffer." A sick smile before
he continued. " Do we have a deal or do I let Mercurio finish the annoying brat?"
"Xena please don't...please..you promised." Gabrielle was now sobbing wildly and thrashing
at her bindings. She was about to lose her one true love. Her heart was breaking
as she tried to reach Xena. "We can win..don't go back!"
Gabrielle's words pounded against the armor of Xena's chest. In all her life she had
never surrendered but now it was inevitable. Perhaps it was better this way. How
much longer could her lover survive Xena's dark past? Regretfully, she would always
be a target. Tears came to Xena's eyes. Inwardly she cursed herself for letting Ares and
Mercurio see this emotion. She looked at Ares her chin pointed up never ceding defeat.
"Yes... it's a deal. Don't kill Gabrielle let her live in peace." The words came
out of her mouth but she didn't hear them because she was about to lose everything that
ever mattered to her. She looked down at her lover who was now gaping at her in
shock. "Let me say goodbye at least." Ares nodded for he knew better than to push
it.
"Alright, but leave the sword and chakram here and I'm going to have to bind your
hands."
"You what" Xena asked her eyes narrowing.
"Look, I can't trust you completely. I've seen you escape from situations worse than
this. Don't try anything... for the Queens sake."
"You piece of horse..."
"Uh uh, be nice or I take you away now."
"Fine" Xena put her hands in front of her while two men quickly bound them. She walked
over to her love kneeling in front of the weeping woman. "My heart" she said quietly.
Gabrielle held her breath wanting this to be some part of a plan Xena had for their
escape. Upon looking at her lover's face the tears she saw said otherwise. "Xena.."
sobs began to wrack the bard's body forcing her to stop. She looked down at the ground
unable to see the defeat in Xena's blue eyes.
"Gabrielle please look at me...I need to talk to you." With bound hands she lifted
Gabrielle's chin forcing her to meet her gaze.
'Please don't
,' the bard silently pleaded to herself 'don't do this'
but she knew it was too late. Slowly she met Xena's eyes.
Xena smiled but the pain was clearly written on her face. She was about to give up
the one thing that has ever brought her happiness or true redemption. She could feel
her heart already going cold. "My love....we have to say good bye."
"No!" Gabrielle yelled out in a sob. "I can't do it... please don't do this Xena...please."
Still on her knees with her hands tied around her back she inched her way forward
resting her head on Xena's shoulder. "Don't give up we can get out of this."
Xena buried her head into her lovers neck. She let the emotions assault her body more
painful than any physical blow. "No we can't Gabrielle. I've already thought it through,
gone through every scenario." She braced herself for the bards reaction. "This is the only way..I'm sorry."
"Then they might as well kill me! I'm dead already without you." Gabrielle struggled
to stand but Xena held her back gripping her arm tightly.
"Gabrielle no! I will not live with your blood on my hands." Her voice, an octave
louder, warned the bard to stay down. "Can't you see that I'm doing this for you.
Of all the things I've done in my life the only thing I'm proud of is keeping you
safe." A slight smile came to her face. "Well relatively safe."
"Please.... don't joke Xena"
"I know I'm sorry...I just can't bear the pain." She moved her mouth closer to her
bard's ear whispering so only she could hear. "My love please forgive me for what
I'm about to do but there's just no other way. If I watch you die knowing that it's
because of me I...I don't think that I could survive. Ares would win regardless. That's not
what you want right?" She felt Gabrielle nod against her shoulder. "I have to give
you this chance to live, you're so young and full of love I can't see that stripped
from this world. Live in peace as your life should have been before me." Xena paused.
The words that she was about to speak hurt her to the very core. "You'll find somebody
else..."
Gabrielle's grief now turned to rage. Jerking her head up to glare at the suffering
warrior her green eyes were wide with fury. Through clenched teeth she began. "If
you think that I will *ever* be able to love another then you are sorely mistaken.
For two years I followed you around and felt my love grow for you each day. I can't imagine
anyone making me feel more complete than you. How can I move on when my soul is
being ripped out of me? You think I'll find peace? Xena you saved me as I saved you.
For me there will be no other...joy and peace will become words that have no meaning for
me. So don't tell me that I'll find somebody else or to enjoy my life... it's not
going to happen." Her green eyes dimmed as the truth of her words stung Xena. "You
have no right to make this choice for me!" Gabrielle could no longer hold back the violent
rush of emotions and her body began to shake bitterly.
Xena closed her eyes to the bards desperate words shutting down her own needs in the
process. " Maybe not Gabrielle but you have to hear me. Please listen to me before
Ares takes me away." The warrior steeled herself against her own words. Words that
never did come easy to the hardened woman she had become. "Do you know that you're my
light? You have been keeping my darkness at bay vanquishing an angry ex-warlord with
kindness and love. If you die so does my hope. Do you understand?"
Gabrielle struggled to understand but the hurt was now so immense. Numbly she nodded
"yes" without knowing why.
Xena reached up to stroke her love's face with bound hands. Gabrielle relished the
feel of the warriors calloused fingertips only increasing the depths of her sorrow.
"My sweet bard, please don't let the warmth in your heart die. You must move forward...it is your destiny." Xena could almost laugh at the irony. Just months before Gabrielle
had pleaded with Xena to realize her destiny. 'The fates are truly cruel
.'
"Xena.." The bard started put was quickly quieted by fingers pressing against her
lips. Xena understood the question in Gabrielle's voice. Softly she spoke. "No, you
won't know me again after this. Don't try to find me." She took Gabrielle's hands
and squeezed them gently. "Promise me...I don't want you dead." She looked down unable to
control the tears. "Especially by my hand."
"Xena you could never hurt me. I know in my heart."
"You don't know what I was. I'll be giving myself over completely. Ares will accept
nothing less. The battle for my soul is over Gabrielle. The Xena that saved you
from the slavers won't exist anymore. When we met I understood the evil and the
need for redemption. You helped me find my way but the warlord I had become, after Caesar, only
understood one thing...death. Gabrielle I have killed merely for the pleasure and
power." Her voice shook at this admission. She had to make Gabrielle understand.
"I would run through villages like Poteidaia ravaging everything. Taking and killing what
ever got in my way. I didn't care I had no remorse. I captured girls like you taking
them to my tent and...." A slap stung her face.
"Enough!!" Gabrielle could endure no more. Ares smirked at the violent display.
"Promise me." Xena's voice was low but demanding and her face burned from the bards
desperation. Gabrielle shook her head not wanting to believe the blackness that lie
in her love. Xena felt her anger rise. "PROMISE ME!!"
"Yes! I promise." She collapsed fully to the ground. Her stomach tightening in seizures
of pain. Her promise lay heavy on her soul.
"Xena, I think it's about time to..."
"Shut up!" She turned to glare at Ares who had dared to speak. Coldness vocalized
as she requested more time. "At least give me this." He nodded in affirmation but
he would not wait much longer.
Tenderly Xena lifted Gabrielle into a cradling embrace. Rocking her lover she pulled
her closer protecting her from the eyes of men. The two lover's sat exposed by the
side of a road surrounded by what remained of Mercurio's fifty soldiers. The sky
darkened and heralding thunder announced the torrent. Xena moved her lips down beside the
bard's ear. Taking a moment to relish the scent of her hair. "Know that I shall always
love you. The Xena you helped to create will love you forever." With these final
words she lifted Gabrielle's face placing a delicate kiss on trembling lips.
A white hot light shot through both of them. The pain in Gabrielle's head was unbearable.
Desperately she brought her hands up to her temples. Teeth gritting she called out
to Xena. The rain had started to fall and Gabrielle could feel the drops like tiny
needle pricks. Although, her eyes were closed from the agony she could still feel
Xena's embrace tightening around her like a vice. The rain was now a deluge beating
on them with extreme gravitational force. The pain was intensifying. Through closed
eyelids Gabrielle could only see a flashing of white and black dots. Through the
sheer strength of her will she cried out in despair. "No!! Don't let this happen!"
She felt Xena's grip loosen then was gone. She heard the warrior's voice as if she
was traveling down a tunnel. It cried out to her. Gabrielle collapsed only seeing black.
2
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