Convert this page to Pilot DOC Format

by Storygal
shellyd@ricochet.net

The characters Xena, Gabrielle, Argo, Hercules and Iolaus belong to MCA/Universal. The story’s all mine. There’s a little bit of gory violence in this story, but a very little bit and it’s all over quickly. That said, I hope you enjoy it!

Xena’s heart pounded furiously as she clamped her mouth over Gabrielle’s, forcing air into her friend’s limp body. Xena closed her eyes, desperately fighting to keep her mind free of the fear bursting within her. "It’s too late," she heard someone say. Gabrielle remained motionless, her skin now a deathly white. Xena lifted Gabrielle and rocked her gently in her arms.

"Please don’t leave me," she whispered. Suddenly, Xena took hold of Gabrielle’s shoulders and shook her violently. "Don’t you leave me! Don’t leave me! Don’t—"

Xena sat bolt upright on her bedroll, hot tears streaming down her cheeks. She turned to see Gabrielle sleeping peacefully next to her. Xena’s breathing was labored, and her entire body was nearly drenched in sweat. Pushing her blanket aside, she stared into the dying embers of the fire before her, the image of Gabrielle’s lifeless form still burning in her eyes. The images of Thessily had invaded this night with a savage intensity, transporting her once more to the most terror-filled moments of her life. Her dreams were all too often haunted by the ghosts of her past, but reliving her best friend’s death pierced her with an agony beyond words.

Nearly every night during the past month, the horrible memories had assaulted Xena’s mind with vivid force. Even more distressing to Xena was not knowing why. Were the dreams a premonition of something terrible about to happen to Gabrielle? She couldn’t bear to think about yet another evil that she would be powerless to protect Gabrielle from. Most of all, she couldn’t bear the thought of losing Gabrielle again.

Gabrielle stirred slightly underneath her blanket and began to snore softly. Xena looked down at her, feeling a twinge of envy that her friend could sleep so soundly. Even losing Perdicus to Callisto’s rage hadn’t destroyed Gabrielle’s pure, loving nature, something for which Xena was more grateful than she could ever say. For the past year, Xena had experienced a warmth and joy she thought lost forever. Before Gabrielle, she never would have believed it was possible to feel such deep affection for anyone. The bard truly held a place in her heart shared by no one else.

As much as Gabrielle meant to her, however, Xena always kept her friend at arm’s length. Despite all they had been through together, Xena still felt the need to keep a part of herself hidden away. As much as she hated the distance she put between herself and Gabrielle, Xena found it impossible to tell her friend how much she needed her, how much she loved her. She, the Warrior Princess, who had instilled fear in so many hearts, was terrified of laying her heart bare to the one who mattered to her the most.

Glancing up at the sky, Xena knew that dawn would soon arrive. There was no point in trying to go back to sleep now. Xena reached out and lightly stroked Gabrielle’s hair. "What would I ever do without you," she whispered, swallowing hard at the thought.

The first rays of daylight peeked out over the tops of the tallest trees, sending faint streaks of yellow and orange across the horizon. Xena stood up and stretched, careful not to disturb Gabrielle. After quickly scanning the campsite, Xena put on her armor and went to check on Argo. Perhaps keeping busy would drive the night’s anguish from her mind, she told herself as she removed two saddlebags from the horse.

Gabrielle slowly opened her eyes, squinting at the sunlight shining down on her. She looked around, wondering where Xena had gone. Just as she was about to get up and look for her, Xena appeared from the other side of the campsite. Gabrielle immediately saw the fatigue and pain in her friend’s eyes and debated with herself whether she should say anything or just leave the matter alone. She’s had another nightmare, Gabrielle concluded, her eyes suddenly moist. Gabrielle was all too aware of the pain that plagued the warrior’s dreams, and her heart ached for her best friend. If only I could take your pain away, she thought as she quickly brushed the tears from her face.

"Xena...I’ll gather some more firewood and get breakfast started," Gabrielle offered, hoping her voice didn’t betray the anxiety welling up in her.

"Fine," Xena replied curtly, avoiding Gabrielle’s eyes. Seeing that Xena was in no mood to talk, Gabrielle rose and headed for the woods. "Maybe seeing Hercules again will lift her spirits," she said aloud as she went deeper into the forest. Hercules and Iolaus were staying in Mysia, a small village about a day’s ride away. They had just defeated a particularly fearsome monster that was terrorizing the nearby town of Troas, and decided to enjoy a well-earned rest before moving on. No one needed Xena’s help at the moment, so Xena made plans to head for Mysia and meet up with the two heroes there. Gabrielle, for her part, was very happy she would soon enjoy a soft, warm bed and the company of Iolaus. She especially longed for Iolaus’ companionship now, longed to heal the bitter void left in her heart by Perdicus’ death. Hopefully the peace and quiet in Mysia would be just what Xena needed as well.

Xena and Gabrielle spent the morning meal in silence. Occasionally Gabrielle would steal a quick glance at her friend, but Xena’s face remained an unreadable mask. "We need to get going if we want to be in Mysia before nightfall," Xena said finally.

"It’ll be wonderful to see Iolaus and Hercules again!" Gabrielle said cheerfully, hoping the mention of their friends would ease the warrior’s tension.

"Yes...it will," Xena said slowly, a brief smile playing across her face.

Xena said nothing else as she prepared Argo for the day’s journey. She only turned to look at Gabrielle after she mounted Argo, extending her hand to her. Stifling a sigh, Gabrielle allowed Xena to hoist her up. Xena’s continued silence during the ride to Mysia greatly unnerved Gabrielle, who decided to occupy herself by taking in all the sights and sounds of the countryside they passed through. The landscape of the lush forest was mesmerizing, encircled with towering, bright trees. Flowers were everywhere, in every size, shape and color imaginable. She had to take extra care to hold onto Xena as Argo wound through this unspoiled paradise, so immersed were her senses in the stunning beauty stretched out before her. We’ll definitely have to come back to this place someday, she mused. Gabrielle found herself suddenly overwhelmed by a feeling of peace.

"Oh, Xena, I love it here," Gabrielle whispered, her voice choking with wonder. "This forest reminds me of the Elysian Fields—my dream, I mean. I really miss that place sometimes."

Xena suddenly brought Argo to a halt. Gabrielle’s body lurched forward into Xena’s back. "Xena, what’s wrong?" Gabrielle’s expression quickly changed from delight to fear.

"Nothing...I guess I’m just not in the mood to hear about the Elysian Fields right now." Gabrielle felt her friend’s body stiffen.

"Xena, whatever it is, I want to help you," Gabrielle pleaded.

"No, Gabrielle. You can’t help me," Xena said firmly.

"Why? Why won’t you let me in?" Gabrielle demanded.

"Drop it, Gabrielle." The sternness in Xena’s voice told Gabrielle further prodding would be useless. Thank the gods they would be in Mysia soon, she thought wearily.

The sun painted wide golden strokes across the sky as it made its descent behind the mountains, heralding twilight’s arrival. Xena and Gabrielle approached the gates of Mysia as evening shadows crept across the village.

"May I help you ladies?" a deep baritone voice inquired.

Gabrielle’s face suddenly broke into a bright smile. "Hercules!"

"The one and only," Hercules quipped as he jumped out from behind the gates. "It’s so good to see you both again!" he added, squeezing Xena’s hand briefly. Xena seemed a bit more relaxed in Hercules’ presence, Gabrielle noticed.

"You’re a welcome sight, too! It’s been a long day," Xena said to Hercules as she dismounted from Argo.

"Hey, I’m here to help too!" Iolaus said in mock indignance, appearing beside Hercules with a wide grin. He immediately moved over to Argo and lifted Gabrielle off the horse, setting her gently on the ground.

"Now you know I can do this by myself!" Gabrielle laughed, feeling a mixture of pleasure and embarassment.

"Yeah, I know," Iolaus beamed, putting his hand on Gabrielle’s shoulder. "But it’ll probably be a long time before I get another chance to show you how gallant I am!"

"Looks like you two have some lost time to make up for," Xena said wryly.

"Xena," Iolaus began, trying to sound matter-of-fact, "Gabrielle and I can take Argo to the stables while you and Herc go to the tavern. They’ve got great food! We’ll catch up with you in a little while."

"Are you sure you don’t want to go to the tavern first?" Xena queried, giving Gabrielle an incredulous look.

"Xena, I’m a big girl now," Gabrielle sighed impatiently. "Go on—I can live without food for a few minutes!"

"Okay, okay," Xena said quickly, "We’ll save some food for you." She and Hercules shared a knowing glance as they walked away from the young pair.

"So how have you been?" Iolaus asked Gabrielle, taking Argo’s reins.

"I’m fine now that I’m with you." Gabrielle smiled warmly.

Gabrielle and Iolaus walked on wordlessly for several minutes. Iolaus nervously looked over at Gabrielle, unsure of what he should say. Taking a deep breath, he slowly put his arm around her.

"I’m really sorry about Perdicus," he said softly.

Gabrielle stopped abruptly. "After Perdicus died, I didn’t think I could ever be happy again." Gabrielle’s voice was almost a whisper. She felt Iolaus draw her closer.

"It’s okay, Iolaus," Gabrielle assured him, looking up into his worried eyes. "It helps to talk about it. I don’t know what would have happened to me if Xena hadn’t been there. She really stuck by me, even when I was determined to kill Callisto." Gabrielle paused and bit her lip. "I just wish I could help her now."

"What is it, Gabrielle? Maybe Herc can help," Iolaus said with concern.

I don’t think she’ll let anyone help her," Gabrielle said ruefully. "Xena’s been having some very bad dreams for awhile now. Actually, Xena never has a good night’s sleep, but lately the dreams seem to take even more out of her than before. She won’t tell me anything about them." Gabrielle sighed sadly. "Even after all the time we’ve been together, she still treats me like a stranger."

"You’ve got to keep trying," Iolaus urged. "She really needs you now."

"I don’t know, Iolaus." Gabrielle shook her head. "It’s like Xena has this secret place she doesn’t want me to see. I think she pushes me away when she thinks I’m getting too close."

"I’ve never seen two people who care more for each other than you two," Iolaus declared firmly. "If you want to know the truth, I’m a little jealous."

"Jealous?!" Gabrielle stared wide-eyed at Iolaus. She could scarcely believe what she was hearing.

"Yeah," Iolaus admitted, looking at the ground. "I wish I held the place in your heart that Xena does."

Gabrielle placed warm hands on Iolaus’ cheeks. "Iolaus, you will always have a very special place in my heart. I can’t find the words to tell you how much you mean to me. Seeing you today has done wonders for me."

"Wow, that’s a first," Iolaus chortled, trying to lighten the mood. "Imagine you at a loss for words!"

Gabrielle punched Iolaus playfully. "We’d better get going," she giggled, "Xena and Hercules will start wondering what happened to us!" With that, she and Iolaus headed for the stables with Argo in tow, arm in arm.

Darkness stretched out over the fields like a heavy blanket as Hercules and Xena made their way toward the village. A chilly breeze suddenly whisked through them, causing them to stop for a moment. Hercules took hold of Xena’s arm and turned her to face him, laughing softly.

"Xena, I think we have some lost time to make up for too!" Hercules said with a wink.

"It feels so good to be with you now," Xena said, looking up at Hercules seriously.

Hercules looked deeply into Xena’s steel blue eyes for a long moment. "What is it, Xena?" he asked, concern creeping into his voice.

Xena swallowed. "My past follows me even in my dreams. But for the past month it’s been even worse than usual. I’ve begun having these nightmares about...about the day Gabrielle died." Xena turned away. Hercules’ eyes widened, but he remained silent, not knowing what to make of Xena’s words.

"Gabrielle and I wandered into the middle of a war between Mitoa and Thessily last year," Xena continued in a very low voice. "There were so many wounded from both sides. And Gabrielle...she...she was attacked by a Mitoan soldier..." Xena grimaced as the pain from that day once again took hold of her. "She died a few hours later. Everyone was telling me to let her go, but I just couldn’t. Then all of a sudden, she was back. She...came back to me." Xena’s voice was choking now.

Hercules laid a gentle hand on Xena’s shoulder. "I know how painful it is to lose someone so close to your heart," he said softly.

Xena turned to face Hercules once again, her eyes glistening with tears. "I just wish I knew what was happening to me. Gabrielle senses the pain I’ve been in, and I know she’s really frightened for me. But...I just can’t talk to her about it." Xena sighed heavily.

"I know it’s hard, but I think you’d both feel better if you did talk about it," Hercules suggested gently.

Xena swallowed again. "Hercules," she began, her voice hoarse, "I’ve always been so afraid of losing her." Xena laughed bitterly. "I’m supposed to be the strong one, but when it comes to Gabrielle...." Xena’s words died as screams of fear and panic suddenly sliced through the air. In the distance ahead, bright red flames were shooting up to the sky in all directions.

"So much for peace and quiet," Xena muttered to Hercules as they sprinted into the village.

Argo reared and neighed fearfully as Gabrielle and Iolaus approached the stables. Iolaus quickly reached out and placed a reassuring hand on the horse’s muzzle.

"Easy, girl," he said soothingly. "It’s okay."

Gabrielle looked at Iolaus, a puzzled expression wrinkling her features.

"That’s not like Argo at all," she remarked. "Unless there’s something—"

"GABRIELLE!" Iolaus pushed Gabrielle to the ground seconds before an arrow whizzed over them.

Argo began to buck even more forcefully. Iolaus and Gabrielle looked up in time to see four soldiers bolting out of the darkness, dressed in full armor. Quickly regaining her composure, Gabrielle grabbed her staff and leapt to her feet. Iolaus gave Argo a slight push and sent her galloping off as he joined forces with Gabrielle against their would-be attackers.

The first soldier went straight for Gabrielle, unsheathing a long, gleaming sword. Lunging at her, he was totally unprepared for the fierce jab to his ribs as the point of Gabrielle’s staff rammed into his chest. With a sharp cry he doubled over in pain, his sword falling to the ground with a loud clang. Gabrielle swung her staff around to clip the man soundly in the temple, sending him into dreamland.

Iolaus, meanwhile, had wasted no time getting the sword, using the hilt to deftly club the second attacker. The third soldier slipped around Iolaus and jumped him from behind. "I’ve got you now!" the large man said through gritted teeth as he pinned Iolaus in a chokehold. His overconfidence was short-lived, however, as Iolaus kicked the man solidly in the groin in one swift movement, causing him to release his grip. Taking advantage of his opponent’s distress, Iolaus felled him with a uppercut to the jaw. He rushed over to Gabrielle, her hands full trying to dispatch the fourth attacker, who had both hands on her staff and began to pull her toward him. The soldier was about to give a final yank on her staff when the familiar whistle of Xena’s chakram filled the air as the round weapon sailed around and thwacked the man on the side of the head, knocking him out instantly. Gabrielle flashed a grateful smile at Xena as she and Hercules came running toward her and Iolaus.

"Thanks," she breathed. "I needed that!"

"You and Gabrielle okay?" Hercules asked.

"We’re fine, Herc—but where did these guys come from?" Iolaus asked, frowning.

"I don’t know," Hercules said dryly. "Someone set the tavern ablaze a little while ago. I’ll bet these thugs had something to do with that."

Hercules walked over to one of the unconscious soldiers and turned him over on his back. "Hmmm...I don’t recognize the emblem at all," he said.

"Well, we’re not going to find out anything standing around here," Xena

sighed. "Let’s take these scum to the village and—"

"Xena, look out!" Gabrielle screamed, running directly in the path of an arrow headed straight for Xena’s heart. Before Xena could catch the arrow, the deadly missile lodged itself in Gabrielle’s abdomen. The world spun around as she sank to the ground.

"M-Must...help...Xena...," were her last words as darkness engulfed her.

When Gabrielle came to, she saw Xena, Iolaus and Hercules off in the distance. What am I doing here, she wondered, and then the evening’s events came flooding back into her memory. Xena! She had to make sure Xena was all right! So concerned was she for her friend it didn’t register in her mind that her pain was gone. As she jumped to her feet, Gabrielle noticed that Xena was kneeling, holding a young woman in her arms. The blood at the corners of the woman’s mouth had begun to congeal. Must be a villager who got wounded by one of the soldiers, Gabrielle thought as she went up to Xena. Xena didn’t look up as Gabrielle approached, but continued to stare at the still body in her lap.

"Xena, what can I—" Gabrielle stopped in mid-sentence as she looked in horror at the girl. The girl’s eyes stared blankly up at the black sky above. Intestines protruded from a hideous wound in her side. Gabrielle backed away as the terrible truth hit her.

"No...it can’t be!" she stammered. "I’m not...I cant be..."

Gabrielle’s eyes focused on Iolaus, who was standing next to Xena, then Hercules. Both men were crying silently as they looked down at Xena. Tears ran freely down Xena’s cheeks. A searing agony shot through Gabrielle as she watched Xena rock her dead body back and forth.

"She’s gone," she heard Xena whisper over and over. "My Gabrielle’s gone..."

"Xena, I’m here!" Gabrielle screamed, tears running down her own cheeks now.

"I’m right here!" Gabrielle began to sob bitterly.

Suddenly, she felt a hand on her shoulder. "She can’t hear you, my child," a voice said quietly. Gabrielle whirled around. "Lord Hades," she said simply.

"Yes, Gabrielle. It’s been a long time." Hades extended his hand. "Come, my child. It’s time for you to leave."

"No!" Gabrielle protested, turning to look at Xena. "I want Xena to know I’m all right!"

"Her grief will fade in time, as will yours. Now come," Hades said, his voice taking a firmer tone.

"Can’t you at least let me say goodbye to her?" Gabrielle pleaded. "We’ve been through so much together." "Please." Gabrielle turned to look into Hades’ eyes.

Hades remained silent for an agonizingly long moment. Finally, he spoke. "Your wish is granted. For now, you will come with me," he said without emotion.

Xena gently closed Gabrielle’s eyes as she rose to her feet, still cradling her friend’s lifeless body in her arms. This time it’s not a dream, a voice echoed through her mind. Hercules laid a hand on Xena’s arm.

"Let me take Gabrielle," he said softly. "Iolaus can take you to the inn."

Xena looked up at Hercules, then gazed down at Gabrielle’s face. "Isn’t she beautiful?" Xena murmured, stroking the girl’s forehead.

Hercules and Iolaus looked helplessly at each other. "Xena, please...you need to get some rest," Hercules said finally.

Xena abruptly walked away from the two men, fiercely hugging Gabrielle’s head to her chest. Iolaus started to follow her when Hercules pulled him back.

"No, let her go," Hercules said in his companion’s ear. "She needs to say goodbye." Fresh tears slowly rolled down Iolaus’ face as he watched the forms of Xena and Gabrielle disappear into the night.

Xena walked on for what seemed like an eternity, her legs feeling heavier with each step. Upon reaching a small wheat field, Xena laid Gabrielle’s stiff body in a patch of grass. Slowly, Xena removed her armor, stained with Gabrielle’s caked blood. Leaning over the dead girl, Xena began to stroke her hair and face. Exhaustion and grief finally took their toll on the warrior as Xena’s head sank onto Gabrielle’s chest, a deep sleep covering her like a thick curtain.

Xena opened her eyes, startled at seeing bright sunshine. She immediately reached out for Gabrielle, but her friend’s body was nowhere to be seen. Rising to her feet, Xena looked around. She was in a field, but it bore no resemblance to the wheat field she had been in earlier. In fact, this field wasn’t like any she’d ever seen before. The ground was covered with all sorts of flowers, which seemed almost alive. Dazzling colors stretching out endlessly ahead, more glorious than anything real or imagined. Xena stooped to pick up her armor when she realized that it too had vanished. Before Xena could process this latest puzzle, she felt something—no, someone—coming toward her. Xena’s body tensed as she wished she had her weapons with her.

"It’s okay, Xena," a gentle voice said in her mind. Xena looked up. No, she told herself. It couldn’t be. She’s—

"Gabrielle?" Xena blinked. My mind must be playing tricks on me, she thought warily.

"It’s me," Gabrielle smiled, taking Xena’s hands in hers. A shimmering white robe draped gracefully around Gabrielle’s form. Gabrielle’s face shone with a radiance unknown on earth.

"Gabrielle...you’re...you’re not dead," Xena stammered.

Gabrielle was silent for a moment. "Oh, yes, I am," she said slowly. "At least that’s what most people would say."

"Am I—"

"No, Xena. You’re here so I can say—"

"Oh, Gabrielle, I’m so sorry," Xena blurted out, her voice choking.

"It wasn’t your fault, Xena." Gabrielle laid her hand on Xena’s waist. "Even you can’t be everywhere."

Xena pulled Gabrielle into a tight embrace. "Gabrielle..."

"Xena, you don’t have to explain. I understand everything now," Gabrielle said.

"Gabrielle, please...this is my last chance to tell you what’s been in my heart for so long," Xena whispered.

Gabrielle nodded. "I’m listening."

"I know I’ve shut you out many times." Xena swallowed. "I’ve let my fear of losing you come between us." Xena started to tremble.

"Xena..." Gabrielle began.

"Let me finish," Xena pleaded. "Gabrielle, it hurts so much—people looking at me with such hate in their eyes everywhere I go. But when I look at you...I know I’m safe." Xena averted her eyes.

Gabrielle reached up to wipe a tear from Xena’s face. "You’ve given me so much, Xena. And so many others."

"I know you can hear my thoughts," Xena whispered, cradling the bard’s head, "but I can’t let you go without saying this." Xena planted a gentle kiss on the top of Gabrielle’s head. "I love you, Gabrielle," Xena said, her voice reeking with emotion. "You are the best thing that ever happened to me. You believed in me when everyone else had given up on me...even my family."

Gabrielle smiled again as she ran a finger through Xena’s hair. "How did you ever put up with me?" she laughed softly.

Both women turned to the sound of muffled footsteps behind them. Hades strode over to them, casting a solemn glance at Gabrielle.

"Gabrielle, it’s time," he said evenly. "You may show Xena the gardens and then she must leave."

Gabrielle nodded quickly as her smile vanished. Taking Xena’s arm, she led her friend in the opposite direction.

Hades stared after the two women as their shadows faded in the distance. Sometimes being the king of the underworld wasn’t so much fun, he thought sadly. As he turned to leave, he saw Perdicus leaning against a large oak a few feet away.

"Isn’t there something you can do?" Perdicus pleaded.

Hades let out a long sigh as he walked up to Perdicus. "You know that if I grant your request, I cannot promise that you and Gabrielle will be together in the future."

"Xena and Gabrielle belong together," Perdicus said firmly. "You know that as well as I do."

Hades pursed his lips. "If I send Gabrielle back with Xena, neither of them will remember their time here," Hades said thoughtfully, more to himself. "To them it will be as if none of this ever happened. Yes—it can be arranged."

"Thank you," Perdicus said simply. Hades nodded, his image fading away.

"I guess this is goodbye," Gabrielle said seriously as she and Xena walked side by side, their arms around each other. "Don’t forget me."

Xena lightly pressed her lips to Gabrielle’s. Suddenly, everything whirled around in her vision as Gabrielle’s image began to fade. I love you, Xena. I’ll always be here for you," she heard in her mind as she felt the ground move beneath her....

"Xena, look out!" Gabrielle yelled as she stuck out her staff. A split-second later a deadly arrow headed straight for Xena’s heart was imbedded in the staff.

Xena spotted a soldier coming toward her on horseback, his longbow poised for another release. In the blink of an eye her chakram flew to its mark, knocking the soldier off his mount. Hercules ran over and grabbed the stunned attacker while Iolaus steadied his horse.

"You and your friends will have a lot of explaining to do," Hercules said tersely to the soldier. "It’s my guess he and his pals torched the tavern tonight," he said to Xena as she and Gabrielle ran over to him.

"Gabrielle and I will get some of the villagers here to help us with clean up," Xena said flatly. "I trust you two will be fine?" she asked, casting a wicked grin at Hercules.

"Don’t worry about us," Iolaus laughed. "No one’s going anywhere!"

Xena was lost in thought as she and Gabrielle made the trek back to the village. Gabrielle, as usual, wondered whether to ask Xena what was on her mind or to keep quiet.

"Gabrielle," Xena said hesitantly, "I was really impressed with the way you caught that arrow. It was almost as if you expected it."

"It’s strange you should say that. Don’t ask me how, but I did know ahead of time that the arrow would be coming for you." A bewildered expression crossed Gabrielle’s face. "And this is going to sound really weird, Xena, but when I caught the arrow, I had this feeling that...that it had all happened before."

"So did I," Xena shrugged. "Anyway, I’m glad your senses were so sharp tonight."

"Me too," Gabrielle laughed in agreement.

The two friends walked on in silence for another moment. Xena stopped and brought Gabrielle around to face her.

"Gabrielle, I..." Xena shook her head as her voice trailed off.

"Xena, is something wrong?" Gabrielle asked worriedly.

Xena smiled reassuringly, placing her hands on Gabrielle’s shoulders. "Nothing...nothing at all. Come on. It’s been a long day for both of us," Xena replied, moving a little ahead of Gabrielle.

Gabrielle screwed up her face as if to say, "Yeah, right!" but decided to keep her thoughts to herself. The bard never saw the love and pain in the warrior’s eyes as she skipped to catch up.

Xena stole a quick glance at Gabrielle. If only I could tell you what you mean to me, she thought wistfully. A full moon bathed the two women in soft blue light as their figures faded into the darkness.

THE END